• About Us
• People
• Services
• Crisis Services
• Training
• Testing
  • Information
  • Tests
  • Scanning & Scoring
• Self Help Information
• Contact
• Home

• Parents

• Civic Engagement
• Safe Zone
• Pouncin' Around
• Division of Student Affairs
• Dean of Students
• APA

• Health Promotion
• Student Health Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about the Math Placement Test
1/17/2008 (last update)

Question: Why do I need to take a math placement test?

Answer: As you complete your course work toward a degree, you will need to take a math course to fulfill “Area A” requirements. The possible courses you might be required to take include: Math 1101 (Mathematical Modeling), Math 1111 (College Algebra), Math 1113 (Precalculus), Math 2211 (Calculus), etc. The best course for you depends on your major and your score on the placement test. You will not be able to register for any Area A math course without a placement test score or completion of a prerequisite course, except for Math 1101. Your score doesn’t affect your ability to register for such courses as Mathematical Modeling (Math 1101).

Question: I tried to register for a math class, but received an error message. What’s up?

Answer: Registration for math courses requires an appropriate placement test score or completion of a prerequisite course.

Question: What’s the math placement test like?

Answer: The test questions are multiple choice and will be administered on a computer. You answer one question at a time and you cannot return to a previous question. You are started in the Algebra subtest and if you do well it will automatically give you questions from the Trigonometry subtest.

Question: How long will the test take?

Answer: It will vary. The test is NOT timed. Most students will finish in about 30-45 minutes. Some students may need more time because they don’t like to rush and some students will need more time because they are being asked questions from each of the subtests.

Question: How soon will I get my results?

Answer: Immediately. As you leave the test you will be handed a print out containing your score & registration suggestions.

Question: Should I bring a calculator? How about pencil and paper?

Answer: You will be provided with pencil/paper & the test screen allows you access to an on-screen calculator. You may also use your own non-graphing calculator.

Question: Will the calculator look like a TI-82 or TI-83?

Answer: No. There are important differences. First, when you open the Windows calculator, you will be shown a standard calculator. BE CAREFUL. In complex expressions, the standard calculator does not conform to the usual order of operations. You may want to click the VIEW menu and switch to the scientific view. In the scientific mode, the “=” sign is comparable to the ENTER key. The calculator only shows one number at a time, unlike the TI calculators. Using the scientific calculator may only be helpful in a few problems, particularly those that require you to find roots & exponents. The x^y key can be used to raise values to rational & irrational powers, provided you put the complex exponents in parentheses. For example, the calculator can be used to raise 125 to the two-thirds power by using 125 x^y (2/3) =. If you have any problems, the calculator has a help key or you may raise your hand for help.

Question: How do I prepare for the test?

Answer: There is no need to prepare. Looking over a textbook for Algebra II, College Algebra or Trig, might calm your nerves, but is not necessary. Practicing with a Windows calculator may give you confidence. You want your score to place you appropriately, so that you will have the best opportunity to succeed in your first math course. You may want visit the following website to view some sample questions: www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html.

Question: I got a low score. Should I be worried?

Answer: No. This is NOT a test of your abilities. It is a test that evaluates what material you covered in high school. Your score will NOT determine your grade in a university level math class. Diligence, attendance, study groups and knowing when to seek help, are better predictors of your math grade. The math department only uses your test results for placement.

Question: I did well on the SAT, but received a low score on the placement test. Why?

Answer: The placement test does not measure ability. Georgia State University admissions office has already evaluated your ability and potential for success. You have been admitted because Georgia State University believes you will be a successful college student. The placement test evaluates your “prerequisite” skills. In other words, how well you know the background material you will need to be successful in the college level math course(s) recommended to you.

Question: I took the AP Calculus exam. Do I need to take the placement test?

Answer: Depends. If the registrar’s office has evaluated your results from the AP Calculus exam and given you course credit in Area A, do not take the test [Undergraduate Catalog states: AB 3 = Math 1113; AB (4,5) = Math 2211; BC 3 = Math 2211; BC (4,5) = Math [2211,2212]. If you don’t have your results, take the placement test. If you do well on the AP Calculus test, those results will take precedence over the placement test. Results from the AP Statistics test do not apply, because Statistics is not an Area A math course.

Question: I took an International Baccalaureate Exam. Do I need to take the placement test?

Answer: Depends. If you haven’t been advised by Undergraduate Admissions, take the test. If admissions has given you credit for an Area A math course that is appropriate for your major, then you don’t need to take the placement test.

Question: I have taken a college math course (joint enrollment or summer school). Do I need to take the placement test?

Answer: Depends. If you are POSITIVE that the course you took will meet Georgia State University’s area A’s math requirement, the answer is NO. However, if you are not sure, take the test. It only takes a few minutes and it may save you problems in the future.

Question: When and where can I take the test?

Answer: If you are a new student for the following semester, login to GOSOLAR and click on "Math Placement" for registration information. Print your confirmation as it will include the time/date/location. If you are a continuing student or a new student wanting to retake the test, refer to the appropriate section on this website (prior to the Q&A section) for time/date/location. When you come to take the test, be sure to bring photo-bearing identification.

Question: I took the Compass test at another college/university. Can I use that score for Math placement at GSU?

Answer: Yes. However, the scores must be provided to Georgia State University in an official manner. Georgia State University will then make course recommendations based on the required minimum scores in effect at Georgia State University at the time the scores are received.

Question: I was sick when I took the test and I scored so low, can I take it over?

Answer: You may, but there will be a fee. Also, some time and effort should be spent in preparation for the re-test. There is no charge for the first test, but the second test will cost $50.00.

Question: I received a low score on the placement test, but I need Precalculus for my major. What do I do?

Answer: Do NOT take Math 1101 (Math Modeling). If you scored high enough, register for Math 1111 (College Algebra). College Algebra will prepare you for Precalculus. If you did not score high enough for College Algebra, you should take Math 0098 or 0099, as recommended. These courses are designed to strengthen your algebra skills. After completion of Math 0098 and/or 0099, you can register for College Algebra.

Question: I have a documented disability, what do I do about taking the test?

Answer: First, keep in mind that the placement test is UNTIMED. If you need other individualized testing accommodations, you need to make an appointment as soon as possible with the Office of Disability Services by calling (404) 463-9044. You will be evaluated for an intake/assessment of needs and therefore need to bring appropriate documentation to the Office of Disability Services at Suite 230 in New Student Center. See www.gsu.edu/disability for information about documentation. To receive accommodations on the Placement Test, this intake must be completed at least two weeks before your exam date.

Question: The print out from the test told me to register for Math Modeling (Math 1101). What is THAT?

Answer: Math Modeling meets the Area A math requirement for many of the non-science/non-math majors offered at Georgia State University; however, Math Modeling does NOT prepare you for College Algebra (1111) or Precalculus (1113). Math Modeling is a course designed for students that need just one introductory math course. It will cover many of the same topics as College Algebra but not with the same depth. The course will focus more on problem solving, critical thinking and real world phenomena.

Question: What will my results look like?

Answer: You will receive a score for each subtest you were given, but the score from the highest level of the two subtests will determine your placement. Once you finish the test you will be given a sheet with one these messages:

Note: Students, who score between 0-19 or 20-54 on the Algebra subtest are recommended to take Math 0098 and/or Math 0099. They should not register for Math 1101 unless they are non-science / non-math majors. Students who ignore the advice to take Math 0098 and/or Math 0099, take Math 1101 at their own risk. They should not be surprised if they discover later that they are not able to pass Math 1101.

Note: These answers to frequently asked questions are for information purposes only; no guarantee or contract is implied.