ILR Math Requirement
Background
The scope of your education at ILR includes mathematical literacy and quantitative skills. You are required to take Introductory Statistics (ILRST 2100) and Labor Economics (LE 2400). Both courses require the ability to do math at the algebra and pre-calculus level.
To ensure that all students have the skills needed to succeed in these courses and to graduate from the ILR School a math assessment exam has been developed. To enroll in either of the course listed above you will need to pass the math assessment exam. Students who have not passed the math assessment by the beginning of their third semester in residence will be enrolled for a terminal semester.
What is the math assessment exam?
The math assessment exam consists of 30 questions. The exam includes questions which would be typical for computation in courses at ILR. These include the application of the rules of exponents, logs, and square roots, algebra, slope-intercept form of equations, and elementary logic. You may bring a calculator to the exam however you will are not required to use one. Students generally complete the exam with in the 75 minutes offered. Students who need additional time should make arrangements prior to the exam.
Sample questions 
for the math assessment exam.
Who does this apply to?
All ILR undergraduates must take the math assessment exam. This includes incoming first year students and transfer students.
Students who have taken and passed the AP Calculus exam with a 3 or better are exempted from taking it.
Transfer students who have taken college level calculus and received a B- or better do not have to take the math assessment. Documentation of the college and grade must be provided to receive the waiver.
When is it offered?
The exam is offered at the beginning of each Fall and Spring semester. Information will be posted on the ILR website with details.
What happens if I fail?
- If you fail the math assessment you need to make an appointment with Liz Karns, Lecturer in Social Statistics at ek368@cornell.edu. At this appointment you will go over the exam and discuss options for skill development over the coming semester before taking the exam next semester.
- You will not be allowed to enroll in Intro to Statistics (ILRST 2100) or Labor Economics (ILRLE 2400) for the current semester.
- You need to pass the exam by the beginning of your third semester at ILR. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the requirement has been fulfilled.
What are math skill development resources at Cornell?
Cornell has a wealth of resources for students to draw on. The Learning Skills Center in the Math Department is a good place to start. Tutors are available to help work on specific skills that are needed to become math literate.
BTRY 115 is a course taught at Cornell specifically to develop the skills needed for classes such as statistics and labor economics. The course is only offered in the Spring of each year. Other courses will also help with skill development such as Math 105.
Individual tutoring can be arranged. In fact, the ILR Office of Student Services hires a continuing ILR student every semester to provide Statistics tutoring specifically to other ILR students. You can seek more information on how to take advantage of this tutoring assistance by speaking with any of the advisors in OSS.