Information for high school students, their parents, advisors and teachers.
To better help your college bound students, the Mathematics and Statistics Department has created this document with information about the requirements regarding the mathematics classes students will be taking their first year at UNM. We look forward to a much closer relationship with all the high schools around the state. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
 Frequently Asked Questions About Math Requirements
Student Advisement Page of Mathematics & Statistics
Online ACT/SAT Practice Tests
Information on Math Core Classes
Math Requirements by Major 
Flow Chart for Basic Math Courses at UNM 
We have included contact information at the end of this page.
Entry Level Courses and Core Curriculum
Our course numbering is as follows:
*This course is offered through Introductory Studies in the University College.
Please contact University College 277-9302.
All undergraduate students must complete a Core Curriculum for a bachelor's degree at UNM. The mathematics requirement for the Core Curriculum is one course chosen from Math 121,129, 150, 162, 163, 180, 215 or Stat 145.
Be advised that some colleges and schools at UNM require at least two mathematics courses for their programs.
A large percentage of freshmen admitted to UNM are placed by their ACT/SAT scores in IS Math100 and Math 120. Notice that these courses do not satisfy the mathematics requirement for any program at UNM. Please emphasize to your students that, if placed in those courses, they will spend one or two semesters taking classes that will not count towards their degree. This should motivate them to take algebra and additional math courses while still in high school!
This flow chart represents the sequences available for taking the math core classes.
Placement Scores
The following ACT & SAT placement scores were instituted in 2003. Latest (rather than highest) ACT/SAT scores will be used.
NOTE: The Department of Mathematics and Statistics does not offer any departmental placement tests.
| Course |
ACT |
SAT |
| IS Math 100: Math & Intro Algebra |
11-18 |
220-440 |
| Math 120: Intermediate Algebra |
19-21 |
450-500 |
| Math 121: College Algebra |
22-24 |
510-560 |
| Math 123: Trigonometry |
25-27 |
570-630 |
| Math 129: Survey of Mathematics |
22-24 |
510-560 |
| Math 150: Pre-Calculus |
25-27 |
570-630 |
| Math 162: Calculus * |
28+ |
640+ |
| Math 180: Elements of Calculus |
26+ |
600+ |
| Stat 145: Introduction to Statistics |
22-24 |
510-560 |
| * Students must take Trigonometry or the Trigonometry compass exam. Score of ACT 32 or SAT 700 will waive Math 123 or Trigonometry Compass. |
More information at this page: http://www.math.unm.edu/advisement/sequencing.php
Note that to take a core math class, students must have at least a 22 on their ACT (or 510 on SAT).
Mathematics Classes in High School
We strongly recommend that high school students take math classes their junior and senior year. It has been documented that students who take a math class right before starting college are more likely to succeed not only in their math classes but overall at the university.
If you think it would be useful for one of our faculty to come over to your school and talk to your junior class about math placement at UNM, we would be happy to arrange it. Please talk to one of our contact people to set up a time to visit your school.
Placement Exam
Students new to UNM can challenge their math placement within two weeks of the beginning of the semester by taking the COMPASS exam administered by testing services. Please note that, since placement is based on most recent scores, a student may actually be placed lower by the COMPASS exam than by the ACT/SAT. For more information call Testing Services at 277 5345. Students are only allowed to take the compass exam one time.
Mathematics and Statistics Web Site
Our web site (http://www.math.unm.edu/help.php) has a list of most classes offered by the department and information about their syllabi, various test reviews, solutions, math web discussion forum groups, and examples of previous final exams and their solutions. We recommend, in particular, that you look carefully at the Math 120 final exam to ensure that, in their college freshman year your students will be sufficiently prepared to take a math class that counts toward their degree.
Contact People 
Victoria Kauffman, Director of Pre-Calculus Mathematics
277-5203; kauffman@math.unm.edu
James Dudley, Coordinator of Intermediate Algebra
277-3340; jdudley@math.unm.edu
Jurg Bolli, Coordinator of College Algebra
277-6240; bolli@math.unm.edu
Roxanne Littlefield, Coordinator, Academic Advisor
277-5250; rxlitfil@math.unm.edu
Shirley Rey L Lovato , Department Administrator
277-7489; srlovato@unm.edu
We hope we can build a closer relationship with all of you, so please let us know if you have any questions, comments, or ideas that will make our department more helpful to you and your students.
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