The Ohio State University

• Help
• Buckeye Link
• Map
• Find People
• Webmail
• Search Ohio State

• Degree Planning
  • Process Overview
  • Tools
  • Progress Benchmarks
  • Degree Considerations
    • Timely Selection of Major
    • Graduation Requirements
    • General Education Requirements
    • Life Experiences
    • Preparation Levels
    • Academic Opportunities
  • Student Responsibilities
• Degree Planning Manual
• Dates & Deadlines

Preparation Levels

Students come to college with varying levels of academic experiences and preparedness for success in college-level course work. In order for you to be properly challenged, it is important for us to make sure that you are placed in the right classes at the right levels. Preparedness is an important consideration when you are selecting classes and/or attempting to graduate in four years.

Let's use Mathematics as an example since this is so central to the progression of many degree programs. Students with lower standardized test scores in mathematics will most often start at a lower level math (Math 050 which is remedial, not counting towards graduation degree hours). Students who place at a higher-level math will complete this requirement more quickly than their counterparts. For example, two students are pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. Student 1 placed into Math 050 and Student 2 placed into Math 151. The Bachelor of Science degree requires students to take up to Math 152, and to begin the chemistry sequence is critical to beginning introductory courses required for the major. Students must first complete the math prerequisites essential for the science courses.

• Student 2 will be done with the mathematics requirements for a Bachelor of Science his/her first two quarters.
• Student 1 still needs to complete Math 150, 151, and 152. He/she will be done by the end of their second year, and will not be able to begin general chemistry until the second yea.r
• For Student 1, Math 050 will not count towards graduation degree hours.
• With careful planning, you can graduate in four years even if you must start at a lower math level, but you will have to begin your math as soon as possible and progress through the sequence without delay.
• Remember: it is important to keep up with your math sequences and other program requirements