Requirements to Enroll in Math Courses

Math 3C: Precalculus
Math 3C is the precalculus course for those intending to take Math 10A. Students must take the MPE to qualify for Math 3C. Students should have at least 3 years of high school mathematics up to and including Algebra II (Intermediate Algebra). Trigonometry is not required as background for this course but you should have some introduction to trigonometry. Any student with background less than Algebra II (Intermediate Algebra) or receiving a recommendation of 3C, review on the MPE should consider taking Intermediate Algebra at a community college prior to Math 3C. Math 3C is offered in the fall and winter quarters.

Math 10A: Calculus
In order to enroll in Math 10A, one of the following conditions must be met:

• The student qualifies on the MPE; OR

• The student has a score of 2 on an AP Calculus Exam; OR

• The student has a score of 600 or higher on the SAT II Math Level 2 exam; OR

• The student has a grade of C or better in Math 3C or a grade of C- or better in Math 4C. High school or community college precalculus courses may NOT be used to qualify for Math 10A.

Math 10ABC is a calculus sequence that meets minimum requirements for many non-quantitative majors (click the Majors Requiring Math link on the left). You should consult the UCSD General Catalog to determine the mathematics requirements for your academic major. Math 10ABC also meet the general education requirements of most of the UCSD colleges. Math 10A is the first course in this sequence.

Students with credit for Math 20A may not take Math 10A for credit. If you received credit for Math 10A by AP Calculus score, you may not take Math 10A for credit.

Math 4C: Precalculus for Science and Engineering
Math 4C is the precalculus course for those intending to take Math 20A. Students must take the MPE to qualify for Math 4C. Students should have at least 3 years of high school mathematics including trigonometry as preparation for this course. Math 4C is usually offered in the fall and winter quarters.

Math 20A: Calculus for Science and Engineering
Math 20A is a beginning calculus course for students with a mathematics background that has specifically prepared them for calculus. Such preparation should include a Precalculus or Mathematical Analysis course. The Math 20ABC course sequence satisfies mathematics prerequisites for all majors, in particular chemistry, engineering, management science, mathematics, molecular biology, physics, and other physical sciences.

In order to enroll in Math 20A, one of the following conditions must be met:

• The student qualifies on the MPE; OR

• The student has a score of 650 or higher on the SAT II Math Level 2 exam; OR

• The student has a score of 2 or 3 on the AP Calculus AB exam or an equivalent AB subgrade on the AP Calculus BC exam; OR

• The student has a grade of C- or better in Math 4C. High school and community college precalculus courses may NOT be used to qualify for Math 20A.

Students with AP scores of 4 or 5 or transfer credit for Math 20A may not take Math 20A for credit.

Math 10B/C Calculus and Math 20B/C Calculus for Science and Engineering:
For a description of these courses and their prerequisites, visit http://www.ucsd.edu/catalog/courses/MATH.html. For a description of AP Calculus exam prerequisites for these courses, click the AP Credit link on the left.