E-mail this pageCompetency Requirement
The Mathematics Competency Requirement is Embedded in the General Education Program (both old and new).
The Mathematics Learning Skills category of General Education consists of two parts. The first part, which is called the Mathematics Competency requirement, must be completed before you may take any of the courses that fulfill the General Education requirement.
Completion of the Mathematics Competency requirement is actually a prerequisite for enrollment in any mathematics course beyond MAT 101 (it is implicit in such prerequisites as "high school algebra" for mathematics courses).
You can tell if you have met the Mathematics Competency requirement by looking at your CAPP report.
If you have not already done so, there are several ways to meet the Mathematics Competency requirement:
- Pass the Mathematics Competency Exam (we do not accept placement scores from other colleges).
- Pass MAT 101 here at Plattsburgh State.
- Score at least 460 on the SAT Mathematics section, or at least 16 on the ACT Mathematics section. If you entered Plattsburgh State as a freshman, these scores were reported to us as part of your application, so this possibility has already been explored. If you entered as a transfer student, we generally do not receive your SAT or ACT scores. In this case, you can check with your high school guidance office, and if your score is sufficient, bring a copy of your high school transcript indicating your exam score to the Mathematics Department for updating your record.
- Transfer a course that is equivalent to MAT 101 or higher from another college. All courses that transfer to Plattsburgh State are listed on your CAPP report. A course that transfers as a "Mathematics Elective - MAT XXX" does NOT satisfy the Mathematics Competency requirement.
Plattsburgh State offers the Mathematics Competency Exam twice each semester. You do not need to register to take the exam; simply show up with a #2-lead pencil and a knowledge of basic algebra. Calculators are NOT allowed on this exam. The exam is machine-scored and each student's record is updated by the following day.
Contact the mathematics department to find out the date, time, and place that the Mathematics Competency Exam will next be administered.
If you take but do not pass the Mathematics Competency Exam, you should take MAT 101 to meet the requirement. We recommend that you do this at the earliest opportunity. We offer MAT 101 each semester, and during Session 1 each summer.
Remember, you must complete the Mathematics Competency requirement BEFORE you can take any Mathematics course beyond MAT 101, including those courses that fulfill the General Education Mathematics requirement. This requirement asks that you demonstrate knowledge of basic algebra, which will help you succeed not only in the General Education Mathematics courses but also in many other required courses in General Education and your major or minor programs. It is in your best interest to meet this requirement as early as possible in your career here at Plattsburgh State.
If you have questions regarding the Mathematics Competency Exam or requirement, feel free to contact the Mathematics Department.
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
If you would like more information about the Mathematics program at Plattsburgh State, please contact
David Kenoyer (Chairperson)
Mathematics Department
Phone: (518) 564-4137
Fax: (518) 564-4124
E-mail: kenoyedb@plattsburgh.edu
Mathematics Department
Hawkins 224B
Plattsburgh, NY 12901