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Kenyon Mathematics Placement: Which Calculus Course is right for me?

Kenyon offers four different calculus courses in the fall:

  • Calculus A (Math 111): This is our "standard" introductory calculus course. If you have a relatively solid background in precalculus (algebra and trigonometry), but have seen little or no calculus, this is the place to start. The course focuses on derivatives, from basic definitions through techniques to some applications; however, the basics of integration (including the technique of substitution) are also touched on in the last few weeks of the course. Please note that this course will not be offered in the spring semester.
  • Calculus with Elementary Functions (Math 110Y/111Y): This is a year-long introductory calculus course which covers the material from a standard Precalculus course as well as all the material from Calculus A. The precalculus material (mostly exponents, logarithms, and trigonometry) is interleaved with the calculus material, making for an integrated year-long course. If you enroll in Math 110Y in the fall, you will be expected to complete both semesters of the course to receive credit.
  • Calculus B (Math 112): This is the second course in our calculus sequence. The course focuses principally on techniques and applications of integration and on sequences and series. Calc B is offered every semester.
  • Calculus C (Math 213): This is the third course in our calculus sequence. The course takes the ideas from Calculus A and B and moves them from two dimensions to three (and higher!) dimensions. Calc C is offered every semester.

Which course is right for you?

  • If you have taken little or no calculus, you should start in Calculus A or Calculus with Elementary Functions. If you are uncertain as to whether you are ready for Calculus A, you can take a short placement exam during orientation to determine whether you have the background in algebra and trigonometry.
  • If you took the AP Calculus Exam AB and scored 3, you may or may not be ready to take Calculus B. While the final decision is yours, we offer a placement exam during orientation to help you determine whether you are ready for Calculus B.
  • If you took the AP Calculus Exam AB and scored 4 or 5, you should start in Calculus B.
  • If you took the AP Calculus Exam BC and scored 3, you may or may not be ready to take Calculus C. While the final decision is yours, we offer a placement exam during orientation to help you determine whether you are ready for Calculus C.
  • If you took the AP Calculus Exam BC and scored 4 or 5, you should start in Calculus C.
  • If you took IB, A-levels, Abitur, French Baccalaureate, etc., or have transfer credits from another college or university, you should contact Bob Milnikel.

If you don't fit any of the above categories, but are trying to decide between Calculus A and Calculus B, you should take a placement exam during orientation. We also offer a placement exam during orientation for people trying to decide between Calculus B and Calculus C.

If you still have questions, or if you are trying to place into courses beyond Calculus C, please contact Bob Milnikel.