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. 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 improve their mathematics placement.
When can I take the placement test?
The optional math placement test can be taken online whenever it is convenient for you. The test will not take longer than 2 hours but students should be sure to allow enough time to be able to do their best.
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 request a re-take by emailing us at
[email protected] and must pay the $20 fee before you can take the test.
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 for testing?
When you are ready to begin the online testing, please have a
photo ID, paper and a writing utensil ready, and be able to work in a
quiet space. You may use a non-graphing calculator.
How long is the placement test?
The placement testing program contains 3 tests:
- Test A (College Algebra readiness) contains 30 questions and has a time allowance of 60 minutes.
- Test B (Pre-Calculus readiness) contains 20 questions and has a time allowance of 40 minutes.
- Test C (Calculus readiness) has 10 questions and has a time allowance of 20 minutes.
Students who need to complete all three tests should allow 2 hours to complete the testing. Students may take a break in between tests but results will not be available until testing is complete.
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].