Mathematics Placement Testing

The MATHEMATICS PLACEMENT TEST

Mathematics placement at SCSU is designed to assist you in starting your mathematics study at the appropriate level. Because research shows that students who enter courses at the proper level are more successful in college, a satisfactory ACT math score is required for enrollment in entry-level mathematics or statistics courses (MATH 072, 112, 113, 115, 171, 193, 196 and STAT 193, 219, 229). Students that have not taken the ACT exam will need to either (i) earn a sufficient score on the SCSU mathematics placement test or (ii) provide documented evidence of successful completion of prerequisite course work before they may enroll in one of these courses. In addition, note these important points:

1. Any student may enroll in MATH 070, Basic Math Concepts.

2. To enroll directly in a calculus course, MATH 211 or MATH 221, or in MATH 113 or in STAT 229, you must take and earn a satisfactory score on the calculus readiness test.

3. Students that do not believe their ACT math score accurately reflects their mathematical preparedness may also take the mathematics placement test before enrolling in their first math course at SCSU.

4. Though there is no fee, a student must have an appointment to take a placement exam.

COURSES REQUIRING PLACEMENT TESTING or EXEMPTION

STAT 193, 219, 229

MATH 072, 112, 113, 115, 193, 196, 201, 211, 221

CHECK this CHART to see if you are qualified for the course you wish to take.

MATH 072

MATH 193

STAT 193

MATH 112

MATH 196

MATH 201

MATH 115

STAT 219

ACT math score minimum

For course descriptions in the undergraduate bulletin for Math courses go to http://bulletin.stcloudstate.edu/courses.asp?deptCode=math

For course descriptions in the undergraduate bulletin for Stat courses go to http://bulletin.stcloudstate.edu/courses.asp?deptCode=stat

If you have taken or are currently taking a math course you must follow the sequential order recommended by the math department. You are no longer eligible to test to enroll in a higher level math course.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR PLACEMENT TESTING

To make appointment Remember: Appointments are necessary, and space is limited.

NOTE: These appointments are NOT for students attending Advising Days.

PLACEMENT POLICY

- A student may take a math placement test no more than twice in a 12 month period.

- A student who is currently taking or has taken a math course may not retake a placement exam for a higher course placement. Once you are enrolled or have taken a math course a placement score will not allow you to change to a higher course.

Students who have tested at SCSU within the past two years or successfully completed (with a grade of C- or better) prerequisite courses need not retake the test.

TO VIEW YOUR PLACEMENT SCORE

Access SCSU online registration system.
Click on "Grades and Transcripts" tab on the left hand side of the page. (Under Student e-Services).
Click on "Degree Audit Report" tab also on the left hand side of the page. (Under Grades and Transcripts).
Scroll down on this page to the section labled "Legend".
Underneath the "Legend" section are all test scores including your placement score.
Refer to placements documents below to determine which course you should take.

PLACEMENT ADVISING

- Major program advice on Math or Stat requirements (PDF format)

- ACT placement advice

- Placement advise based upon placement Score (PDF format)

Note:

- ACCUPLACER scores are valid for two years

- ACT scores are valid for five years.

REVIEW RESOURCES

If you need to brush up your skills before enrolling in college, Mindquest Academy offers online classes to Minnesota adults who may not be college-ready.

Practice placement tests from various universities:

Some helpful practice tests are available at: