Mathematics Placement Information for Entering Freshmen
The City University uses a nationally normed adaptive exam called COMPASS, developed by ACT for your mathematics certification, and the college uses it in conjunction with your high school mathematics Regents scores for your mathematics placement. Prior to registration you will receive your mathematics placement recommendation indicating which mathematics course you should first register for. Detailed information regarding the mathematics courses offered at Baruch as well as frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their answers may be found here.
The Compass Exam covers the following topics: Numerical Skills, Algebra, College Algebra, and Trigonometry. To see sample questions on Numerical Skills and Algebra click here. To see sample questions on College Algebra and Trigonometry, click here. (Ignore the questions on Geometry, we do not test for it at the City University). Note that the calculator is not permitted on this exam.
For additional practice exercises, the site listed below provides review questions which are similar to the kinds of questions you may find on the Compass Exam. While they may not be identical, they provide an additional source for review.
The minimum requirements for the degrees issued at Baruch are as follows: B.B.A. (Bachelor of Business Administration): Math 2205 or Math 2207 or Math 2610.
B.A. (Bachelor of Arts): Any Mathematics course numbered 2000 or above. (Note: Psychology majors must also complete Statistics 2100 or 2000.)
B.S. (Bachelor of Science):Any Mathematics course numbered 2003 or above.
Placement in 2000-Level Courses
Based on your performance on the COMPASS Examination, one of the following 2000-level math courses may be printed on your registration invitation. Information about these courses is given below.
Math 2003 is a three-credit, four-hour college level course covering topics in Precalculus and Elements of Calculus. Students who received a grade above 80% on the Regents II Examination may, after consultation with a mathematics advisor, have their placement changed to Math 2610.
Math 2140 or 2160 is an option for students who major in the liberal arts. It does not satisfy the requirements of the School of Business. Math 2140 or 2160 is not recommended for liberal arts students whose majors require a statistics course or another math course.
Math 2205 and 2207 are versions of applied calculus. Each of these courses requires a knowledge of precalculus. Most students usually first take Math 2003 (precalculus) followed by Math 2205. Math 2207 is either taken by freshman who have placed directly into it, or by transfer (or returning) students who had the equivalent of Math 2000 or Math 2001.
Math 2610 is a four credit Calculus course, recommended for students who received a grade of 85% or better on the Regents 2 Examination , or Precalculus. Students who expect to pursue an advanced degree in Accountancy, Economics, Finance or Statistics are encouraged to take Math 2610 if they meet the requirements. Information for Students Whose Placement Recommendation is Below a 2000-Level Math Course
Math 1030 is a two credit college algebra course preparing students with the mathematical skills required for precalculus.
Baruch College does not offer remedial courses. However, refresher courses are offered in the School of Continuing Studies during the regular semesters. Students whose placement recommendations are in one of the two categories: (1) MTH ADVSR or (2) CSTM 0120 need to refresh their algebraic skills before taking Math 1030. CSTM 0120 is offered in the School of Continuing Studies as well as in the Summer Immersion Program. Students whose placement is MTH ADVSR must pass the appropriate course in the Winter or Summer Immersion Program prior to their admission to the college. For more information about the Summer Immersion Program, click here.