Exploring The Role Of College Placement Practices in STEM Calculus Access and Success

This brief highlights findings from additional MMAP research examining whether patterns observed in statewide analyses hold when preparation is measured with greater precision using data directly from colleges. It presents information on a recent cohort of students who began in STEM Calculus 1 at 19 colleges, including how they were placed; their outcomes by placement method and placement profile (based on their level of high school preparation); and their advancement to STEM Calculus 2.

Key findings from this study:

• Colleges mainly use local default guidelines to place students in STEM Calculus 1, relying almost entirely on information from the statewide college application system.
• Students complete STEM Calculus 1 at comparable rates, regardless of placement method.
• Among students who require STEM Calculus 2 for their major, progression to that course is low.
• However, success rates are strong for students who advance in the sequence and comparable across placement methods and preparation levels.

Related Resources:

• Technical Appendix