As we prepare for the ARCH Course Planning Meetings, we want to make sure we have all the information needed to facilitate course planning and your transition to the college. One of the things we need is a good idea of what your current level of knowledge is in Mathematics. All incoming students are required to take the Mathematics Placement Assessment before June 1.
The mathematics placement assessment is broken up into a number of sections. All students will take the first section which is 35 multiple choice questions. This test assesses essential skills for success in calculus as well as in our other courses – there is no calculus on this initial section of the math exam. You will have 90 minutes to complete this section of the placement exam. No calculator or other resources are allowed. If you use a calculator or other resources to assist you on the test, you risk inflating your true score and thereby may place yourself into a course for which you are unprepared.
Depending on your score on the initial section you may be directed to take additional section(s) of the exam that will allow us to accurately place you in higher levels of mathematics. The additional sections of the exam will contain calculus questions. Each additional section will contain 15 questions and have a time limit either 45 or 60 minutes. You do not have to take the additional section(s) at the same time as the first section, but please take all section(s) that you are directed to before June 1.
When you are ready to begin the Mathematics exam please click here and choose Math Placement Exam from the list. The exam may only be taken one time, so please do not follow the link until you are ready to take the exam. You will need to log in with your Wooster username (xstudent26) and password.
What Does My Mathematics Placement Score Mean?
Upon completion of this assessment, a score will be generated that will determine your math placement. Your ARCH Mentors will have access to this information when you meet with them. For some classes, a certain minimum placement score is required before you can enroll. You should talk with an ARCH Mentor to help you determine the best mathematics class for you. Your course choices always must take into account your academic plans (i.e., your intended major/program) and your skills and aptitudes. For some students, taking a mathematics class in the first year is critical, while others may choose to fulfill all of their Wooster requirements without taking mathematics. In either case, your ARCH Mentors can help you determine what class to take and when.
Academic Accommodations/Accessibility
The mathematics placement exam has been designed to include extended time for students with documented disabilities. If you believe an alternative testing format other than extended time may be necessary, please contact Amber Larson (alarson@wooster.edu) in the Academic Resource Center.
Gauging your current reading abilities is important information that is needed prior to your ARCH Course Planning Meeting because it helps facilitate course planning and your overall transition to the college. All incoming students are required to take the Reading Assessment before June 1st.
The reading assessment is a computer-adaptive assessment that takes approximately 45 minutes to determine your reading rate, academic vocabulary range, and reading comprehension. No additional time is needed for students with disabilities, as the program automatically adjusts content and length to each individual student. It is best to take this assessment when you are sure you will have 45 minutes of a stable internet connection and uninterrupted time to do your best. Do not use any resources, such as dictionaries, search engines, or other people reading aloud, explaining, or answering questions, even if you are a multilingual student or a student with a disability. The assessment is designed to get an accurate picture of your unassisted abilities, and that will allow you to make informed decisions about how to manage your course schedule and academic experience at Wooster.
When you are ready to begin the Reading Assessment, please click here. Using the Google Chrome web browser, you will log on as a “Student” and enter the Site Code rpcolle9. Enter your Wooster email address and the starting password of Wooster2026. The assessment should be completed in one sitting, so please do not follow the link until you are ready to take the assessment in its entirety. If you experience a significant internet interruption during the assessment, close your browser window and attempt again when your internet is more stable. When the assessment ends, you may simply exit your browser window.
What Do the Results of My Reading Assessment Mean?
You will be contacted by the Academic Resource Center via your Wooster email if your Reading Assessment results indicate that you may benefit from support options available to first-year students. Your ARCH Advisor may also provide specific recommendations for class selections. If you have questions about your reading assessment results or are interested in using the Reading Plus software over the summer to work on your reading skills, please contact the Academic Resource Center.
If you are interested in any of the following majors or career paths, you should take the Chemistry Placement exam before June 1. at Wooster please read this email carefully.
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Chemical Physics
- Earth Science
- Neuroscience
- Pre-Health (including Nursing, Dental, Public Health, Physicians)
This will help your ARCH Mentors direct you to the correct courses first semester. In order to take the exam you will need:
- A computer, laptop, or tablet (computer or laptop highly recommended)
- Stable internet connection
- 60 minutes of uninterrupted time
- A Periodic table (you can download one here )
- A Calculator
- Pencil & Paper
Once you begin the exam you will have one hour to complete the exam. You should not use any other resources on this exam. You can only take the exam once, so please do not click through until you are ready to begin the test. You will need to log in with your Wooster user name (xstudent26) and password.
If you have taken an honors level, AP, or college Biology course you are encouraged to take the Biology Placement Exam prior to June 1. In order to take the exam you will need:
- A computer, laptop, or tablet (computer or laptop highly recommended)
- Stable internet connection
- 60 minutes of uninterrupted time
- A Calculator
Once you begin the exam you will have one hour to complete the exam. You should not use any other resources on this exam. You can only take the exam once, so please do not click through until you are ready to begin the test. You will need to log in with your Wooster user name (xstudent26) and password.
What do these scores mean?
Your ARCH Mentors will have access to this information when you meet with them. Based on your scores on these exams (as well as the math placement exam) and your interests they will be able to direct you to the most appropriate courses for your first semester.
A note on academic accommodations/accessibility
There are many reasons why an alternative testing format could be necessary, including academic accommodations associated with a disability and/or medical condition. If you have any questions about accommodations for these examinations, please contact the Learning Center (Amber Larson is the best contact: alarson@wooster.edu).
If you attend an in-person ARCH, you will take a language exam during the ARCH program.
If you participate in a virtual ARCH session, you will be contacted based upon the information collected during the ARCH registration process. Keep an eye out for an email to your Wooster email account with the subject: Language Testing for Virtual ARCH.