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NSO Prerequisite Waiver Exam for Math 51, CME 100 & 102

This exam is to waive the enforced Math 21 prerequisite for enrollment in Math 51, CME 100, and CME 102. Only the Class of 2028 is eligible. The webform has officially closed.

If you missed the deadline, no exceptions will be made.

Test Credit

Math 21 credit is earned with a 5 on the BC-Level AP test or suitable score on certain international exams.

Please send your test scores to Stanford as soon as possible.

Transfer Credit

If you have transfer credit for Math 21, please see the Student Services Transfer Credit page for more information.

Taking the NSO Exam

  • Within 5 business days of submitting your application, you will receive an email either denying  the request or approving it and giving further instructions on exam logistics (room, time, etc.). 
  • Upon approval, you will be asked to decide by September 9th if you are taking Fall Math 51, Fall CME 100, Fall CME 102, Winter Math 51, or Winter CME 102 as your first math course at Stanford. If Fall quarter, then you’ll be asked to provide your preferred class time. If this information is not conveyed to the Math department by the September 9th deadline then the approval to sit for the NSO exam will be revoked.
    • If you plan to enroll in one of the Math 61’s, you should decide on which among Fall Math 51, Fall CME 100, Fall CME 102, Winter Math 51, or Winter CME 102 will be your back-up option should you not complete the Math 61 course, and give that as your response. 
  • If approved and you reach the waiver threshold on the exam, you will be issued a permission number by 2pm on Wednesday September 18th prior to frosh enrollment opening.
Practice Exams

Below are two practice exams in the same multiple-choice format as the actual exam, along with solution files for each (in the actual exam, you will submit only a bubble sheet, not written work).  There is a reference sheet of terminology and formulas at the end of each practice exam, identical to what will be at the end of the actual exam.

*Note: Please ensure that you are logged into your Stanford account to access the practice exams and solutions.

Exam Specifics

  • The exam consists of 10 multiple-choice questions. To receive the waiver you must get at least 8/10 correct and no more than 1 wrong per thematic part of the exam (improper integrals, sequences & infinite series, power & Taylor series).
  • Calculators and other electronic devices are prohibited.
  • Individual scores will not be released – You will be informed if you passed the waiver threshold without receiving your exam.

Day of Exam

  • The exam will take place on Wednesday September 18th 2024.
  • Ensure you bring your Stanford or government-issued photo ID, and a pencil.
  • The exam will have assigned seating, so please arrive 10 minutes before the exam start time. 
  • You will be required to leave your phone and exam at the front of the room if you need to use the restroom.

If you have any questions, please contact: mathcourses [at] stanford.edu (mathcourses[at]stanford[dot]edu)