Frequently Asked Questions About Math Placement:
When should I take my required math course?
Every student will need to take at least one math course. Please follow the timetable below:
What is Math Placement?
Banner will not permit you to take anything above MATH 020 without taking the Math Placement test. Math Placement tests are given at Freshmen Orientation.
Every student must take a math placement test and a math course. Math placement is based on: score on the Accuplacer test and a student’s major. A high enough score will place students into their required course. Lower scores will place students into one or two additional developmental algebra courses (MATH020 or MATH100) before heading to the required course. Examples of required courses are:
Mathematics and Physics majors take MATH211 (Calculus).
Most other science majors take MATH105 (College Algebra) and MATH106 (Trigonometry), before possibly continuing to MATH211 (Calculus). Some freshmne who score very well on the placement tests, take the accelerated MATH107 (Precalculus) instead of 105/106.
Most education majors (especially El Ed) take MATH110 (Math Reasoning)
Nursing majors take MATH260 (Elements of Statistics).
Business Administration students take MATH150 (Applied).
Most other students, and all General Studies students, take MATH104 (Finite Mathematics) (Students should consult their advisors.)
Can I study for the placement exam?
· Yes. If you wish to refresh your math before the exam, study arithmetic and algebra. In particular, negative numbers, fractions, order of operations, exponents, factoring, graphing, equations,... Or get the Accuplacer Study App from itunes for your iPhone, iPod or iPad. Science students take the CLM (College Level Math), and all students take the ELALG (Elementary Algebra).
Where is the test given? Can I take it at home?
· The test is proctored and must be taken at one of our campuses (main campus in Edinboro, Erie, or Meadville) during a group session.
· No, as it must be proctored, the test can not be taken at home, only on campus.
Can I make-up the exam if I didn't take it at orientation? If so, when?
· If you missed the exam at orientation, come to a scheduled make-up session (see times at http://users.edinboro.edu/quinna/place_makeup.htm). Group tests are scheduled during registration periods (October, March, and May) and during orientations (June and January). We do not make individual appointments.
· If you change your major, your placement may need to change. Email Dr. Quinn at quinna@edinboro.edu to discuss.
Can I retake the test if I don't like my placement?
Students take the test only once. So please take it seriously. It will determine if you are required to take extra math courses.
If you can prove that the test doesn't accurately reflect your abilities (for example, by providing a transcript that shows excellent mastery of algebra), then you may be allowed a second try, during one of our make-up exam times. (Please bring your transcript with you as we do not have them on file in our department.)
BEFORE YOU BEGIN CLASSES HERE: If you want to appeal and retest, you can do this once -- provided you show us transcripts of past math success that indicate you should be placed higher. Once you've started courses here, you can not retest; you can only test out (see next point).
ONCE YOU'VE BEGUN CLASSES: It is too late to retest. The only way to bypass MATH020 (Basic Algebra) or MATH100 (Intermediate Algebra) as a prereq is to pass out by examination. (This is a different test than the placement exam. It also requires a $75 fee. You have one chance to take this test, and if you pass, you will receive credit for the class you are bypassing.)
We don't allow third attempts on the placement exam, and we do not override the results of the placement exam.
How do I know my placement?
· Placement is made at the end of the test. You will get a printout. Please keep this and/or record the result for future reference.
· If you get a “prereq” error when trying to schedule, you were not placed to take this class. You were probably placed for MATH020 (Basic Algebra) or MATH100 (Intermediate Algebra). For further information on your placement, come see one of our advisors at a make-up sessions.
Is “placement” the same as “scheduling”?
· No. Once you’ve been told what class we suggest for you, you must pick the time slot and actually schedule it.
If my major calls for MATH104, Finite Mathematics, but I wish to take a harder class, can I do so?
· Your score and your major may automatically place you for MATH104. However, with the permission of your advisor and of the Placement Director Dr Quinn (quinna@edinboro.edu), you may be allowed to schedule for a more advanced course.
Can I test out of MATH104?
· As with any college course, you may pass a course by exam. Forms and procedures are available at Records and Registration or in the Mathematics Department.
What is covered in MATH104?
· Starting in Fall of 2010, MATH 104 will be covering Mathematics of Finance, Sets, Probability, Statistics, and several other topics (chosen from: Number Theory, Mathematical Systems, Graph Theory, Advanced Probability, Correlation, Regression, Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities, Logic, Voting and Apportionment, and Advanced Geometry).
Is algebra required for MATH104?
· Yes, algebra is required for most of the topics in Finite. Students are expected to be proficient with formulas and deductive reasoning at the beginning of the course.
· Based on placement testing, some students who have never mastered high school algebra (or who do not remember it) will be required to take either one or two algebra courses ( MATH020 , MATH100) in order to prepare for their first college math course (usually MATH104, 105, 107, or 110).
Where can I find a tutor?
· We have free tutoring about 20 hours a week every semester, staffed by our majors. The schedule is listed in Doucette Hall, second floor, near your math classroom.