Placement in a course with the appropriate level of challenge is vital to your success. Your initial placement in math courses at the University of Findlay will be determined by your ACT/ SAT math sub score. Students will be notified by email of their initial placement. If a student has earned transfer credit for math courses, that college transfer credit will take precedence over the placement score when scheduling for classes.
Who takes this test?
The mathematics placement test is optional. Students may choose to take a mathematics placement test virtually to try to change their mathematics placement.
- If your ACT score is 24-27/ SAT is 580 - 659, you will be taking the Calculus Readiness Test.
- If your ACT score is less than 24/ SAT is less than 580, you will be taking the Algebra Skills Test. (A high score on this test may give you the opportunity to take the Calculus Readiness Test.)
When can I take the placement test?
The optional math placement test is scheduled ahead of your New Student Registration session.
There is a re-test option, but there is a fee to repeat the placement test. To be eligible for this re-take, you (the student) must pre-register for the test at least 48-hours ahead and pay the $20 fee before you can take the test. You can pre-register by emailing us at [email protected].
Enforcement of the mathematics placement
Students will not be allowed to take a course above their mathematics placement. This policy is strictly enforced for the benefit of each individual student. Past experiences have clearly shown that students who have taken a course above their mathematics placement have done worse than students who placed into the course. Students are encouraged to take the placement test virtually if they believe their placement is inappropriately low.
Students are allowed to take any course below their placement.
Mathematics faculty are frequently asked why high school grades are not used toward first-year placement. Our data shows that we cannot account for the variability of instruction taking place across the many school districts from which students graduate.
How do I prepare for the math placement test?
If you choose to take the placement test, you should take some time to prepare for it. Your score on the test will determine how many semesters of math you will need to take to earn your degree. The math placement test is testing your knowledge of concepts in algebra, trigonometry and precalculus. You should review any of these areas that you have studied in the past.
Since it may have been a year or two since you have had some of this content, please take the time to look at the review material listed above. The math placement test is testing your knowledge of algebra, precalculus, and trigonometry. If there are any of these areas in which you feel weak, there are many good websites to help you. Some of these include http://www.themathpage.com and https://www.khanacademy.org/.
What do I need to bring?
No calculators are permitted for the math placement test. You should bring writing utensils with you to the exam.
How long is the placement test?
In the Algebra Skills Test, there are 32 questions. You will be allowed 90 minutes.
The Calculus Readiness Test contains 2 parts. In part 1, there are 20 questions and you will be allowed 90 minutes. There will be 5 questions on part 2 and you will be allowed 45 minutes.
What if I have college credit for a math class already?
If you believe that you have transfer credit, be sure to discuss this with your advisor when scheduling classes. Unless UF has received your official transcript and transfer credit has been approved, your initial math placement will be used for the scheduling of classes.'
Please note that only college credit for precalculus, college algebra, or calculus meets the prerequisites for UF math classes. College credit for statistics does not determine your placement.
What if I have taken the AP test in mathematics?
Unless you have received your AP scores and know that you have college credit for calculus, your initial math placement will be used for the scheduling of classes. Once your AP scores are reported to Findlay, your schedule can be adjusted as needed. Please check with your advisor about any possible schedule changes.
How long is my placement test score good for?
The placement score on the test is good for two years.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the math placement test, please email us at [email protected].