Math Preparation: Where Do You Stand?
By spending time to think about your abilities and your goals, you can make smarter decisions about which course(s) are right for you, which math placement exam to take, and whether or not to retake the exam.
- What’s the highest level of math you’ve taken, either in high school or college? If you are trying to transfer college credit, you need to make sure you take the correct test and score high enough to place you in a higher level course. Otherwise you will lose your transfer credit.
- How do you feel about your math ability? Many have developed a fear of math that affects their confidence. A different type of learning environment, using strategies that take into account different learning styles, might be more appropriate. This might include a developmental math course or tutoring.
- Is math required in your anticipated major? Check the course catalog or departmental Web pages to determine if the field that you’re leaning towards is one that requires quantitative skills.
- How long has it been since your last math course? If you’ve been out of school for awhile, it’s important to know what you’ll need to do to refresh the math you once knew but now lies dormant.
- Did you prepare adequately for the math test? Would you have scored higher if you had spent more time reviewing the material to refresh your knowledge? Poor preparation will cause the results to be a poor reflection of your aptitude. The better the preparation, the better the results – and the more accurately the test will reflect your true level. This will lead to better placement and lower likelihood that you’ll need retesting.