Math Placement Test
The purpose of the Math Placement Test is to assist you in determining the level of math class for which you are most appropriately prepared. It is not a pass/fail exam. This test is a tool to help you plan a successful academic career. The Math Placement Test may be taken at WSU Vancouver regardless of which Washington university you attend. You will have 1 hour to complete the exam. Please plan to be at the test site for at least 2 hours.
Before beginning the test, you will be given a choice of taking the Advanced or Intermediate version. Intermediate tests are for those who plan to take pre-calculus level courses and Advanced are for those who plan to take calculus level courses.
For the purposes of establishing math placement, WSU Vancouver accepts scores from any of the following tests provided they were taken no more than 3 years before the start of term.
- The Intermediate or Advanced Math Placement Test, offered at WSU Vancouver or at numerous testing sites across the state
- The quantitative portion of the SAT
- Either the AB or BC version of the College Board Advanced Placement Exam for calculus
- The mathematics portion of the ACT (because WSU Vancouver receives only a combined ACT score, you must provide a copy of your ACT score report)
Students may also place into [N] designated (math or statistics) classes by completing course(s) listed as prerequisites in the course catalog. Prerequisite courses completed with a C or better at WSU Vancouver or equivalent transfer coursework will fulfill these prerequisites.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Always check with your advisor regarding which math course, or sequence of math courses, you should take.
How can I prepare to complete the Math Placement Test?
The Academic Placement Testing Program (ATPT) is a cooperative program of Washington State post-secondary institutions. This statewide testing organization offers a sample test for preparation purposes.
MyWSU checks the SAT and AP scores so new students will not be able to register for classes unless they have an appropriate score in the system.
| WSU Math Course Eligibility (1) | Math Placement Test | SAT Math (2) | ACT Math (2) | College Board A.P. AB Test | Prerequisite Course Completion (minimum grade of C required) | |
| Intermediate | Advanced | |||||
| Preparatory Math Not offered at WSU Vancouver(3) |
0-9 | 0-4 | Students with a math SAT score less than 500 are required to take the math placement test to determine the appropriate math placement. | |||
| Math 103: College Algebra | 10 | 5 | ||||
| Math 105 [N]: Exploring Mathematics | 15 | 10 | 500 | 18 | N/A | Math 103 or transfer equivalent of Math 101(3) |
| Math 212 [N]: Stat Intro | 15 | 10 | 500 | 18 | N/A | |
| Math 107: Precalculus | 20 | 12 | 530 | 22 | N/A | |
| Math 201: Precalculus for Business Majors | 20 | 12 | 530 | 22 | N/A | |
| Math 251: Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers I | 20 | 12 | 530 | 22 | N/A | |
| Math 202 [N]: Calculus for Business & Economics | 30 | 17 | 630 | 27 | N/A | Math 201 |
| Math 140 [N]: Calculus for Life Science Majors | N/A | 20 | 680 | 30 | WSU Vancouver gives credit for MATH 140 to students with a 3-5 on the Calculus "AB" AP test | Math 107 |
| Math 171 [N]: Calculus I | N/A | 20 | 680 | 30 | WSU Vancouver gives credit for MATH 171 to students with a 3-5 on the Calculus "AB" AP test | Math 107 |
| Math 172: Calculus II | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | WSU Vancouver gives credit for MATH 172 to students with a 3-5 on the Calculus "BC" AP test | Math 171 |
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(1) IMPORTANT NOTE: Always check with your advisor regarding which math course, or sequence of math courses, you should take. (2) A copy of the ACT score report must be provided to Admissions in order to use ACT scores for placement. (3) Preparatory math courses are offered on the Vancouver campus through Clark College and at other community colleges. |
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Date, Location, Time
Washington State University offers the Math Placement Test several times throughout the year:
Fall 2009 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Day | Date | Time | Location |
| Wednesday | October 28, 2009 | 10:00 a.m. | Multimedia Classroom Building (VMMC), Room 219 |
| Friday | November 20, 2009 | 10:00 a.m. | Multimedia Classroom Building (VMMC), Room 6 |
| Friday | December 4, 2009 | 10:00 a.m. | Multimedia Classroom Building (VMMC), Room 6 |
Spring 2010 |
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| Day | Date | Time | Location |
| Tuesday | January 5, 2010 | 1:00 p.m. | To be determined |
| Wednesday | April 28, 2010 | 10:00 a.m. | To be determined |
Summer 2010 |
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| Day | Date | Time | Location |
| Tuesday | May 18, 2010 | 1:00 p.m. | To be determined |
| Wednesday | June 16, 2010 | 10:00 a.m. | To be determined |
| Monday | June 21, 2010 | 1:00 p.m. | To be determined |
| Tuesday | June 22, 2010 | 10:00 a.m. | To be determined |
| Wednesday | July 14, 2010 | 10:00 a.m. | To be determined |
| Monday | July 26, 2010 | 1:00 p.m. | To be determined |
| Tuesday | July 27, 2010 | 1:00 p.m. | To be determined |
| Tuesday | August 3, 2010 | 1:00 p.m. | To be determined |
| Monday | August 16, 2010 | 1:00 p.m. | To be determined |
Fall 2010 |
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| Day | Date | Time | Location |
| Wednesday | October 27, 2010 | 10:00 a.m. | To be determined |
| Friday | November 19, 2010 | 10:00 a.m. | To be determined |
| Friday | December 3, 2010 | 10:00 a.m. | To be determined |
Directions to campus: If you are not familiar with our campus, visit our campus location and directions page.
Fee
There is a $25.00 fee per test, which must be paid BEFORE the test and through the Cashier's Office during office hours. You do have the option to pay by credit card over the phone (360-546-9593).
Please note: The proctor will accept a personal check for the amount of the test only. Cash or credit card will not be accepted at the door.
Arriving for the test
- A picture ID is required before taking each test.
- You MUST bring your college student number. This information is not optional.
- There will be no admittance after the test has begun.
- Personal items will be stored away from the student.
- Cell phones need to be turned off.
- You will need at least two #2 pencils and an eraser. Scratch paper will be provided.
- No aids of any kind (ie: calculators, slide rules) will be allowed.
How do I register for the Math Placement Test?
After you complete the form below, you will receive a scheduling confirmation email approximately 2 business days prior to your testing date.
Further questions or comments?
Contact:
Student Resource Center
Washington State University Vancouver
14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave
Vancouver, WA 98686
360-546-9155