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. Each student will be asked if he/she read the information because each is responsible for knowing the content as it pertains to taking proficiency exams before Autumn quarter begins.

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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: 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:

1. student I.D.
2. a non-graphing scientific calculator (e.g. TI-30) for 050-104, scientific or graphing calculator (e.g. TI-83, TI-84) for 130 or higher (TI-89, TI-92, Voyager 200 or any calculator with a QWERTY keyboard are excluded)
   
3. your own pencils

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.

1. For scores of 80% or higher: students will be eligible to enroll in the next course in the sequence, and will be granted credit for the course over which they tested (Exceptions: credit by examination cannot be granted for 050, 075 or 104).
2. For scores of 70% to 79%: students may consult with the proctors for possible consideration to enroll in the next course, but no credit will be granted.
3. For scores of 60% to 69%: students most likely will not be able to advance. However, these students may consult with the proctors for possible reconsideration.
4. For scores less than 60%: students need to remain in the math course indicated by their Course Code. There will be no reconsideration for scores below 60%.

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: Is there anything else I need to know?

1. Students have only one chance to take this test. If they do not pass, there are no further chances to advance.
2. Students should read the list of topics for the class that will be tested over. Study for the test because those students who do not prepare generally give themselves little chance to move ahead.
3. Students interested in trying to advance two levels should schedule the first retest on Monday Sept. 22, and if successful, may schedule a second test on Tuesday Sept. 23.
4. Students should print this sheet and keep it so that all the information is handy. They should be sure to record the registered date and time of the test. Once this form is submitted electronically, the Math Department will send an e-mail confirming the time and test selection. It is the responsibility of the student to know the place and time of the exam. No additional reminder will be sent.
   
5. Level L students (only) may use this online form to sign up for the Math H161 qualifying exam.
6. Any questions should be directed to the Mathematics Counseling Office: (614) 292-6994.
7. Students with disabilities should contact Lois Burke in the Office of Disability Services to make arrangements for taking any proficiency exam, (614) 292-3307.
   

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Registration Form

 

To register online, please visit this page.