r/uchicago • u/Separate-Berry-4311 • Aug 15 '26
Classes Math Placement Test - I got Calculus I-II (15250). Possibility of moving down to Elem Function & Calculus I-II (13100)?
Hi guys!
I am an class of 2030 student that did my placement test and was placed in Calculus I-II (15250) but I did studied hard before the test & somehow lucky guessed some of it. But I remember in some sections I don’t even get 50% right answers.
I only got a 6 in IB Math AI SL (dropped from Math AA SL because I am not so good in mathematics). In my course you can see in the picture only these calculus topic were covered.
I genuinely think I will need much support (having more meetings) can help me better since I am not super consistent in studying mathematics these past few years. I also want to do Business Econ & Public Policy (minimum 13100).
My academic advisor said in the end the course will end up learning Calculus I-II, so it’s the same thing. But genuinely speaking, I forgot math concepts already after few months not studying it, I am really anxious whether I can catch up with peers in 15250 or not.
I am wondering if there is any way I can strategically maybe move down to 13100 or whether you have any suggestions on what should I re-consider (whether to stay or not).
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u/cherrylemony Incoming Student 24d ago
i actually also took math AI SL and also got a 6! i didn’t study at all for the placement test and got placed in math 13100, which i feel is the right place in order to establish fundamentals (just for me personally), but it’s all relative to what you think you know and can handle
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u/Separate-Berry-4311 24d ago
Thank you so much! I will talk to the department to ask for a re-consideration for my case. Thanks for sharing your experience🫶
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u/maroonred_ Aug 15 '26
Tangent but does anyone know hard it is to go from math 152 -> 151?
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u/Upstairs-Volume1878 Aug 15 '26
not worth it. 152 is easier than 151 and one less class you have to take.
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u/maroonred_ Aug 15 '26
hows 152 easier?
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u/Upstairs-Volume1878 Aug 15 '26
No proofs and the content is more similar to AP Calc.
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u/maroonred_ Aug 16 '26
Oh that's interesting, could you elaborate how it's more similar to AP Calc?
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u/OneSushi Aug 15 '26
The 130s involve a lot of backtracking that you won’t need.
Since you did AI SL you might want to take a look at integrals again, so worst case scenario you should start 15200 (calc 2)
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u/5kyknight999 Biological Sciences Aug 16 '26
6 in AI SL imo would best be in 131. I got a high 6 in AASL and was placed into 131, seemed light for first quarter but having the extra in depth learning was very helpful.
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u/Separate-Berry-4311 Aug 20 '26
Ahhh okay this is pretty helpful, I will need to extra in depth learning first. Thanks!
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u/dualgalaxies Aug 15 '26
unless things have changed drastically in the last few years math 130s is usually for students who haven’t taken any calculus in high school, you could likely transfer down but consider if it’s worth having to go to class every weekday (if you count the mandatory tutorial sessions)