Summer Session

Summer Math

Start Math This Summer

You don’t have to wait until the fall, instead, you can get a head start by joining Summer Edge to take 7-credits or more this summer for full academic credit. If your proposed major requires you to take math, you may benefit from taking the Math Placement Exam (ALEKS PPL) once you complete your Statement of Intent to Register.

Check out Entry Math Requirements by Major to determine if you will need to take a Math class.

It is recommended that students spend time reviewing materials in the ALEKS PPL learning modules. If your math placement (MP) score is not high enough to take the recommended entry level math course, after spending time in the learning modules, you can reassess. You can reassess up to three times. The learning modules help you to review math concepts and problems before you take your first math class and can help you succeed. Studies show most students who spend at least six hours in the modules move up at least one placement tier.

Next steps to taking math this summer:

  1. Register through Summer Edge to take classes this summer.
  2. Submit your Financial Aid Application and optional UC SHIP Waiver 
  3. Find classes. Determine which math class you want to take and confirm you have met the prerequisites.
  4. Proof of prerequisites. Newly admitted student transcripts and test scores submitted to UCSC Admissions will not be uploaded in time for summer enrollment so you will need a permission number or a sufficient Math Placement Exam score. You can show prerequisites through:
    1. Math Placement Exam (recommended)
    2. Unofficial transcripts from an accredited college or university
    3. AP/IB Test Scores

Summer edge registration & choosing classes

Math Placement Exam (recommended)

If you do not have a transferable college-level pre-calculus or calculus course, or a sufficiently high Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Calculus test score or would just like to make sure you are entering the correct level math, you will need to complete the Math Placement process using ALEKS PPL. 

  • If you are satisfied with your placement after taking the initial assessment, you will be eligible to register for the appropriate math course(s). You can visit the “After Your Assessment” page for recommendations based on your results.
  • If you are not satisfied with your placement after your initial assessment, you can reassess two more times!

You’ll see your placement assessment score in ALEKS as soon as you complete your assessment, but your MP tier will appear in your UCSC portal within three business days after the day you complete your assessment which will allow you to enroll yourself through the portal.

Transcripts and Test Scores

If you’ve successfully completed a transferable college-level pre-calculus or calculus course, or have a sufficiently high Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Calculus test score, upload a screenshot of your grade or score to the summer math Google form: 

Submit proof of prerequisites

Why start with Math?

  • Your summer math classes can open the doors to exciting fall courses that have math prerequisites. 
  • If your major has series courses, like chemistry, physics, computer science, taking one or two math classes in summer can accelerate the pace of you getting through your series.

Initial Math Courses

  • Math 2 – College Algebra for Calculus (not offered summer 2025)
  • Math 3 – Precalculus
  • Math 11A and 11B – Calculus with Applications – Biology and Earth Sciences majors. (However, students in these majors who place into the 400 mathematics tier are strongly encouraged to take the 19A-B sequence, which is required for most upper-division mathematics courses).
  • Math 16A and 16B – Mathematics for Life and Environmental Sciences(not offered summer 2025)
  • Math 19A and 19B – Calculus for Science, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM majors)

Read Descriptions of Math Courses

Still have questions? We’re here to help! summeredge@ucsc.edu

Dates & deadlines

Review the calendar with important dates and deadlines for Summer Edge.

Dates & deadlines

Registration

Summer Edge registration is open April 1 – June 15. Only registered newly admitted students may enroll into summer classes (registering does not obligate you to enroll

Register for Summer Edge

Choosing classes

Let us help you pick the perfect summer classes. The course guides for 2025 are coming in Spring.

Choosing classes

Costs & financial aid

Learn more about Summer Edge costs and financial aid opportunities.

Costs & financial aid

Frequently asked questions

Get answers from our FAQ that is specifically designed for newly admitted students taking their first UC Santa Cruz courses the summer before their first fall quarter.

FAQs

Contact us

Email: summeredge@ucsc.edu
Phone: +1-831-459-5373
Edge Cancellation Request Form

Last modified: Feb 25, 2025