The Mathematics Department at TAMU has just released a mathematics test for placement in college math courses. Substantially, the test is for the high school student that wants to gauge how his or her math skills measure up for placement in collegiate math courses. This test is not a single test but relies on a selection code to randomly select questions from a test bank for each test taker. Additionally, we will work with schools and colleges if they desire to use the test campus wide with access to all student grades. 

For Students. This test should gauge your readiness for college math courses. It covers basic high school Algebra II. The test has 25 questions nominally timed for 90 minutes though this particular test will not time out after that period. The ninety minute period will give you an idea of the rate at which you should be able to answer these types of questions.

Interpreting your score. There are six brackets of scores. Your grade indicates your mathematical preparedness for Developmental Algebra, College Algebra, Finite Math or Business Calculus according to the chart below. It serves also as placement for Engineering Calculus except trigonometry and vectors are not included. Note these brackets should be interpreted with some caution as many factors can affect student performance on any given day.

*All course numbers are in the common course numbering guide.
** This test does not cover trigonometry and vectors, two essential components of Calculus, though vectors are not covered in some versions of MATH 2313.

Practice test. You can take a practice test. It is very much like the actual test except there are no multiple choice answers. A link to the problem solutions are given with links to obtain more information on the topic. Calculators are not permitted. The use of a calculator will possibly distort your results. Note that many colleges do not permit the use of graphing calculators in any mathematics courses.

About the test. Follow all instructions carefully. Calculators are not permitted! The use of a calculator will possibly distort your results. Note that many colleges DO NOT permit the use of graphing calculators in any mathematics courses. The test has 25 questions, all multiple choice. Answer each question as it appears and click the “Next” button to go to the next question. When you have finished, you may review all the questions with your answers and make desired changes. Press the “Submit” button when you are finished. After you have pressed the submit button, a link to your results will be displayed. This results page will give you item-by-item account of problems you missed and links to our online college algebra text that will give help in the general area of the problem. Important Note. Colleges have informed us that the three most important skills desired of incoming students are algebraic manipulation, fractions, and problem solving. That said, success in collegiate mathematics courses depends not only on mathematics preparedness but also other factors including personal motivation and independence in learning.

Portal to the Test. Follow all instructions carefully.

College Algebra/Precalculus online. We have provided an online resource of mathematics materials. Written at the college entry level, these materials cover all the basic mathematics skills any student will need. http://webalg.math.tamu.edu/mindex.htm

For Parents. This is a diagnostic test that should indicate whether your child has the right level of mathematics preparedness for a spectrum of collegiate math courses. The score brackets are not rigid as so many factors can influence how a student may perform at any given time. A recommended time limit is given but not enforced on this diagnostic. It is strongly recommended that whatever the score may be, your college-bound child take a mathematics course when a high school senior.

For School Districts. We can make a special account for your school with logins set for student and for which you will have access to the database of student results. Ask for details at collegereadytexas@math.tamu.edu. It is recommended that second semester juniors take this test to better inform them on what mathematics courses are needed for their senior year.

For Colleges. Colleges are welcome to use this test for placement and other informational purposes. Toward this end we can make a special account for your school with logins set for your students and for which you will have access to the database of student results. Ask for details at collegereadytexas@math.tamu.edu.