Due to unavoidable issues with the online assessment, mathematics placement for Spring 2010 will be conducted using a paper and pencil test.

All tests will be administered in Owens G01 and G02.

Mathematics Placement Exam (MPE) Dates:

Friday 10/16/2009 at 2:00 p.m.

Friday 12/4/2009 at 2:00 p.m.

Friday 1/8/2010 at 3:00 p.m.  

 General Procedures:

All students who want to register for MATH101, MATH105, MATH151, or MATH201 must take the MPE or meet the prerequisite requirements through coursework.

Each student will receive a report before leaving the exam area that indicates his/her readiness for MATH courses. This report will indicate one the following:

·   Student is ready for MATH105, MATH201*, or beyond.

·   Student is ready for MATH101 or MATH151.

·   Student is ready for MATH151.

·   Student is not ready for a course requiring algebraic competency.

*Note: Registration for MATH201 requires demonstration of competency in trigonometry. This can be demonstrated three ways: (a) an appropriate score on the trigonometry section of the placement test, (b) successful completion of MATH101 with a grade of C or better in Fall 2009 or beyond), or (c) enrollment in MATH104 as a co-requisite for MATH201.

Other Important Information

·   Students registering for MATH150 do not need to take the MPE.

·   Students are not required to register to take the exam.

·   Calculators and other electronic devices (such as cell phones) are not permitted in the exam area.

·   Students are expected to bring a pencil for use on the exam.

·   Students can prepare in advance for the exam by looking at the topics listed below and using the suggested resources.

Placing into MATH105, MATH201, or beyond

·   Typically these students have successfully completed a high school or technical school pre-calculus and/or calculus course in the past 6 months.

·   These students demonstrate a solid background in a) algebraic manipulation skills, b) multiple representations for functions, and c) problem solving skills.

 Placing into MATH101

·   Typically these students have been successful in both high school Algebra I and Algebra II or have experience in college algebra from a technical school in the past 6 months.

·   These students demonstrate a working knowledge of a) algebraic manipulation skills and b) multiple representations for functions (including rational functions).

 Placing into MATH151

·   Typically these students have been successful in high school Algebra or have experience in basic and/or intermediate algebra from a technical school in the past 6 months.

·   These students demonstrate a working knowledge of algebraic manipulation skills.

Options for Reviewing Basic Skills Required for Placement into MATH101 or MATH151

The Mathematics Department does not endorse the options below.  These options have been identified because they contain topics that are covered by the MPE.

·   The free tutorial available for download at www.xyalgebra.com.  

·   http://www.sosmath.com/cyberexam/algebra/test.html  (practice problems)

·   http://www.math.unt.edu/mathlab/emathlab/practice_tests.htm (see FAQ for information on particular mathematical topics) or http://www.huntington.edu/math/Accuplacer/index.htm (practice problems)

·   http://www.miracosta.cc.ca.us/Instruction/Mathematics/brushuptests.htm (practice problems)

·   http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Extras/AlgebraTrigReview/AlgebraTrigIntro.aspx  (tutorial and practice problems)

·   Purchase review book for intermediate or college algebra from a local bookstore and complete exercises.