Understanding Your Placement
Students are placed into a specific level in each of three math placement categories based on their high school coursework, GPA, and state guidelines under AB 1705. Your placement level determines which courses you should take, depending on your major (pathway). We encourage you to see a counselor to help you determine your correct pathway.
Math Placement Categories
| BusMath Placement Level | Courses to Take | Notes |
|---|---|---|
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BusMath 2
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Your application shows you passed Integrated Math 3, Intermediate Algebra, or the equivalent, with a "C-" or better. If the information you submitted on your application differs from your transcript, you may want to submit your final transcript information to receive your correct placement. See placement re-evaluation to learn more.
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BusMath 1
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Your application shows you did not complete Integrated Math 3, Intermediate Algebra, or the equivalent. If the information you submitted on your application differs from your transcript, you may want to submit your final transcript information to receive your correct placement. See placement re-evaluation to learn more.
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This pathway is for students whose majors do not require Calculus or Business Math. If your major requires Calculus or Business Math, refer to your STEM or BusMath Placement.
| SLAM Placement Level | Courses to Take | Notes |
|---|---|---|
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SLAM 2
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One of the following:
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SLAM 1
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One of the following:
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This pathway is for students whose majors are calculus-based (MATH 400 or MATH 355).
| STEM Placement Level | Courses to Take | Notes |
|---|---|---|
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STEM 5
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STEM 3
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One of the following:
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STEM 1
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If you choose to take two courses before Calculus, choose two of the following:
If you choose to take one course before Calculus, choose one of the following:
If you choose to go directly to Calculus, choose one of the following:
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Placement Options Across Los Rios Colleges
Each of the four Los Rios colleges offers placement options that align with state guidelines. These options are not identical; you are advised to check your placement at each of the four colleges. You can compare placement levels across colleges:
- Cosumnes River College Math Placement
- Folsom Lake College Math Placement
- Sacramento City College Math Placement
Need to Update Your Placement?
If the information you submitted on your application is different from your transcript or you completed a high school math course after applying to ARC, you may be eligible for a placement re-evaluation. Submitting your final transcript could improve your placement. See placement re-evaluation to learn more.
FAQ
If it has been more than ten years since you took a math class, please check your Los Rios Gmail and Apps Dashboard for an email with the subject of "How to Get Your English and Math Course Placements." This email contains a link to Guided Self-Placement. If you have not received that email, you can email assessment@arc.losrios.edu to request the link.
If you have a foreign transcript, please check your Los Rios Gmail and Apps Dashboard for an email with the subject of "How to Get Your English and Math Course Placements." This email contains a link to Guided Self-Placement. If you have not received that email, you can email assessment@arc.losrios.edu to request the link.
We strongly recommend that you enroll in Calculus with concurrent support. The content of the support course is designed to provide arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and learning skills support to students as they learn concepts in their calculus course.
This depends on your STEM placement level.
- If you are placed in STEM 5, you may take MATH 400 + MATHS 60 or MATH 355 + MATHS 65.
- If you are placed in STEM 3, you may take MATH 375 (you may also choose to take MATHS 75, its concurrent support).
- If you are placed in STEM 1, we recommend students take MATH 372 + MATHS 72, MATH 373 + MATHS 73, and then MATH 400 (or MATH 355).
- Math is Power 4 U
- Khan Academy
- YouTube’s Professor Leonard Channel – this resource mainly covers pre-calculus and calculus topics.
- YouTube’s Organic Chemistry Tutor Channel
You may enroll in any of the courses shown on your placement level. In STEM 1, your application indicates that you have not completed Integrated Math 3, Intermediate Algebra, or the equivalent, so we recommend you take a course with its paired support course. The content of the support course is designed to provide arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and learning skills support.