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Math Placement Testing Information and Schedule

NOTE: You must know your G Number before you can take the Math Placement Test.

Don't see your question addressed? Call 703.993.1460

What is the Math Placement Test?

The Math Placement Test determines readiness for one of eight GMU courses. These are the most elementary math course MATH 106; the more advanced non-calculus math courses MATH 110, MATH 111, MATH 112 and MATH 125; the calculus courses MATH 108 (business calculus) and MATH 113 (more advanced calculus); and CS 112. The test covers four different areas of math: pre-algebra, algebra, college algebra, trigonometry. In the interest of time, not all students are given questions from all areas. When you begin the test, you will be asked which math course you are trying to test into. Your answer will determine what kinds of questions you will be given. Students who want to take Math 106, 110 or 111 will be given questions in the pre-algebra area only. Students who want MATH 108, MATH 112 or MATH 125 will be given questions in the algebra and college algebra area. Students who want MATH 113 or CS 112 will be given questions in the algebra, college algebra, and trigonometry areas.

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Math Placement Schedule

 

You do not register to take the math placement test.  Just show up during the times

offered and bring your photo ID.

Please arrive 30 minutes before the testing session is over. 

If you are taking the Math 113 test, please arrive 1 hour before the testing session is over.

 

 

Date

Time

Location

     
Friday, May 9 3:00pm-5:00pm Innovation Hall, room 326
Monday, May 12 3:00pm-5:00pm Innovation Hall, room 333
Thursday, May 15 5:00pm-7:00pm - *New time* Innovation Hall, room 327
Monday, May 19 12:00pm-2:30pm Innovation Hall, room 327
Tuesday, May 20 2:00pm-4:00pm Innovation Hall, room 328
Friday, May 23 12:00pm-3:30pm Innovation Hall, room 327
Tuesday, June 3 2:00pm-4:00pm Innovation Hall, room 328
Wednesday, June 4 5:00pm-7:00pm Innovation Hall, room 222
Friday, June 6 2:00pm-5:00pm Innovation Hall, room 327
Monday, June 9 5:00pm-7:00pm Innovation Hall, room 222
Wednesday, June 11 2:00pm-5:00pm Innovation Hall, room 328
Monday, June 30 12:00pm-2:30pm Innovation Hall, room 328
Tuesday, July 1 2:00pm-4:00pm Innovation Hall, room 328
Monday, July 7 12:45pm-3:00pm Innovation Hall, room 333
Tuesday, July 8 3:00pm-4:30pm Innovation Hall, room 223

* May 15th time changed due to 2008 Covocation.

 

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What Should I Bring With Me to the Test?

  • Bring a picture ID.

  • Students without proper identification will not be permitted into the testing location.

  • Bring pencil or pen.

  • Math 113 test takers - please arrive as close to the start time as possible.

  • Hand-held calculators are not allowed. However, an on-screen calculator is built in to the test and may be used.

  • Please know which course you are testing into.

  • Only G Numbers will be used to identify students when they enter information into the test program. You must have your G Number.

  • Incoming students will have a chance to take the Math Placement test during orientation.

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Who is Exempt From the Math Placement Test?

You do not have to take the math placement test if you have met the university quantitative reasoning requirement and you do not take any additional math courses. You have met the requirement if you:

  • Receive a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB exam. You will receive 4 credits for MATH 113. (If you wish to take more math, you may enroll directly in MATH 114.)

  • Receive a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus BC exam. You will receive 8 credits for MATH 113 and 114.

  • Receive transfer credit for a math course you took at another institution.    (READ NOTE BELOW);

  • Successfully complete NCLC 110 and NCLC 120 in New Century College;  (READ NOTE BELOW).

  • Successfully complete HNRS 125 in the Honors Program in General Education;

 

Note:  Even if you have met the university quantitative reasoning requirement, you do have to take the Math Placement Test if you plan to take additional math courses such as MATH 105, 108, 112, 113, or 125. The Placement Test is necessary to determine your readiness for the course.

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Which Math Course Should I Take?

If you are undecided about your major, but have good math skills and are interested in taking math, science, and computer science courses, you are encouraged to take the math placement test for calculus, MATH 113.

Other students are advised to take the placement test for MATH 110, 111. Your scores will indicate your readiness for these courses or indicate that you should take MATH 106. Students are urged to consult with an academic advisor to help decide which math course would be best for them.

 

COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Health Science; Nursing (BSN)

STAT 250

Social Work

Math 106 or higher

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Administration of Justice

Math 108, 110, 111, 113 or 125, STAT 250

Anthropology

Math 106, 110, 111 or 113

Art History

Math 106, 110, 111 or 113

Communication

Math 106, 108, 110, 111, 113 or 125

Economics (BA)

Math 108

Economics (BS)

Math 113

English

Math 106, 108, 110, 111, 113 or 125

Government and International Politics

Math 106, 110, 111 or 113

History

Math 106

Individualized Study

Math 106

Modern and Classical Languages

Math 106, 110, 111, or 113

Philosophy

Math 106, 110, 111 or 113

Psychology (BA)

Math 106 or 110

Psychology (BS)

Non-Calculus path: Math 110, 111 or STAT 250
Calculus path: Math 108 or 113

Public Administration

Math 106, 110, 111, 113

Religious Studies

Math 106, 108, 110, 111, 113, 115, 125

Russian Studies

Math 106, 110, 111 or 113

Sociology

Math 106, 110, 111 or 113

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

Astronomy

Math 113

Biology (BA)

Stat 250

Biology (BS)

Math 110 or STAT 250

Chemistry

Math 113

Earth Science (BA)

Math 110, 111 or 113

Earth Science (BS)

Math 113

Geography (BA)

Math 106, 110, 111 or 113

Geography (BS)

Math 113

Geology

Math 110, 111 or 113

Mathematics

Math 113

Medical Technology

Math 110 or STAT 250

Physics

Math 113

COLLEGE OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Art Studio; Art & Visual Technology; Dance; Theater

Basic math skills: Math 106
Good math skills: Math 110, 111 or 113

Music

Math 106, 110, 111 or 113

INSTITUTE FOR CONFLICT ANALYSIS AND RESOLUTION

Conflict Analysis and Resolution

Math 106 or STAT 250

NEW CENTURY COLLEGE

Integrative Studies

None for non-transferring freshman

Interdisciplinary Studies

Math 106 (higher levels may be needed for certain concentrations)

SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

ALL MAJORS

Math 108

SCHOOL OF RECREATION, HEALTH & TOURISM

Athletic Training (BS); HFRR (BS)

Stat 250

Physical Education (BSED)

Math 106

VOLGENAU SCHOOL OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING

Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Syste ms Engineering, Civil and Infrastructure, Undeclared IT&E

Math 113

Information Technology (BS)

Math 108

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Can I Earn Credit?

No. The purpose of the Math Placement Test is to determine if you are prepared to take a particular course. You cannot use it to get credit or a waiver for any course.

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What Score do I Need?

Ensure what math course you need to take. For Math 105, see special comments. Then...

Course

 

Score

 

     Options without that score:
     Retake the test after one week, OR:

Math 106

 

Pre-Algebra:
65 or more

 

 

Take the Basic Math Program offered through the mathematics learning center. Enroll in Math 106 upon successful completion.

 

_____________________________________________________________________

Math 110, 111 and STAT 250

 

Pre-Algebra:
75 or more

 

 

Take the Basic Math Program offered through the mathematics learning center. Enroll in Math 110, 111 or STAT 250 upon successful completion.

_____________________________________________________________________

Math 108,
112, and 125

 

Algebra:
65 or more

&

College Algebra:

50 or more

 

 

Take the Algebra Math Program offered through the mathematics learning center. Enroll in Math 108, 112 or 125 upon successful completion.

 

_____________________________________________________________________

Math 113

 

Algebra:

65 or more

&
College Algebra:
65 or more

&
Trigonometry:
65 or more

 

 

Less than 50 college algebra:

Take the Algebra Math Program offered through the mathematics learning center. Enroll in Math 105. Then enroll in Math 113 after achieving a grade of C or better in Math 105.

More than 50 in college algebra, but did not pass the trigonometry:  Take Math 105, then after achieving a grade of C or better, you then would enroll in Math 113.

 

_____________________________________________________________________

Math 105

 

Algebra:

65 or more

&

College Algebra:

50 or more

 

 

Take the Algebra Math Program offered through the mathematics learning center. Enroll in Math 105 upon successful completion.

 

_____________________________________________________________________

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Policies for the Math Placement Test

  • Students must present a current photo ID in order to take the test and know their G Numbers.

  • Paper and pencil can be used.

  • Hand-held calculators are not allowed. However, an on-screen calculator is built in to the test and may be used.

  • There is no time limit for completing the test.

  • Students may only take the test three times per semester.

  • Students who wish to retake the test are advised to wait at least one week so that they can sufficiently study the appropriate material.

  • The score on the placement test will be valid for the following two semesters, not counting the summer.

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What is the Test Like?

"A Guide to the Placement Test" is available in the Johnson Center Bookstore. It has sample problems, solutions and review of the material on the placement test.

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Comments on Math 105

If it is your aim to take Math 113, but you wish to take Math 105 first, you must still take the Math 113 placement test. If you score 50 or above in the College Algebra section but are unable to pass the Trigonometry section, you will be allowed to take Math 105.  If you do not score well enough to place into Math 105, you may either study the appropriate material and take the placement test again or you may take the Algebra Program offered through the Mathematics Learning Center.

If it is your aim to take Math 108, you should not take Math 105 since this course will cover many advanced topics that you will not need for MATH 108.

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Helpful Links

Math Learning Center

Math Tutoring Center

Math Department

 

 

 
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