The information and registration on this page is for the two days of proficiency testing that is offered by the Mathematics Department for new students Autumn quarter who feel that their performance on the Mathematics Skills Assessment test does not accurately reflect their mathematical skills, and for those students who wish to qualify for more advanced courses including H161. These students will have an opportunity to take a proficiency test Monday and Tuesday immediately prior to the start of Autumn Quarter classes. Waiting until after the quarter begins to take a proficiency exam could cause the new student a travel inconvenience due to the Testing Center's move to West Campus.
Current OSU students refer to the EM Credit page for information about proficiency exams.
NOTE: Students should READ the following carefully before submitting a reservation.
Q: Can I retake the Math Skills Assessment test to try to do better than I did the first time? Is there any other test I can take to show I don't need the class I placed into?
A: Students who want to try to improve their placement level may not take another math skills assessment test, but rather have the opportunity to take a proficiency exam (an exam similar to a final) over the course of their initial placement. A score of 70% or higher is required for consideration for being moved ahead to the next course. While any student is welcome to take advantage of this opportunity, experience has shown that very few students actually succeed in advancing their placement.
Q: Can I take a higher class without taking another exam?
A: Generally not. In order to be consistent and fair to everyone, the same placement procedures must be followed for all students. For full details about placement guidelines, and for information about those few situations in which exceptions may possibly be made, please refer to the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MATHEMATICS PLACEMENT.
Q: How do I sign up for the test?
A: Click on the reservations link at the bottom of the page and fill out the registration form to submit your answers online.
Q: How do I prepare for the proficiency test?
A: Students should click here for test preparation of 151 and below. Study for the test because those students who do not prepare generally give themselves little chance to move ahead.
Q: Where do I go for the test? What do I need to bring?
A: Students need to report to room 113 in Dreese Lab (2015 Neil Ave.) on Monday, Sept. 22 and room 170 of the Eighteenth Ave. Building (EA) (209 W. 18th Ave.) on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Be sure to arrive at least one half-hour prior to the time for which you registered. All students must bring the following:
Q: If I'm signing up for the proficiency exam, can I change my schedule now since I hope to move ahead?
A: No.
At orientation, students may only register for math and science classes
for which their original Course Code qualifies them. If on the test
students qualify to advance, the proctors will give them a green
permission slip to take to their college office to change their
schedule.
Q: How and when can I find out how I did on the proficiency test? What do the scores mean?
A: Results from the Monday test will be available at the next test session in room 170 in the Eighteenth Ave. Building (209 W. 18th Ave.). If you test on Tuesday afternoon, you can get your results in room 250 Math Bldg., after 10:00 A.M. Wednesday.