UO Math Placement Test Information

WHY TAKE A MATH CLASS?

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON MATH PLACEMENT TEST GUIDE

WHICH MATH TEST SHOULD YOU TAKE?

EXCEPTIONS

BASIC MATH TRACKS

WHY TAKE A MATH CLASS?

The answer to this question depends on several variables.

The most important of these variables is a student's choice of major. Some majors have very specific math requirements; other majors may be more flexible. Also, the choice of whether to earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree can effect your decision as to which math track/class(es) to take. Your SAT/ACT-Math score will be used to determine an initial level of placement. Any student who believes that their SAT/ACT-Math score underestimates their math abilities will be able to take a placement exam for a higher level of placement. Keep in mind, if you place high, you can register for a lower level class. Some students will choose to do this as it provides them with the opportunity to become accustomed to the pace of a college level math class and instructor expectations while reviewing and learning math that may be familiar to them.

When you meet with your advisor, you will have the opportunity to talk more about this as you plan your schedule.

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON MATH PLACEMENT GUIDE

The University's Math Department uses the SAT-Math score to make an initial placement recommendation for all new students. Please take a look at the table below to determine where your SAT-Math score will place you:
SAT-Math Score Placement Recommendation

ACT-MATH Score Placement Recommendation

The use of the SAT/ACT-Math score is intended as an initial placement guide and will be accurate for a majority of students. Those wishing to enter a mathematics course at a higher level will be able to take one of 2 math placement tests, Standard or Advanced, to demonstrate readiness for a higher level class.

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WHICH MATH PLACEMENT TEST SHOULD YOU TAKE?

There are 2 options for math placement testing. You will want to choose the option that is appropriate for your circumstance.
1. - Students whose SAT/ACT-Math score places them into a developmental math course, MATH 070 or MATH 095, and who believe that their SAT/ACT-Math score underestimates their math abilities should take the Standard Math Placement Test to demonstrate readiness for MATH 105/106/107, 111, 243 or higher. - Students without an SAT/ACT-Math score should take the Standard Math Placement Test.
2) Students whose SAT/ACT-Math score provides an initial placement into MATH 105/106/107, 111, or 243 but who believe their math skills are at a higher level and would like to register above MATH 105/106,107, 111, or 243 should take the Advanced Math Placement Test for a higher level of placement.

EXCEPTIONS TO PLACEMENT TESTING

Students with qualifying scores on the AP Calculus exam (AB or BC), or the CLEP Calculus with Elementary Functions exam are not required to take a math placement exam prior to registering for their first University mathematics course. Students who have taken a math course (MATH 095 or higher) at another institution and passed with a C- or higher, are permitted to register for the next appropriate course (as indicated in Tracks in Basic Mathematics Courses) without taking a math placement exam. For example the Business major who has transfer credit from another institution for MATH 111 or its equivalent would be permitted to register for MATH 241, Calculus for Business and Social Science Majors, without taking a math placement exam. However the same student as a Pre-med major who wished to register for MATH 246, Calculus for the Biological Sciences, would be asked to take a math placement test to demonstrate proficiency in advanced algebra, trigonometry and functions.

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