Direct Placement Policy Update for Upper-Level Mathematics Courses*

Updated placement recommendations have been established to promote consistency across NCCCS colleges following a comprehensive review of data, policies, and best practices based on the work of the Upper-Level Mathematics Workgroup. Building on the MAT 271 Placement Committee’s prior work, these recommendations support ongoing efforts to improve student placement and success. This  numbered memo replaces all previous MAT 271 Direct Placement numbered memos.

Since May 2024, the Upper-Level Mathematics Workgroup, representing multiple community colleges, has conducted an in-depth analysis of placement data, institutional policies, and best practices across NCCCS and the UNC System. This review encompassed survey results, extensive data sets, and AP score acceptance policies. Based on these findings, the following policy updates have been made to enhance consistency and better support students in upper-level mathematics courses.

A student may be placed directly into MAT 271 if the student has met at least one (1) of the following criteria within the past five (5) years:

• A score of 2 or higher on the AP Calculus AB Exam.
• A grade of C or higher in an AP Calculus course and an unweighted HS GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• A score of 600 or higher on the SAT Math and a grade of C or higher in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study Pre-Calculus course or an equivalent course from another state.
• A score of 24 or higher on the ACT Math and a grade of C or higher in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study Pre-Calculus course or an equivalent course from another state.
• Local diagnostic exam or challenge exam which demonstrates proficiency in Pre-Calculus course(s) competencies.
• An unweighted HS GPA of 3.5 or higher and a grade of C or higher in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study Pre-Calculus course or an equivalent course from another state.

A student may be placed directly into MAT 172 or MAT 263 if the student has met at least one (1) of the following criteria within the past five (5) years:

• Local diagnostic exam or challenge exam which demonstrates proficiency in Pre-Calculus Algebra competencies.
• An unweighted HS GPA of 3.5 or higher and a grade of C or higher in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study Pre-Calculus course or an equivalent course from another state.
• A score of 2 or higher on the AP Calculus AB Exam.
• A grade of C or higher in an AP Calculus course and an unweighted HS GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• A score of 600 or higher on the SAT Math and a grade of C or higher in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study Pre-Calculus course or an equivalent course from another state.
• A score of 24 or higher on the ACT Math and a grade of C or higher in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study Pre-Calculus course or an equivalent course from another state.

*MAT 172 and MAT 263 placement criteria 2-6 are consistent with the current placement criteria for MAT 271.  Once additional data is available in 1-2 years, the workgroup would like to reconvene to consider revisions. 

For the memo in its entirety, see CC25-035 – Direct Placement Policy Update for Upper-Level Mathematics Courses.

*SUPERSEDES NOTICE: This memo (CC25-035) supersedes the following memos:

•  CC20-047
•  CC20-071
•  CC21-024

The information in those memos is now outdated and replaced by this update.