Frequently Asked Questions

What is advanced standing for Math 1015? Students are exempted from Math1015 and granted Advanced Standing credit for the course if they meet all the criteria listed at http://www.math.vt.edu/flowcharts/AdvStdg1015.pdf.

Why do I have advanced standing credit for Math 1015? Beginning in Summer 2008 all incoming Virginia Tech students are evaluated for advanced standing credit for Math 1015. Those who qualify are automatically assigned the credit. However students who don't need the Math 1015, 1016 sequence may elect not to use this credit.

If I qualify for advanced standing credit for Math 1015, when will I actually receive credit for Math 1015? The registrar's office runs a program about 2 weeks after the end of each semester to give Math 1015 credit to each student who has met the course validation criterion described in http://www.math.vt.edu/flowcharts/AdvStdg1015.pdf. When assigned, the credit can be seen on Hokie Spa.

How do I enroll in Math 1205? Getting off to a good start in the first semester of college will have a lasting, positive effect on a student's undergraduate career. At Virginia Tech, we place special emphasis on the readiness of incoming freshmen to succeed in calculus. Some freshmen will automatically be qualified to enroll in Math 1205 by virtue of their transcript and exam scores. You can verify your status by reviewing your orientation page in Hokie Spa. If you are not pre-qualified, there are four gateways to become eligible to enroll in Math 1205:

If students do not qualify for Math 1205 from any of the four gateways, we are confident that they are not ready for calculus. Our Calculus Readiness procedures have led to dramatic increases in grades in the calculus sequence, and also in the percentage of students who successfully complete their degrees in their initial intended calculus-related curricula.

More information can be found at http://www.emporium.vt.edu/Readiness/.

How do I force add into a math class? Force-Add is for students who, for reasons beyond their control, must add a mathematics course not on their schedules. Typical reasons are

You will not be forced-added to a course if you received it at registration and dropped it later. More information may be found at http://hobbes.math.vt.edu/people/shockley/force_add/force_add_information.html.

If you do not meet the above requirements, wait until after force-adds end. The Math Department will open the courses so that students can go to Hokie Spa, and enroll in classes that have seats available.

How do I get AP credit for math classes? Students who receive an AP score of 3, 4 or 5 on the AB calculus test or a score of 3 on the BC calculus test receive credit for Math 1205. Students who receive a 4 or 5 on the BC calculus test receive credit for both Math 1205 and Math 1206. Scores must be sent directly to Virginia Tech from the testing agency. More information may be found at http://www.registrar.vt.edu/registration/tests_for_credit.php.

What is the Math Emporium? The Math Emporium is a facility with 500 computers which is a center for studying mathematics. Students go to the Emporium to take math courses, take tests for courses, get tutoring for math courses, or just to study. If you are enrolled in a course offered at the Emporium, you meet once at the scheduled time on the first day of class. This is your orientation and afterwards you do not have to go to the Emporium at that time but you can go whenever it is convenient. You must make sure you meet all of the deadlines for the course. Information about the Math Emporium may be found at http://www.emporium.vt.edu/.

What is credit-by-examination? Credit, not to exceed 12 semester hours, may be allowed by special examination where exceptional command of a subject can be demonstrated in lieu of formal course work. This privilege is not available to a student who has previously audited or enrolled in the course, or has previously attempted credit by examination in the course. If credit by examination is deemed appropriate, the offering department shall have full responsibility for determining the type of examination to be given and what constitutes a passing grade.

Credit established by examination may not be used to satisfy the in-residence requirements for graduation, and no grades or quality credits will be assigned.

There is a per-credit fee for the examination. The current fee is $10.00 per credit hour and is subject to change at the beginning of an academic year. Only currently enrolled undergraduate students are eligible for special examinations allowing university credit. Official approval must be obtained from the head of the department offering the course. More information on can be found at http://www.math.vt.edu/flowcharts/CreditExam.pdf.