Prerequisite Checking

Frequently Asked Questions about Math Placement and Testing 

1.  What is the COMPASS test?

The COMPASS test is a computerized exam used to place students into appropriate math and English classes.  You may take the test in the testing center on campus for a cost of $15.  The testing center is located in the Foss building, room 5225. 

2.  Is the COMPASS test the only way to get placed into a math class? 

We are no longer using SAT and ACT scores for placement. The primary reason is that it did not work well. Those tests are designed to help universities in their admissions decisions. Most universities, including the public universities in Washington State, do not use them for placement either and require students to take their own placement test. 

If you have completed mathematics credits at another college, those credits may be used to determine your math placement.  Find your course on the Math Course Equivalency Chart for WA State Community Colleges and Public Universities, or see a math placement advisor for review and placement using courses from other schools. In most cases your transfer courses are not entered in our database and so our database will stop you from registering for a Math class or Econ& 201 or Phil & 106. The math placement advisor can sign your registration sheet if you are registering in person or give you an entry code if you plan to register via the web system. Please note that if your last math course is from more than three years ago and depending on which class you now wish to take, it may be necessary to repeat the previous class.

Each instructor can allow access into his or her class, and so another option is to talk to that instructor. Of course that instructor will also need to determine that you are well prepared for the class. In most cases they will refer you to the Compass placement test and follow those guidelines.

Students who have already completed a Bachelor’s Degree, have other special circumstances, or who have additional questions are encouraged to talk to a math placement advisor. 

3.  How can I prepare for the COMPASS test? 

COMPASS sample questions can be found at http://act.org/compass. If you have not done math problems for some time, we recommend that you also use a math book (any math book) to review and practice math concepts and problems in preparation for the test.

4.  Can I take the COMPASS test again to improve my score?   

You may retake the COMPASS test to improve your score.  The cost is $15 each time.  If your score doesn’t improve even after you spend time preparing for the test (some practice questions can be found at http://act.org/compass), it is best to register for the recommended course. 

5.  Why do you require math prerequisites?  Can’t I just pick my own class?

The main reason we enforce prerequisites for math classes is to ensure student success.  Each math class builds on knowledge from a previous course, and a student without the prerequisite knowledge will likely fail the course. In addition, that student will ask questions in class that are part of the prerequisites which impacts the whole class negatively because it results in less time for the mathematics material that needs to be taught at that level. The COMPASS test allows us to determine what you have learned and what you still remember from previous math courses so that we can start you at the appropriate level.

6.  I completed the math requirement at my high school.  Why didn’t I place into a college level course? 

There could be a number of reasons for placement into a pre-college course.  One reason is that the minimum requirement at many high schools does not require students to take math their senior year.  If you have not taken math for one or more years, you may need to take a course or two to refresh your knowledge before you are ready for college math.

Your high school curriculum and our college curriculum are not exactly the same.  There may be some topics we expect you to know that weren't emphasized in your classes.  That's why we ask everyone to take the placement test.  Even if you took a lot of math in high school and did well, you might still have some gaps that you need to fill in before you can succeed in our college-level classes.

7.  I took a math class at another college.  How can I find out what class to take next at Shoreline? 

Previous college math courses can usually be used to determine placement, although you may need to do a repeat if the course is more than three years old.  If your course was at a college in Washington state, you may be able to find it on the Math Course Equivalency Chart for WA State Community Colleges and Public Universities.  If the course is not listed there, see a math placement advisor for proper placement.  If you took the course significantly more than three years ago, we recommend that you take the COMPASS test for placement.

8.  My placement score indicates that I am ready for a 100 level math class.  Which one should I take?

The math class you should take depends on your major and your interests.  This is a good question to discuss with your advisor.  See the college catalog descriptions and the mathematics flow chart for more information.

9.  How can I find out about different math teachers?

The mathematics department website has a link to each instructor’s individual homepage.  You can also speak to individual instructors during their office hours.

10.  What happens if I don’t get 2.0 or higher in a math class?

If your math class is a prerequisite for any other class, a grade of 2.0 is required to meet the prerequisite.  If you do not get a 2.0 or higher in your class, you will have to repeat the course in order to meet the prerequisite. Or you can take the COMPASS test again to place higher. If you receive a grade below 2.0 and are enrolled in a subsequent math course the following quarter, you will automatically be dropped from the course when the grades are submitted and you will have to re-register for an appropriate class.

11.  How can I get help with my math class?

There are several resources on campus to support your success.  Every instructor has office hours, and visiting your instructor during office hours may be one of the best ways to get help with your course material. 

The Math Learning Center, located in the 2200 building, is a great place to study.  Learning assistants are available as well as textbooks and calculators.  The MLC website has a list of online help sites and tutoring services on their website at http://www.shoreline.edu/math/links.html.  See the next question for more information on how to receive college credit for studying in the MLC.

Individual one-on-one and small group tutoring is also available for students completing transfer and professional/technical programs at no cost to registered students.   The tutoring offices are located in the Foss building, rooms 5201 & 5204.   Call (206) 546-7852 or (206) 546-4776 for additional information. 

12.  What are Math 090 and Math 100, the Independent Study courses?

Math 090 and Math 100 are variable credit courses offered through the Math Learning Center.  You may sign up for 1 to 3 credits, and you must spend 20 hours in the MLC per credit.  Get credit just for studying math!  Find more information at http://www.shoreline.edu/math/MLC%20Credit%20Courses.htm.

13.  Why do I have to take a math class?

A college degree is an indication that you are well-prepared to succeed in your chosen field.  In addition to the coursework in your specialty, every college degree requires you to take some general education courses, including courses in writing and quantitative reasoning.  Taking a math class is the most common way to meet the quantitative reasoning requirement for a degree.

In addition, many disciplines require particular mathematical skills for their specialized course-work.  Different fields need different mathematical skills.  We have many types of courses for you to choose from.  If you’re not sure which one applies best to your area of study, see an advisor in your field or a math advisor.