Frequently Asked Questions
This page answers questions about math courses that are often asked by students entering Solano Community College.
I don't know what my major is going to be yet. Where do I start?
Generally, students heading into SLAM majors (Statistics and Liberal Arts Math), which is the majority of our students, will require either Math 11 (Statistics), or Math 12 (Mathematical Ideas) in order to transfer to a four-year university.
For students heading into BSTEM majors (Business, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), they often need calculus, and will start on a path that gets them there most efficiently. Use our Math for your Major to help you.
My major requires one transfer-level math course in order to transfer to a four-year university. Which one should I take?
Most students choose to take either Math 11 (Elementary Statistics) or Math 12 (Mathematical Ideas as these courses are transferable to the California State University system and the University of California system. Some majors require Statistics, so use www.assist.org and check out our Math for your Major link to find out more.
How can I receive help to place myself in a math course?
California Community Colleges are using a multiple-measure based assessment now for students, meaning that we want to look at your high school GPA along with courses you took in high school. Then, we choose the highest-level course that gives you the best chance of completing your goals. If you didn't attend high school here, or don't have a GPA, or any other issue, make an appointment with a counselor who can help you. They will use other measures to place you into a math course.
I just want an Associate's Degree. Which math class do I need to complete?
To receive an Associate Degree, a student would need a minimum of a 100-level math course. Options include Math 112 (Intermediate Algebra for Liberal Arts), which is recommended, and Math 104 (Intermediate Algebra).
I'm "bad" at math. Math is my worst subject. I have math anxiety. Shouldn't I start in a lower math course?
Not necessarily. You should start in the course that gives you the most efficient path towards completing your math requirements. Trust in the placement system we have in place, keep a positive math attitude, and great things can happen! Check out our page on being successful in math for resources.