Calculus Assessment Exams
The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers Calculus Assessment Exams to students who would like to place out of the introductory level of calculus during your first semester. This assessment is used to determine the mathematical background of students in majors which require calculus. It is solely for assessment purposes and will have no bearing on your grades.
There are two distinctly separate exams:
21-120 Differential and Integral Calculus
Description: Functions, limits, derivatives, logarithmic, exponential, and trigonometric functions, inverse functions; L'Hospital's Rule, curve sketching, Mean Value Theorem, related rates, linear and approximations, maximum-minimum problems, inverse functions, definite and indefinite integrals; integration by substitution and by parts. Applications of integration, as time permits.
Sample Syllabus [pdf]
21-122 Integration and Approximation
Description: Integration by trigonometric substitution and partial fractions; arclength; improper integrals; Simpson's and Trapezoidal Rules for numerical integration; separable differential equations, Newton's method, Euler's method, Taylor's Theorem, including a discussion of the remainder, sequences, series, power series. Parametric curves, polar coordinates, vectors, dot product.
Sample Syllabus [pdf]
Who is eligible to take the exams?
Incoming first-year students and incoming external transfer students.
If you already earned transfer credit or credit by Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Cambridge A-levels for 21-120 and/or 21-122, you may not need to take these exams. Please consult with your advisor if you are unsure.
What will students gain if they pass the exam(s)?
Students will receive a prerequisite waiver for 21-120 and/or 21-122. A prerequisite waiver will enable you to take a course that requires 21-120 and/or 21-122 as a prerequisite.
Students WILL NOT earn units for any courses if they pass an exam.
Where will the exams be held?
The exams will be held in-person. The exact location is forthcoming.
When will the exams be held?
Both the 21-120 and 21-122 exams will be held on Monday, August 19th.
- 21-120: 5:00pm to 6:15pm
- 21-122: 6:40pm to 8:10pm
How will the exam be administered?
The exam will be administered on paper. Scratch paper will be provided. Be sure to bring your CMU photo ID and two pencils. You will be required to present your ID when you turn in your exam.
How will this impact my course schedule?
If you plan to take the 21-120 assessment exam, we highly recommend that you register for the 21-120 class when registration opens. If you plan to take only the 21-122 assessment exam, we highly recommend that you register for the 21-122 class when registration opens. If you pass an assessment exam, you will have the opportunity to adjust your course schedule.
Academic Integrity
You cannot use any aids (textbooks, phones, notes, integral tables, friends, calculators, etc.) If you are observed using any aids, your exam will be invalidated, your advisor will be informed, and you may be subject to disciplinary action as per the university policy on academic integrity.