There are many pathways that lead towards a successful graduation. Starting your journey in the right mathematics course that aligns with your level of proficiency is one of the most important factors for success. While Penn State's policies and procedures generally do a good job of placing incoming students in the appropriate mathematics course, there may be times when that placement is not a good fit and students feel overwhelmed with the demands of their course.
If you feel that this is the case, Penn State Altoona allows you to request an exchange of your current mathematics course for a more suitable prerequisite mathematics course within the same sequence of courses by using the form on this page. By requesting this exchange of courses, rather than merely dropping your current mathematics course, you will still be able to make progress toward the mathematics requirements of your academic program this semester by solidifying the quantitative foundations that are needed to succeed. This course exchange is also not counted as a failed attempt at your original course, and your original course will not appear on your Penn State transcript for this semester.
Note that a course exchange request is not automatically approved. Some courses cannot accept late additions from a course exchange. Moreover, most instructors require a meeting with the student to discuss expectations for making up missed work before granting approval for joining their class late. Before processing this form, students should speak with their original course instructor regarding their recommendations for a course exchange, discuss these with their academic adviser, and contact the instructor of the class they intend to join.
NOTE: Mathematics course exchanges are only available between the beginning of Week 2 and the Friday of Week 5 each Fall and Spring semester. However, most courses beginning in Week 1 of the semester cannot accept late additions after 3-4 weeks. Exceptions are any designated late-start courses that the mathematics department might offer.