What is Wellesley's QR Program?

The Quantitative Reasoning Program is designed to ensure that Wellesley College students are proficient in the use of mathematical, logical, and statistical problem-solving tools needed in today's increasingly quantitative world.

In 1997, the College instituted a two-part quantitative reasoning requirement. The basic skills component is satisfied either by passing the QR Assessment given during Orientation or by passing the QR basic skills course (QR 140). The assessment and the basic skills course emphasis the practical use of algebra, geometry, basic probability and statistics, graph theory, and estimation. The overlay component emphasizes statistical analysis and interpretation of data in a specific discipline. In an overlay class, students study the framework for data analysis, examine various methods of data collection and measurement, and learn how to represent and summarize data using various statistical distributions. They also study probability in order to understand sampling and inferential statistics. Advanced topics in QR overlay courses include analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis.

The QR Program provides a number of services to the academic community. It administers the Quantitative Reasoning Assessment, staffs the basic skills QR course, and supports existing QR overlay courses. The QR Program also provides curricular support to faculty interested in modifying existing courses or designing new ones so that these courses will satisfy the overlay component of the quantitative reasoning requirement. Additionally, the QR Program sponsors workshops on quantitative topics and provides tutorial support for both students and faculty.

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Why does Wellesley have a QR requirement?

The ability to think clearly and critically about quantitative issues is imperative in contemporary society. Today, quantitative reasoning is required in virtually all academic fields, is used in most every profession, and is necessary for decision-making in everyday life. Quantitative reasoning is crucial in understanding many of the economic, political, and environmental issues that arise in today's global community. Wellesley College students need to be proficient in the use of mathematical, logical, and statistical problem-solving tools if they are to make a difference in today's increasingly quantitative world.

What is Wellesley's QR Requirement and how do students satisfy it?

The quantitative reasoning requirement consists of two parts:

The basic skills component

The basic skills component is satisfied either by passing the QR Assessment given during Orientation or by passing the QR basic skills course (QR 140). The assessment and the basic skills course emphasize the practical use of algebra, geometry, basic probability and statistics, graph theory, and estimation. On the assessment and in the course, students are expected to apply these important skills in solving real-world problems. Students must satisfy this component in their first year at the College so that they are prepared to take courses for which solid quantitative skills are essential. Fulfillment of the QR basic skills requirement is a prerequisite for many Wellesley courses, including all QR overlay courses.

The overlay course component

The overlay component is designed to engage students in statistical analysis and in the interpretation of data in a specific discipline. In a QR overlay course, students study the framework for data analysis, examine various methods of data collection and measurement, and learn how to represent and summarize data using various statistical distributions. They also study probability in order to understand sampling and inferential statistics. Advanced topics in QR overlay courses include analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis.

Currently QR overlay courses are offered in economics, political science, sociology, education, psychology, astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, and philosophy. Students must satisfy the overlay component before graduation. It is recommended that students take their QR overlay course after they have decided on their major, as some majors require a specific overlay course. For example, psychology majors need to take PSYC 205, the psychology statistics class; economics majors need to take QR 199, introduction to social science data analysis.

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What is the QR Assessment?

The QR Assessment is a test of mathematical and quantitative reasoning skills. All incoming students are required to take this assessment during Orientation. Preparatory materials, including sample tests and worked-out answers, are sent to incoming students in the summer before their arrival on campus. The assessment tests skills in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and basic probability and statistics. It also tests one's ability to read and interpret graphs and tables. Students may not use calculators on the QR Assessment.

What do scores on the QR Assessment mean?

Students are permitted two opportunities to take the QR Assessment during Orientation: once during the first round of exams, and again during the second-chance testing period. For students who take the test twice, the better of the two scores is recorded.

Score is 9 or below

A score of 9 or below indicates significant gaps in one's quantitative preparation. Students who score 9 or below must take QR 140, the quantitative reasoning basic skills course, during their first year at the College.

Score is 9.5 or above

A score of 9.5 or higher satisfies the basic skills component of the QR Requirement.

Score is between 9.5 and 12

A score in this range represents a marginal pass. While the student with a score between 9.5 and 12 has satisfied the basic skills requirement, she may wish to take advantage of workshops and tutorials to improve her quantitative skills. She should seek advice in selecting quantitative courses.

What is QR 140?

QR 140 is a full-credit course that reviews algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, graph theory, and estimation. These skills are presented in the context of real-world applications. For example, students learn how to model linear versus exponential growth in the context of personal finance decisions. Class meets three times per week: twice in lecture and once in computer lab. In the lab sections, students use spreadsheets to create tables and graphs and to explore various mathematical models of real-world phenomena. This course is offered in both the fall and spring semesters.

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By when do students need to satisfy the QR requirement?

Legislation (passed by Academic Council in May 1998) requires each student to satisfy the basic skills component in her first year. The overlay component must be completed before a student graduates. It is recommended that students take their QR overlay course after they have decided on their major, as some majors require a specific QR overlay course. For example, psychology majors need to take PSYC 205, the psychology statistics class; economics majors need to take QR 199, introduction to social science data analysis.

Deadline for basic skills component

Legislation passed by council in May 1998 requires students to satisfy the basic skills component in her first year.

Deadline for overlay component

There is no real deadline for the overlay component, although it must be completed before a student graduates. Unlike the basic skills component, the overlay component need not be satisfied during a student's first year. To register for a QR overlay course, a student must first have satisfied the basic skills component.

What is a "QR overlay course?"

A QR overlay course is a course designated in the course catalog as satisfying the QR overlay requirement. Overlay courses must conform to certain guidelines and be approved by the Committee for Curriculum and Instruction. Click here for a list of courses that currently satisfy the overlay component of the QR requirement.