Summer Math Program

Most students will benefit from extra preparation in math during the summer before coming to Clarkson. We have lots of ways for you to get some help. 

First of all we need to find out what level of help you might need. Pre-college surveys are sent to incoming students and math is one topic.  We will be evaluating those scores and sending students recommendations for actions to take over the summer to lead toward college success. 

Here are some options for brushing up on your math skills this summer. 

• CUMath: an Online Math Refresher for STEM majors

This program gives you an opportunity to strengthen your skills in algebra, trigonometry (without a calculator) and geometry before taking Calculus I (MA131) at Clarkson.

Our online math refresher course (CUMATH) starts June 30, 2025 (tentative). First-year Clarkson students may self-enroll via our CUMATH Moodle Course. 

How it Works

The Clarkson University online Summer Refresher Program for STEM majors will launch 30 June Sat/Sun midnight with the unit 1 pre-test.

This seven-week program covers skills that students need to brush up on to hit the ground running in the Fall. We encourage students to do a little math each week to keep the rust off.

The program is free, from Clarkson and Cengage. There are no materials to buy until Fall.  You will utilize Webassign.net, vimeo.com/cumath and email cumath@clarkson.edu.

Each week at Midnight on Sunday we release a pre-test of the topic for the week. You attempt the pre-test and we review the results and post solution videos with commentary. Additionally, we address inquiries either via email or through the communications portal in the Webassign platform. Next on Wednesday/Thursday Midnight we release the Post-test which considers not just topics of the week but topics from previous weeks. This spiraled approach means nothing gets stale and you can keep checking your skills though out the program. We follow this with solution videos to the post-test, usually available on Friday. The process then repeats through the 7 weeks. Also, for the first time ever we will offer Zoom sessions at arranged times that can work for the majority of participants.

If this is something you feel you are interested in go to Moodle. Should you have any concerns or difficulties please do not hesitate to ask the instructor at cumath@clarkson.edu.

• Springboard to Calculus: An on-campus bootcamp

All Springboard students will be able to move in early on Friday, August 15, 2025, nine days before the semester begins, to the residence hall room that they will live in during their first year.

Students will learn refresher coursework during their boot camp, related to the subject in which they enroll. When not in class, students will be able to explore the campus and local community, participate in group activities, learn about life on campus, and more.

Students enrolled in this boot camp complete calculus coursework for about four hours per day. We familiarize students with the books, software, and system they will use in first-year calculus, while allowing them to work with instructors and graduate teaching assistants, exposing them to the college approach to learning. While reviewing essential topics from algebra, trigonometry and geometry, students acclimate to campus before fall classes begin.

This program is a pay program. TRiO - Student Support Services (SSS) has scholarships available to assist income-eligible students to offset this cost. Students can enroll in this program through Clarkson Portal. 

• Practice, Practice, Practice!

You may be able to find a private tutor in your community. The person doesn't have to be a math teacher, just someone who knows whether you're doing a problem right or wrong and can explain the right way. This can be a great way to get ready. 

Get a book and do exercises, about one hour daily, five days a week. The important thing is to get lots of practice. Don't use a calculator for anything. Calculators are not allowed on Calculus tests at Clarkson.

• Books

There are many books for pre-calculus courses. Here are some inexpensive ones that have lots of exercises.

• Cliffs Quick Reviews (Algebra II, Trigonometry)
• Schaum's Outline Series (Precalculus, College Algebra, Trigonometry)
• Bob Miller's Calc for the Clueless: Precalc with Trigonometry
• Barron's Trigonometry the Easy Way, Barron's Algebra the Easy Way