Math placement test

CSU requires students to take a math placement test before enrolling in any math course. The placement test is intended to insure that you are suitably prepared for the math courses you take at CSU.

You will need to take the CSU Math Placement Test by doing one of the following:

1. Register for the placement test online to take the test during an officially designated test period before you attend orientation.
   
2. Take the placement test at the CSU Testing Center by appointment before you attend orientation. Call 706-568-2226 to make an appointment.
   
3. Skip math your first semester and take the placement test at the CSU Testing Center by appointment after classes begin.

The Mathematics Department will be happy to address your questions about math placement. We can be contacted by telephone at 706-568-2292.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do I need to take the math placement test?
A: All students must take the test unless they already have completed the Area A math course requirement or they are placed in Basic Studies for math remediation. In some cases, students who have received Area A math credit and wish to take another math course might have to take the placement test or a prerequisite course.

Q: Do I have to pay for the test?
A: No, this is a FREE test.

Q: What is the test like?
A: It is multiple-choice and taken on a computer. There is no time limit, but you cannot return to a question after you have answered it. The test begins asking algebra questions and adjusts subsequent questions according to the correctness of your responses. If you do well enough in algebra, it will start asking college algebra questions. If you also do well enough on college algebra, it will ask you some trigonometry questions.

Q: May I use a calculator during the math placement test?
A: Yes. You may bring your own calculator if it satisfies COMPASS guidelines (see http://www.act.org/compass/sample/calc.html). You also may use the Windows calculator on the computer.

Q: What will be covered on the test?
A: The test is adaptive, so what you eventually see will depend on the correctness of your responses as you go along. Students who respond correctly to questions on algebra will see problems from college algebra; students who do well enough with college algebra will see problems from trigonometry. Sample questions can be found at http://www.act.org/compass/sample/ under the links for Algebra, College Algebra, and Trigonometry.

Q: Should I study for the test?
A: We do recommend your preparing for the test, especially if it has been a while since you took a math course (more than a year or two). It’s in your best interest to study to insure that your placement scores represent your true capability. Look at the sample questions on the web at http://www.act.org/compass/sample/ to get an idea what to study or pick up a study guide, such as Chart Your Success on the COMPASS Test by Nanette Commander, Walter Cotter, and Carol Callahan (Contemporary Publishing Company, ISBN 0-89892-302-6).

Q: How long will it take to complete the test?
A: The test is un-timed, but most students finish in 45 minutes or less.

Q: How soon will I get my results?
A: Immediately

Q: Whom do I call with scheduling concerns?
A: The CSU Testing Center can be reached by telephone at (706) 568-2226.

Q: Will the placement test score become a part of my academic transcript?
A: No. It only is used within CSU to determine which math courses you should take.