What is the Mathematics Placement Test?

If you have never taken a college mathematics course you must take a math placement test before enrolling in any math courses. You must submit your application for admission before taking the placement test.

The computerized placement test is divided into five levels of material: Prealgebra, Algebra, College Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. Your answer in any particular section of the test will determine how many problems and which sections of the test you will see. As long as your answers are correct, the computer will continue to give you harder questions. Your answers will determine how many questions you will receive and the areas in which you will be tested.

The computer will ask you to select a starting level for the test. Your choices are "easy" (primarily Arithmetic), "medium" (Algebra,) or "difficult" (College Algebra.) For placement purposes, you must begin the test in either "easy" or "medium" level.

The test is untimed, but you should allow at least 2 hours to complete the test. The computer decides when you are finished. You must complete the test to receive a score.

The placement test may be taken at most once per semester and at most three times per year. Hand-held calculators are not allowed. There is an online calculator for use during the test.

Reviewing material that you have previously studied is recommended before you take the placement test. Sample questions for each area are available online and in the Counseling Center.

Students can take the test at the Advising Center in Rooker Hall.