MATHEMATICS PLACEMENT EXAM

Beginning with the Fall 2009 entrants, the mathematics placement exam will be replaced with the use of the SAT math score to determine a student's eligibility for their first math course. If a student believes they are prepared for a higher level math course than their SAT math score indicates, they may choose to take the math placement exam. Below is the SAT math placement chart:

If you have an SAT Math score of...	you will be placed in these math/OR statistics courses at SCSU,	OR, you may choose to enroll in
450 or below	Mat 095: Elementary Algebra	Mat 095 to review Elementary Algebra concepts
460 to 490	Mat 102: Intermediate Algebra Extended (4 contract hours/week)	Mat 095 to review Elementary Algebra concepts
500 to 540	Mat 100: Intermediate Algebra (3 contact hours/week)	Mat 102 for more instructional time OR Mat 095 to review Elementary Algebra concepts
550 and above OR a B or better in an AP Statistics course	Any mathematics course that has Mat 100/102 as a prerequisite. These include Mat 103, 105, 107, 108, 120, 122. The specific math course selected may be determined by requirements of your chosen major.	Mat 095 OR Mat 100 OR Mat 102 to review concepts
600 and above AND a grade of B or better in a high school Precalculus or Calculus shown to have included trigonometry (please contact Math Department Chair)	Any mathematics course that has Mat 100/102 OR Mat 120 OR Mat 122 as a prerequisite. These include Mat 103, 105, 107, 108, 120, 122, 139, 150, 178 (if CSC requirement is satisfied), 221. The specific math course selected may be determined by requirements of your chosen major.	Mat 095 OR Mat 100 OR Mat 102 to review concepts

For students who wish to take the exam, below is information about the exam.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE EXAM?

Southern requires that each student take at least three credits in college-level mathematics. Some undergraduate programs require additional mathematics, and some graduate programs require students to take one or more mathematics courses. The purpose of the mathematics placement exam is to place students into the mathematics course at an appropriate level, so that with reasonable effort the student has a good chance of success. There is no passing or failing of the exam, as every student will be placed at some level. The test does not measure what you once knew or what you could do if you tried harder. Since some mathematical skills are easily forgotten, especially when not used on a regular basis, a review is advisable prior to taking the math placement exam.

WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE EXAM?

The computer-based exam, called ACCUPLACER, is an adaptive test that may include topics from arithmetic, elementary and intermediate algebra, geometry, trigonometry and precalculus. It tailors its question to you according your background and the answers you provide. The test usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour and a half to complete. However, there is NO TIME LIMIT. Placement results are provided immediately upon finishing the exam.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE EXAM?

If you have not taken mathematics for some time or you are a high school senior who did not take mathematics your senior year, we strongly recommend that you review before taking the exam. In order to place into our lowest group of college-level general education courses, you only need to show a working knowledge of the material in elementary and intermediate algebra (equivalent to Algebra I and II at the high school level).

Study Guides:

Sample questions for ACCUPLACER are available online.
High school algebra text and math teachers
Review books for various areas covered can be purchased at most bookstores.

AREAS COVERED:

The test material includes: working with integer and rational exponents, factoring algebraic expressions, working with polynomials, working with radical and rational expressions, solving linear and algebraic equations and inequalities in one variable, solving quadratic equations, finding the equation of a line, graphing linear functions, solving problems involving ratios and proportions, and solving word problems associated with the given material.

CAN I RETAKE THE TEST?

Statistically, unless an extensive review takes place between the two tests, students tend to perform at the same level both times. If you really feel that your performance was a fluke, you may retest. However, be aware that retesting will not be allowed until the last exam date. Contact Dr. Gubitose if you wish to repeat the exam.