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).
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.
- 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.
Step 2: Determine Your Math Eligibility
Once you identify the appropriate math series, review the prerequisites below:
- Math 34A: Available to all students, unless you scored a 3 or higher on either AP Calculus Exam. If you scored a 3 or higher, see Step 3 below.
- Math 3A: You must take the Math Placement Exam (MPE) online and receive a qualifying score prior to submitting your course preference form, unless you received a score of 2 on the AP Calculus AB or BC exam. If you scored a 3 or higher on either AP Calculus exam, see Step 3 below.
- PSTAT 5A: Available to all students, unless you scored a 3 or higher on the AP Statistics exam. If you scored a 3 or higher, see Step 3 below.
- PSTAT 10: Available to students with credit for Math 2B/3B. See Step 3 below to determine your qualification.
Step 3: Review AP, IB, and College Credits to Determine Course Placement
If you have taken exams or college courses, you may have already earned credit for UCSB Math courses. If you have earned credit for a course, you cannot repeat it.
- AP Calculus AB (Score of 3, 4, or 5): You receive course credit for Math 3A and Math 34A. You are eligible to register for Math 3B or Math 34B. See the Advanced Placement (AP) Credit Chart for more information.
- AP Calculus BC (Score of 3, 4, or 5): You receive course credit for Math 3A, 3B, 34A, and 34B (8 units). You are eligible to register for Math 4A or PSTAT 10. See the Advanced Placement (AP) Credit Chart for more information.
- AP Statistics (Score of 3, 4, or 5): You receive course credit for COMM 87, PSTAT 5AA-ZZ, PSY 5. See the Advanced Placement (AP) Credit Chart for more information.
- IB Exams: Review the International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit Chart.
- A Level (GCE) Exams: Review the A Level (GCE) Credit Chart.
- College Credit: Contact FSSP advising staff at fssp@summer.ucsb.edu.
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.
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:
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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.
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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".
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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.