Placement Testing - Math

Math is the foundation of every science and engineering program at South Dakota Mines. Strong math skills are critical to your success in all upper division science and engineering courses. Calculus I is required of all degree programs at Mines. Engineering Precalculus  and Trigonometry are preparatory pre-calculus courses that do not count toward most degrees on campus; however, this content must be mastered before entrance into Calculus I.

Based on your Math Index and ACCUPLACER scores, you will be placed in one of the following math courses when you start at South Dakota Mines.

Math Index = 250 × HS GPA + 17 × MATH.ACT

ENG. PRECALCULUS
Math 116

Math Index of 1150 or higher
OR
Next-Generation ACCUPLACER  
QAS 255-300 or AAF 200-249
 

TRIGONOMETRY
Math 120

Math Index of 1300 or higher
OR
Next-Generation ACCUPLACER
AAF 250-300 or ACCUPLACER Calculus Readiness 1-18 

CALCULUS I
Math 123

Math Index of 1300 or higher
AND
ACCUPLACER Calculus Readiness score of 19 or higher

CALCULUS II
Math 125

AP Calculus AB exam score of 3 or higher

Proper placement is all about getting you into the right course. If you start too high then there is a higher likelihood you might fail. It is important to start at the course that matches your preparation.


South Dakota Mines is committed to giving our students the personal attention and instruction needed to succeed in a challenging academic program. We are committed to student success and math is a key element to success.

Additional Information


Testing at Mines

Need placement testing help or information?
Contact Susan Satter
Susan.Satter@sdsmt.edu  

TLC (Tech Learning Center)
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
501 E. St. Joseph St.
Rapid City, SD  57701-3995 

Visit our Exams and Testing website for more information on testing for college credit, exam proctoring, and more.