Multiple Measures for Placement in GE Area 2 Math/QR (Math Non-STEM)

All first-year students are required to complete 39 lower-division and 9 upper-division semester units (or quarter-unit equivalent) of General Education (GE) coursework requirements to complete a bachelor’s degree. GE Area 2 (Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning) is one of the GE requirements students take in their first year of college. The diagram below displays the criteria used to place students in their first-year GE math/quantitative reasoning course.

 

Multiple Measures

Assessment Tests  
(CAASP-EAP, ACT, SAT, AP,  
IB, and CLEP)

High school grades  
and coursework

 

Please Note:

  • The CSU no longer uses ACT or SAT examinations in determining admission eligibility for all CSU campuses.
  • If accepted to a CSU campus, ACT or SAT test scores can be used as one of the measures for students to enroll in the appropriate mathematics or English (written communication) courses.  
  • For more information on admission criteria, please visit the First-Year Student Guidance and the First-Year Student Frequently Asked Questions pages.

Placement GE Area 2 Math/QR: Algebra and Statistics Disciplines, Non-STEM and Undecided Majors

*CSU campuses will use high school and college coursework to evaluate a student's placement in GE Area 2 Math/QR courses when assessment test scores are not available.

Explore the three criteria the CSU utilizes to place students in their first-year GE math course.

Students who have met one of the following requirements have fulfilled the GE Area 2 Math/QR requirement will be placed in the next math course appropriate for their major.

Advanced Placement (AP) Test Score:

  • 3 or above: AP Calculus AB or BC
  • 3 or above: AP Statistics
  • 3 or above: AP Computer Science Principles

International Baccalaureate (IB) Test Score:

  • 4 or above on Math Higher Level (HL)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Score:

  • 50 or above in: Calculus, College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, or Trigonometry

College Transfer Coursework:

  • Completed college course with a grade of C- or better that satisfies the CSU GE Area 2 Math/QR requirement
     

Students who have met one of the following criteria will be placed in a GE Area 2 Math/QR course.

CAASPP/EAP Math Exam Score:

  • Standard Exceeded (Level 4)
  • Standard Met (Level 3) and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better
  • Standard Met and 4 or more years of high school math or QR

High School Courses and GPA:

  • Weighted math GPA 3.0 or above and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better
  • Weighted math GPA 3.0 or above and 5 or more years of high school math or QR with a grade of C- or better
  • Weighted GPA 3.7 or above
  • Weighted GPA 3.5 or above and 4 or more years of math or QR

Optional Assessment Scores If Available: 

Note:  ACT and SAT Scores are not required but will be considered for math placement if the student submits test scores.

SAT Math Test Score:

  • 570 or above
  • 550 or above on Subject Test in Math Level 1 or 2
  • 520 – 560 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better

ACT Math Test Score:

  • 23 or above
  • 20-22 and completed 12th grade approved year-long math course beyond Algebra 2 with a grade of C- or better

Students that meet any or none of the criteria below will enroll in GE Area 2 Math/QR Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program.

High School GPA:

  • Weighted math GPA 3.3 or above
  • Weighted GPA 3.0 or above

Optional Assessment Scores If Available:

Note: ACT and SAT Scores are not required but will be considered for math placement if the student submits test scores.

SAT Math Test Score:

  • 510 – 540 and 4 or more years of high school math

ACT Math Test Score:

  • 19-21 and 4 or more years of high school math