Placement | School of Mathematics and Statistical Sciences | SIU

All Math placement exams are designed to take 30 minutes to complete, but the time limit is set for 60 minutes.  Students needing an extension beyond that time band, or other accomodations, should contact Disability Services at 453-5738 or disabilityservices@siu.edu

You want to be placed in as high a level of Math as your placement score will allow. On one hand, you do not want to take a course (and spend tuition dollars) on a subject in which you already have proficiency.  On the other hand, you need to start at a level that will allow you to be successful. The course you will be allowed to register for is based on your score on the Math placement, Math requirements for your major, and in some cases, your prior math courses in college. There are 3 different Math placement tests. Everyone will start with Test 1, which will assess how well you do computation and some intermediate algebra. Several of our 100 level math courses have a "no calculator" policy so computation without the aid of a calculator is critical.

The class you register for depends on two main factors:  Your Major and your Placement Test Scores. Just because you placed into College Algebra (Math 108), doesn't’t mean you have to take it.   If you are an English major, you could take College Algebra, if you really love Math and have a high placement score.  But Contemporary Mathematics (Math 101) is all you need to take to get a degree in English.  The most important thing to do is to consult with your advisor about what Math class is required for your major.

We recommend that you take the test at least one week before your advising appointment. We strongly recommend you do some test preparation before your first attempt, particularly if you are used to using a calculator for computations involving fractions, signed numbers, etc. Everything you need to practice is in the Study Plan. Questions in the Study Plan are free response. That means you will have to work out the problem on paper and enter the answer (in the stated form). Learning aids appear alongside each problem. When you need assistance, help is just a click away.

The Browser Check walks you through installing the players you need to take your placement tests and access the multimedia learning resources in your study plan.    If you already have Flash and QuickTime installed, the Browser Check will ensure you have the most current versions.  At a minimum, you must have Flash installed so you can take your placement tests.  You will also need to allow pop-ups and enable cookies in your browser.  For more information about preparing your computer to access the Math Placement site go to the Support link on the navigation bar.

Each test consists of 20 problems, some multiple choice and some free response. You are expected to do all calculations by hand. No calculators please! There is a 75-minute time limit to complete and submit your test. You can move freely from problem to problem, just like you would on a paper exam. Have scratch paper handy...multiple choice does not mean multiple guess!  Warning: Do not open any additional windows while taking the test. If you do, the test will immediately close and you will lose your attempt.

The test will be graded instantly. Your score will appear on the screen along with a message explaining what the score means. In addition, an email will immediately be sent to you that contains more detailed course and registration information If your score is 12 (60%) or higher (and you wish to place into a course besides 101, 105, 107, 110,  or 120), you will be directed to take Test 2.   If you wish, you may retake Test 1 to get a higher score.  Only 2 retakes are allowed.

We will answer the easy question first. Test 2 can be taken immediately (provided your Test 1 score is 60% or higher). As for the retake.... that is up to you but you will probably do better if you wait a reasonable length of time --- at least a few days. Use that time to review your test results and go over the study plan. Test questions are regenerated and pooled from a large test bank. Don't expect to see the same 20 questions you saw on your first attempt.

Test 2 is for placement in College Algebra Enhanced (Math 106), College Algebra (Math 108) and Technical Mathematics (Math 125), and to qualify to take Test 3.  Take this test after successfully completing Test 1 if you are seeking placement in any course other than Math 101, 105, 107, 110, and 120.  It has the same format as Test 1: 20 questions in 75 minutes; instant messaging after test is submitted; if necessary, 3 attempts to achieve your desired score. If you have not taken an Algebra course recently, you should do some preparation work.

That depends on the Math requirements of your major and the highest score earned on a given test. If undecided about a major (as many of you are) then the rule of thumb we suggest is a) plan to take Math 106 (College Algebra Enhanced) or Math 108 (College Algebra) unless b) you expect to choose from majors that only require one core curriculum Math course (most often Math 101). Some of you may take all 3 tests.

Test 3 is for our highest Math placement. Take this test if you are seeking placement into Math 109 (Trigonometry), Math 111 (Pre-calculus), Math 139 (Finite Mathematics), Math 140 (Business Calculus), Math 150 (Calculus I), or Math 282.  In order to proceed to Test 3, you must have a score of 75% on Test 2.  Test 3 contains 20 advanced Algebra and Trigonometry questions.

We don't mean to be repetitive but "study plan, Study Plan, STUDY PLAN"! There is no such thing as being over prepared. If you have placed into Math 106, 107 or 108, be aware of the "No Calculator" policy. Make sure you can do computations involving fractions, decimals, basic roots, etc. without the aid of a calculator!