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Entry into mathematics classes is by some combination of ACT or SAT math score, placement test score, and previous college-level math classes. If your ACT math score is less than 19 (SAT math less than 520) and you have no college-level math credits, then you should take the math placement test.
Walk-in hours for the placement test are 10 am to 2 pm Wednesdays and Thursdays whenever the university is open (you have until 4 pm to finish your test). Other times are available by appointment-- call 734-487-4474 or go to 508 Pray-Harrold. To take the placement test, go to 508 Pray-Harrold-- or call 734-487-4474 to find out about options for taking it elsewhere.
For more information, explore the frequently asked questions below:
Q1: What exactly is the placement test?
Q2: Do I need to take the placement test?
Q3: Are there math placement advisors available?
Q4: Which subtests should I take?
Q5: How do I go about taking the placement exam?
Q6: What should I bring with me to take the test?
Q7: How long does the test take?
Q8: Can I take the test more than once?
Q9: Are there any study materials available for the placement test?
Q10: What math skills should I study for the placement test?
Q11: What score do I need on the placement test?
Q12: What happens if I don't pass the placement test?
Q13: What if my ACT math score is 19 or higher?
Q1: What exactly is the placement test?
The placement test consists of three computerized subtests: Arithmetic, Beginning Algebra and College Level Mathematics. Each subtest has between 12 and 20 questions.
Q2: Do I need to take the placement exam?
If your Math ACT score is less than19 or your Math ACT testing date is more than 3 years old, then you need to take the placement test to determine the appropriate mathematics course.
Q3: Are there math placement advisors available?
If you have any questions about the placement exam or your placement into a course, contact Dr. Chris Gardiner or Elaine Richards.
Q4:Which subtest should I take?
When you go to the testing center, the test lab assistant will refer to your "Math Placement Authorization Form" (pink form available in the Developmental Mathematics Advising Area, 508 Pray-Harrold) for the subtest(s) that best fit your skill level.
Q5:How do I go about taking the placement exam?
You need a Math Placement Authorization Form (pink form) which you can get in the Developmental Mathematics Area, 508 Pray-Harrold. An advisor will send you to the math placement testing room, 503-Pray-Harrold.
Q6: What should I bring with me to take the test?
You must bring your Math Placement Authorization Form, a picture ID, and some sharpened pencils. Calculators are not allowed.
Q7: How long does the test take?
This is NOT a timed test, so you can feel comfortable to take your time. The placement test can take from 20 minutes to 90 minutes depending on your level of anxiety and skill. You should not take the test if you have less than one hour of time available. The test is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Q8: Can I take the test more than once?
You may take each subtest up to three times as long as they are spaced at least 30 days apart.
Q9: Are there any study materials available for the placement exam?
There are several places you can go to get study materials:
- You can download practice questions for each of the subtests:
- practice questions for the arithmetic and algebra subtest
- practice questions for the arithmetic subtest
- practice questions for the algebra subtest
- practice questions for the college level math subtest
- In addition, hard copies of study materials for the arithmetic and algebra subtests are available from advisors in suite 508-Pray Harrold.
- You can download sample questions from the organization that actually makes the test by clicking here.
Q10: What math skills should I study for the placement exam?
TO BE PLACED INTO: Math 104, 108, 118, 150, 170- Add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers and decimals.
- Solve simple word problems involving the above operations and numbers.
- Make comparisons and perform calculations with fractions, decimals, and percents.
- Solve multiple-step word problems involving fractions, decimals, ratio, percents, average, and proportional reasoning.
- Solve word problems involving perimeter and area.
- Find square roots.
- Solve simple equations using a variable.
- Understand order relationships between signed numbers.
- Perform simple operations with negative and positive integers.
- Know and understand the order of operations.
- Perform simple operations with radicals.
- Factor polynomials and quadratic expressions.
- Solve simple quadratic equations by factoring.
- Perform simple operations with polynomials.
- Solve simple rational equations.
- Simplify and evaluate algebraic expressions.
- Graph linear equations.
- Solve word problems involving algebraic principles.
- All of the above plus
- Solve systems of linear equations (equalities) with two variables by graphing and/or algebraic manipulation.
- Manipulate factors to simplify complex fractions.
- Work with algebraic expressions involving real number exponents.
- Solve absolute value equations.
- Graph simple parabolas.
- Have a basic understanding of function notation, such as determining the value of a function for a specific number in the domain.
- Show a limited understanding of the concept of function on a more sophisticated level, such as determining the value of the composition of two functions.
- Have a rudimentary understanding of coordinate geometry.
- Have a rudimentary understanding of exponential functions and logarithmic functions.
- All of the above plus
- Understand polynomial functions.
- Evaluate and simplify expressions involving functional notation, including composition of functions.
- Solve simple equations involving trigonometric functions, logarithmic functions, and exponential functions.
- All of the above plus
- Perform algebraic operations and solve equations with complex numbers.
- Understand the relationship between exponents and logarithms and the rules that govern the manipulation of logarithms and exponents.
- Understand trigonometric functions and their inverses.
- Solve trigonometric equations.
- Manipulate trigonometric identities.
- Recognize graphical properties of functions such as: absolute value, quadratic functions, and logarithmic functions.
Q11: What score do I need on the placement exam?
| To place into | Minimum score |
| Math 098/098A | Arithmetic ≥ 100 points |
| MATH 104, 108, 110, 110E, 118, 170 | Algebra ≥ 83 points |
| MATH 105, 107, 119 | College Level ≥ 53 points |
| MATH 112 | College Level ≥ 73 points |
| MATH 120, 122 | College Level ≥ 93 points |
Q12: What happens if I don't pass the placement test?
If you don't pass the placement test, you will want to speak with one of the advisors in our developmental mathematics program. The developmental mathematics program offers two courses, MATH 097 and MATH 098, that provide a supportive environment for students to focus on beginning arithmetic and algebra concepts. Many students report that the developmental mathematics program provided them with the necessary skills and confidence that they needed to be successful in other math classes. Elaine Richards coordinates the developmental mathematics program. You can email or call 487-4474. You can download an information sheet about developmental math.
Q13: What if my ACT math score is 19 or higher?
If your ACT math score is 19 or higher, you may still want to take the placement exam. See the table for classes you can take based on your ACT score. To test to a higher level, you can take the placement test.
| Placement Level | ACT math score | courses you can register for |
| 3 | 19-22 | MATH 104, 108, 110, 110E, 118, OR 170 |
| 4 | 23-25 | any of the above, OR MATH 105 OR 107 |
| 5 | 26-37 | any of the above, OR MATH 112 |
| 6 | 28-36 | any of the above, OR MATH 120 OR MATH 122 |
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