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MATHEMATICS PLACEMENT 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.

 

DO I NEED TO TAKE THE EXAM?

If you are an entering freshman, you are required to take the math placement exam unless you have taken an Advanced Placement (AP) calculus course, in which case you should contact Dr. Mugno.  If you have taken the AP exam and scored 3 or more on the AB exam or on the BC exam, you will receive credit for Calculus I (MAT 150).  A score of 4 or better on the BC exam gives you additional credit for Calculus II (MAT 151).

If you are a transfer student, you must take the placement exam unless you have transfer credit equivalent to some mathematics course offered at SCSU.  If you have received transfer credit, please contact Dr. Mugno.  If you took a mathematics placement exam at one of the other CSU campuses, contact Dr. Mugno about having your placement scores sent to Southern.

 

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 at the CCSU website.
  • 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. Mugno if you wish to repeat the exam.