Choosing a first mathematics course at Middlebury
Students learn best and are most likely to succeed in mathematics courses when there are no significant
breaks in the curriculum. In addition, the mathematics knowledge and skills of incoming students is freshest
in their minds now. Thus it is generally advisable for students to continue their mathematics education in
their first year, even if they are not sure why they are taking mathematics or if they will “need” it. Naturally,
students have many wonderful course options and these are only general principles that will have to be
balanced with their other needs and interests.
Students with Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or A-Level credits
The table below lists Middlebury courses that are considered equivalent to college-level math or statistics
credits earned in high school. Students may not enroll in courses that are equivalent to their AP, IB, or ALevel credits, even if they don’t apply these credits toward meeting Middlebury’s graduation requirements.
Credits
Calculus AB score 4 or 5
Calculus BC score 3, or
AB sub-score 4 or 5
Calculus BC score 4 or 5
IB Higher Level Math
score 6 or 7
A-Level Exam Math Grade
A, B, or C
Statistics score 4 or 5
Equivalent Course(s)
MATH 0121
MATH 0121
Suggested Course
MATH 0122
MATH 0122
MATH 0121 and 122
MATH 0121 and 122
MATH 200
MATH 200
MATH 0121 and 122
MATH 200
MATH 0116
ECON 0210
PSYC 0201
MATH 0121
Students without AP, IB, or A-level Math credits
Pre-calculus and calculus courses taken in high school are usually sufficient preparation for the next math
course in sequence. See below for additional guidelines.
Students who have taken calculus
Students with a “B” grade or higher in calculus generally receive an initial placement (by the Math
Department) that corresponds to the equivalent AP credit placement, above. (For example, if the high
school course is AP Calculus AB, the next course is MATH 0122.) Exceptions include students with low AP
or IB test scores. Students with a grade below “B” in calculus usually are placed into MATH 0121. Students
who want to register for a course other than their initial placement will need permission from the instructor
of the desired course.
Students who haven’t taken calculus
Students with a “B” grade or higher in pre-calculus (or equivalent) generally receive an initial placement into
MATH 0121. Students who haven’t taken pre-calculus, took it prior to senior year, or don’t have a strong
pre-calculus foundation from senior year (“B-“ or lower) should also consider MATH 0100. As above, with
permission students may enroll in a course other than their initial placement.
Prior to Orientation the Math Department sends the initial placement to all students and their FYSE
instructors. Math Department faculty members will be available to advise students on Tuesday, September
2: from 11 am – 1 pm in the Math common room, 3rd floor of Warner, and during Academic Forum, 2:30 to
4:30 pm. Additional consultation is available from Jeanne Albert, the Director of Quantitative Support (and
MATH 0100 instructor) at Academic Forum (2:30 to 3:30 pm) or via email (jalbert@middlebury.edu).
J. Albert • 8/29/14