Department of Mathematics and Actuarial Science
Mathematics Placement Test
The Mathematics Placement Test is used to determine the level at which you should begin taking math classes at IU Northwest. Please see the Majors and Math Requirement chart prior to taking the placement exam since the math course that you need to take depends on your intended major. However, keep in mind that this exam is used to determine your math skills only and the results are used to place you into the appropriate course for your skill level.
Placement testing is conducted through the Office of Admissions. Students must schedule a placement test by making an appointment at Schedule a placement test (preferred) or by calling 219-980-6830. Students arriving late will not be allowed to make up any time missed. Students arriving more than 10 minutes late will need to reschedule for another time. Testing for the summer and fall term begins March 1 and ends the first week of classes. Testing for the spring term begins October 1 and ends the first week of classes. Appointment times vary; check Schedule a placement test for available dates and times.
You are placed into one of 5 levels based on your placement test results, which ultimately determine the appropriate course for you.
|
Level |
Math Course in which to enroll |
|
Level MA101 |
You are placed in this level if your score on test MA102 is under 70%. That means that your knowledge of Arithmetic is not good enough to enroll in M007. You have to enroll in MATH015 (Ivy Tech 5 credit hour course). |
|
Level MA102 |
If you are placed in this level you may enroll in M007. |
|
Level MA103 |
If you are placed in this level you may enroll in M014, or M100 or T101 or K200. |
|
Level MA104 |
If you are placed in this level you may enroll in M118, or M119 or M125. |
|
Level MA105 |
If you are placed in this level you may enroll in M215. |
Important!
Your placement test results will show you what math class(es) you are eligible to enroll in. The next step is to visit your advisor who will help you make your schedule and select the specific section/time of your math class.
Students who finished any prerequisite math classes at IU Northwest (or transferred it) will not need to take the placement exam. Students who took any prerequisite math classes at IUN do not need permission to register into a mathematics class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who takes the math exam?
New students are informed upon admission of the need for placement testing, specifically on their Certificate of Admission. Students who have no credit for an IU Northwest math course (have not taken a course or have not transferred in equivalent course work) must take the placement exam before registering for a math course. Students from other IU campuses are required to take the math placement exam if they have not satisfied the IU Northwest prerequisites for a particular course.
How is the exam structured?
Placement testing can be administered at four different levels.
|
Test MA102 contains questions from Advanced Arithmetic: |
|
Test MA103 contains questions from Elementary Algebra: |
|
Test MA104 contains questions from Basic Algebra: |
|
Test MA105 contains questions from Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry: |
Upon arrival, the placement test administrator will ask you what mathematic course you need to take. Based on your answer you’ll be given the appropriate level test. You will have 50 minutes to take this test. If you answer at least 70% of the questions correctly, the administrator will record that level in OneStart which will allow you to take the desired mathematics course once you follow the departmental procedure process mentioned previously. If you fail this test, the administrator will offer you the opportunity to take a one-level lower test. The second test will determine if you would be allowed to take the prerequisite course.
What if I am not sure what mathematic course do I need to take?
A list of majors and the required math course can be found at the Majors and Math Requirement chart at http://www.iun.edu/~testingn/. Keep in mind that this exam is used to determine your math skills and the results are used to place you into the appropriate course for your skill level; your current math skills may not equal those needed for the math course required for your major.
Can I use a calculator during the exam?
No, the exams are designed so that a calculator is not necessary.
How much time do I have for the exam?
You'll be allowed maximum 50 minutes for each test that you need to take.
How can I prepare for the mathematics placement exam?
The mathematics placement exam is designed to allow you to demonstrate skills you have already developed, so you do not need to study for it as you might for another type of exam. However, because you do want your effort to reflect your best abilities, we recommend to click on the following links and print practice test MA102, practice test MA103, practice test MA104, or practice test MA105. Working on provided examples before taking the actual Placement Test may help.
FREE seminar
STEP
will help you refresh your advanced arithmetic skills before the placement exam.
Should I guess at questions I am not sure of?
If you guess at the answers to the problems you do not understand, you have a fairly good chance of guessing correctly, which could result in your being placed in a math class for which you are not prepared. Keep in mind that this exam is used to determine your math skills only and the results are used to place you into the appropriate course for your skill level.
What math class should I take?
Placement testing results along with meeting with your academic advisor will provide you with your options. The order in which the math courses should be taken is shown in the following chart:
Please visit http://www.iun.edu/~math/courses/ for full description of classes.
