May 29-30, 2003

Proficiency Admissions in Mathematics

The Mathematics Proficiency Steering and Advisory Committees, convened by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education to satisfy a Board of Regents directive, studied the issue of proficiency admissions for five years. These committees recommend that mathematics proficiency admissions standards be based on a student's mathematics score on an ACT, SAT, Advanced Placement or CLEP (College Level Examination Program) test. These tests are available to students and have been used by many institutions to assist with college admissions or credit-award decisions.

Research shows higher ACT scores and completion of recommended core coursework are closely associated with higher college graduation and persistence rates. To set minimum scores, the committee researched the number of students currently tested at each score point and the requirements of typical college mathematics courses. Further follow-up research may be warranted to determine how well freshmen perform in relation to their test scores, and this question will be raised with the mathematics faculty across the Montana University System.

By setting admissions standards in mathematics, the Montana University System hopes to ensure that students know what level of skills they must develop in order to be successful in college.

Recommendations:  In addition to current admissions standards, mathematics proficiency standards will be in force for admission to all four-year programs at Montana State University-Bozeman, Montana State University-Billings, Montana State University-Northern, The University of Montana-Missoula, Montana Tech of The University of Montana, and The University of Montana-Western as follows:

For Fall 2004 admission, students must earn a minimum mathematics (quantitative) score of

  • 16 on the ACT,
  • 390 on the SAT, or
  • A score of 3 or above on the AP Calculus AB or BC Subject Examinations.

For Fall 2005 admission, students must earn a minimum mathematics (quantitative) score of

  • 17 on the ACT
  • 420 on the SAT, or
  • A score of 3 or above on the AP Calculus AB or BC Subject Examinations.

For Fall 2006 and the following years, students must earn a minimum mathematics (quantitative) score of

  • 18 on the ACT
  • 440 on the SAT, or
  • A score of 3 or above on the AP Calculus AB or BC Subject Examinations.

In lieu of these proficiency indicators, students may offer CLEP Subject Examinations in selected topics [College Algebra, College Algebra-Trigonometry, Calculus, or Trigonometry] if their score on the examination meets or exceeds the ACE Recommended Score for Awarding Credit of 50 in 2003.

Open admissions continue for all Two-Year programs at UM-Western and MSU-Northern, Colleges of Technology, Community Colleges, and Tribal Colleges. If students transfer from two-year programs to four-year programs, they must demonstrate their mathematics competencies by taking the ACT, SAT, or another test deemed appropriate by the institution and scoring at or above the cut scores set for entry.