I know this forum is full of people who took the test in a cabin where the internet was slow and went out for 30 minutes but they still finished the test with 10 minutes to spare, but I am not one of those people. I couldn’t finish the last 11 questions because I’m slow at math. I’m absolutely sure I got the ones I answered all right because I’m good at math, but I had to list out all the steps and I had to try and remember some of the topics I hadn’t worked with since freshman year. This was my problem on the ACT math too, where I answered just over half the questions but got them all right (assuming the table I saw was accurate). Would I be able to explain this to my adviser?
The purpose of the test is to advise you on what course to start with. Your ability to move quickly through problem solving is one variable in their advise.
Unless you’ve completed Calc in high school with very good success, they may advise you to begin with Math 105.
I’ve completed calc with an A in the IB Program (equivalent to AP Calc AB). If I had reviewed a bit, I could’ve gotten it all right, as the reason it took longer than usual is because I hadn’t seen some things for years but I vaguely recalled how to work them out so I used up a lot of time figuring them out and getting them correct.
Which, in hindsight, I should’ve skipped and completed the things I remembered first then visited those problems to increase my chances of success.
@woah16 As mentioned, it’s only an advised placement. You can explain what happened to you at orientation to your advisor, and I’m sure he/she will understand. An A in the IB Program should be enough to convince an advisor that you belong in Calc at UM.
Even if it doesn’t convince your advisor and they are pushing you to take Math 105, you can schedule whatever classes you want at orientation. I work at the advising center, and honestly the advisors are there to help you and give you advice, but in the end it’s 100% up to you what you want to take. The only restriction they would place on you is for the language placement exam. All other placement exams are for recommendation only and do not have to be followed.
I know some universities use ALEKS which is an online testing and course placement platform. There is a minimum score that places you in Pre Calc or Calc. Each student is given a diagnostic analysis and pie chart of each math area, showing how s/he performed in those areas. It also allows students to take the placement test up to 5 times, but doesn’t allow a retest until the student has worked for a minimum of 3 hours in the ALEKS module. What a fantastic way to determine placement as opposed to a one moment in time snapshot. My son (incoming frosh at UMiami in Fla) took an ALEKS test and didn’t perform well. He took it again and blew it out of the water. Instead of blowing credits (and money) on PreCalc now he will be in Calc I (which he plans to take at Henry Ford College this summer - approved by UMiami math department). Michigan should consider using a platform like this. Makes much more sense.
To repeat, the student may select any course they wish to begin with (aside from honors, which requires approval); thus the student doesn’t need to waste time in a class they view as too elementary.
The test is merely to offer guidance.