Freshman Summer Start Program

Math and Statistics Course Placement Information for FSSP Participants

Step 1: Identify the Right Series for Your Major

Your major determines which Calculus track you should follow. There are two options: the Math 34 series and the Math 3 series (3A/3B/3A/4B).

  • Social and Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Economics, Psychology): Students in these fields typically take the Math 34 series (Calculus for Social and Life Sciences). However, these majors may also complete the Math 3 series.

  • Physical Sciences (e.g., Physics, Math, Chemistry): These majors generally require the Math 3 series.

  • College of Engineering Majors: You should take the Math 3 series. The College of Engineering explicitly notes that you should not take the Math 34 series.

All majors accept the Math 3 series, but only specific majors accept the Math 34 series. Review the bottom of the Math Department's Course Placement website to see what majors accept which math series.

Step 2: Review AP, IB, and College Credits to Determine Course Placement

If you have taken exams, you may have already earned credit for UCSB Math and Statistics courses. Review the Math Department's Course Placement guide in addition to the credit charts below, and note any Math and Statistics courses you already have credit for. If you have already earned credit for a course, you cannot repeat it. 

If you have completed any college courses, please contact FSSP advising staff at fssp@summer.ucsb.edu to determine course eligibility.

If you do not have any applicable transfer credit, you generally will start with the first course in your chosen series, Math 3A, Math 34A, or PSTAT 5LS. Continue to Step 3 to review the prerequisites for these courses.

Step 3: Choose Your Math or Statistics Course

Once you identify the appropriate Calculus series or determine that you wish to enroll in a Statistics course, review the courses and their prerequisites below and note any courses you received credit for in Step 2. 

Math 34A - Calculus for Social and Life Sciences (Starting Course)

  • Prerequisite: Math 34A does not have a placement exam or prerequisite. Students may register immediately if they do not have applicable transfer credit. Review Step 2 for information about transfer credits.

Math 34B - Calculus for Social and Life Sciences

  • Prerequisite: Math 34A, via course completion or equivalent transfer credit. Review Step 2 for information about transfer credits.

Math 3A - Calculus with Applications (Starting Course)

Math 3B - Calculus with Applications

  • Prerequisite: Math 3A, via course completion (C or better) or equivalent transfer credit. Review Step 2 for information about transfer credits.

Math 4A - Linear Algebra with Applications

  • Prerequisite: Math 3B, via course completion (C or better) or equivalent transfer credit. Review Step 2 for information about transfer credits.

Math 4B - Differential Equations

  • Prerequisite: Math 4A, via course completion (C or better) or equivalent transfer credit. Review Step 2 for information about transfer credits.

PSTAT 5LS - Statistics for Life Sciences

  • Prerequisite: PSTAT 5LS does not have a placement exam or prerequisite. Students may register immediately if they do not have applicable transfer credit. Review Step 2 for information about transfer credits.

PSTAT 10 - Principles of Data Science with R

  • Prequisite: Math 3B, via course completion (C or better) or equivalent transfer credit. Review Step 2 for information about transfer credits.

FSSP staff cannot register you until your official scores are received by UCSB. You may be placed in a placeholder course in the meantime to maintain program eligibility.

Step 4: Submit Your Course Preference Form

Preference the Mathematics or Statistics course you are eligible for on your Course Preference Form. Students may only select either one Math/Statistics or one Writing course. 

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you cannot take both Math and Writing during FSSP.

No, you are not required to take a math course during the Freshman Summer Start Program.

Yes! However, if your official scores have not yet been received by UCSB when you submit your preferences, FSSP advising staff will initially place you into a "placeholder course" to create a Preliminary Schedule for you, ensuring you maintain the required unit eligibility. Once your scores are officiated by the university, staff will attempt to adjust your schedule to include the math course, though please be aware that placement is not guaranteed as it depends on space availability. 

If your official scores have not been received when your preferences are reviewed, FSSP advising staff will initially place you into a "placeholder course" and create a Preliminary Schedule to ensure you maintain the unit eligibility required to participate in the program. Once your official scores arrive and confirm your placement, staff will attempt to adjust your schedule to include the math course. However, please be aware that this adjustment is not guaranteed and is dependent upon course space.

While they often overlap, they are distinct requirements:

  • Area C (General Education): To graduate, Letter and Science students must complete three courses in "Area C: Science, Mathematics, and Technology". This includes diverse subjects like Anthropology, Astronomy, and Math.

  • Math Course for Your Major: This is a specific prerequisite course listed on your major sheet. For example, a Physics major must complete the Math 3 series as part of their "Preparation for the Major".

  • The Overlap: If you take the specific math series required for your major (e.g., Math 3A or Math 34A), it will also count as one of your three required Area C courses. However, taking a different Area C course (like Astronomy) will generally not satisfy the specific math requirement for your major.