Waiver Exam

The CIT 5920 Discrete Mathematics waiver exam is available online through PrairieLearn, an online assessment platform developed at the University of Illinois and used by many universities for computer science education.

This waiver exam is designed as a self-assessment tool to help you determine whether you would benefit from taking CIT 5920. It is not a gatekeeping mechanism, but rather an opportunity for you to evaluate your current knowledge of discrete mathematics.

PrairieLearn is an online learning system that provides:

• Randomized questions - Each attempt gives you different problem variants
• Immediate feedback - You know right away if your answers are correct
• Unlimited attempts - You can retake questions to learn and improve
• Detailed solutions - After answering, you can see how to solve problems

1. Navigate to the PrairieLearn Waiver Exam course page: https://us.prairielearn.com/pl/course_instance/193564/assessment_instance/10949627

2. Click “Sign in with Google”

3. Important: You must use your Penn Google account (your-pennkey@upenn.edu or your-pennkey@seas.upenn.edu or etc.)

   • The system will only recognize Penn-affiliated accounts
   • If you use a personal Gmail account, you will not have access to the exam, and if you do, it won’t be matched to your student record

Once logged in:

1. You will see the “CIT 5920 Waiver Exam” assessment
2. Click on it to begin
3. Read the comprehensive instructions and formula sheet provided
4. Work through all sections at your own pace
5. Remember: You have unlimited attempts on each question

• 80-100%: You likely have sufficient background and may not need CIT 5920
• 60-80%: You have some foundation but would benefit from the systematic coverage in CIT 5920
• Below 60%: We strongly recommend taking CIT 5920 to build a solid foundation

Once you are satisfied with your performance:

1. Take a screenshot of your final score from the PrairieLearn assessment page

   • Make sure the screenshot clearly shows:
     • Your name/email
     • The assessment title (“CIT 5920 Waiver Exam”)
     • Your final percentage score
     • The date

2. Email your screenshot to: Professor Lumbroso

   Include in your email:

   • Subject line: “CIT 5920 Waiver Request - [Your Name]”
   • Your Penn ID
   • Your program (MCIT, MSE-DS, etc.)
   • A brief explanation of your discrete mathematics background
   • The screenshot of your waiver exam score

• The exam covers: Sets, Relations, Functions, Counting, Probability, Logic, Proofs, Induction, and Graph Theory
• Questions are randomized - each attempt provides different variants
• A complete formula sheet and definitions are provided
• This is an open-book, self-paced assessment

• A modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
• Stable internet connection
• Your Penn Google account credentials

1. First attempt: Try all questions honestly without external help to get an accurate assessment
2. Review gaps: Note which topics you struggle with
3. Use multiple attempts: Learn from your mistakes and improve your understanding
4. Don’t rush: There’s no time limit - take breaks if needed

Q: Do I need to complete the exam in one sitting? A: No, PrairieLearn saves your progress. You can return anytime to continue.

Q: Can I retake questions I got wrong? A: Yes! You have unlimited attempts on all questions. Each attempt may show different numbers/scenarios.

Q: What if I can’t access the exam with my Penn account? A: Make sure you’re using your Penn Google account (@upenn.edu or @seas.upenn.edu). If you still have issues, contact lumbroso@seas.upenn.edu.

Q: How long do I have to complete the waiver exam? A: The waiver exam is available year-round. However, if you’re trying to waive the course for a specific semester, check the add/drop deadlines.

Q: Is there a minimum score required to waive the course? A: There’s no strict cutoff. The exam is a self-assessment tool. Your score, along with your background explanation, will be considered holistically.

For questions about:

• Waiver decisions: Professor Lumbroso
• Technical issues with PrairieLearn: Professor Lumbroso
• Course content questions: Review the provided formula sheet first, then email if needed

Remember: This waiver exam is designed to help you make an informed decision about your education. There’s no shame in taking a foundational course - a strong foundation in discrete mathematics will serve you well throughout your computer science studies.