Math Directed Self-Placement

The University of Washington Bothell uses Directed Self-Placement (DSP) to determine which math course students should enroll in.

You should complete the Directed Self-Placement if both the following are true:

• You have never taken a math class at UW Bothell, and
• You have never passed a Calculus I course at a college or university.

What is Directed Self-Placement?

The “self-placement” part of this is that you will decide for yourself what math class you will enroll in. This process will be directed, though. That is, you will be asked a series of questions to get you to reflect on your background in mathematics. Based on your responses to these questions, you will receive an initial suggestion for which course to take. You will then have an opportunity to read more about the class that has been suggested for you.

The goal here is to determine which math class will allow you to be most successful – the class where you will feel challenged and stimulated, but not overwhelmed. In the end, the decision will be yours. This process may take up to 20 minutes, and the more honest you are with yourself, the more likely you will be to determine the class that will be the best fit for you. We hope that your direct involvement and control in this process will help foster your sense of agency as a student and will lead to a successful mathematics experience at UWB.

Click on the link below to begin the process. If at any point you have questions about filling out this form, please reach out to uwbmathdsp@uw.edu for help.

Take the Math Directed Self-Placement Survey

What’s next?

Once you are done with this process, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address you provided while completing the DSP. It will take up to two business days for your selection to be entered into the registration system. After that, you may register for your class provided you are eligible to register and there are available seats. If it has been more than two business days and the registration system does not recognize your placement, you may contact a Pre-Major Advisor for assistance.

Students wanting academic advising support can schedule an appointment with an academic advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions