How to interpret the score on the Mathematics placement test

* Some students may ask to be placed into a different mathematics class than their score indicates.  If a student requests to be placed in a class which they are at risk of not passing, the student must fill out a waiver form acknowledging their risk of taking the class.  The completed forms should be sent to Dr. Bezhad Jalali, Director of Math/Stat Education Services (Gray Hall 114, bjalali@american.edu, phone: x3154, fax: x3155).  If you are unsure whether a student should be placed in an “at risk” class, you may also send them to Dr. Jalali for further advising.

** Students who score a 10 or 11 on the placement test should be in a finite mathematics section which meets 3 days/week for the additional contact hours with faculty.  Math 150, Math 157, and some Math 155 sections satisfy this requirement.  Other classes will cover the same material, but will go at a faster pace and might be overwhelming for students with less mathematical background and lack of confidence.  No waiver is required for these students.

† Although it is risky, students with a score between 16, 17, and 18 may take Stat 202 or Math 211.  Students should be aware that both of these courses assume a solid background in high school mathematics, including exponential and logarithmic functions.  If it is determined that a student isn’t ready for these courses, they should take Math 157 if they intend to take Math 211 or Math 151 or Math 170 if they intend to take Stat 202.  No waiver is required for these students.

†† Students with a sufficiently high score on the placement test may have demonstrated some of the skills that would be covered in a particular class.  Although the placement test does not assess mastery of all of the course material, some students might be bored or unchallenged in these courses at times.

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