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 1st.
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 1st.
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 (xstudent25) 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.
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 are interested in any of the following majors or career paths at Wooster please read this email carefully. If none of these interest you feel free to just delete this email.
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Chemical Physics
- Earth Science
- Neuroscience
- Pre-Health (including Nursing, Dental, Public Health, Physicians)
Everyone still reading should take the Chemistry Placement Exam before June 1. 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 (xstudent25) 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 (xstudent25) 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).
Refer to this document for more information on World Language Placement Exams.