<p>Hi CC'ers. So, I have a few questions in regards to the Math Placement Exam freshman take. How hard is the exam? Is there anything I should specifically study for? Is there such a thing as "failing" the placement exam? </p>
<p>Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>there are two math placement exams</p>
<p>1- an algebra placement exam required if you didn’t score 600 or above on SAT math
2- a trig placement exam if you want to take calculus</p>
<p>if you are an engineering student you need to take both regardless of SAT score</p>
<p>[PittStart:</a> Arts and Sciences Placement Exams](<a href=“http://www.pittstart.pitt.edu/spring_freshmen_exams.aspx]PittStart:”>http://www.pittstart.pitt.edu/spring_freshmen_exams.aspx)</p>
<p>descriptions and sample exams are at the above link </p>
<p>if you aren’t prepared and dont pass algebra you will be required to take it- this happened to one of my D’s friends who didn’t take it seriously so now she has to take college algebra at night most of the other students are football players…so my advice is brush up on your algebra and take it seriously!</p>
<p>^ an engineering student has to take both although they’ve already taken classes (and AP scores/ SAT 2 scores) beyond the material?</p>
<p>From Pitt website:</p>
<p>“Students will be exempt from the mathematics proficiency test if they have achieved a satisfactory grade on the Advanced Placement examination in calculus in high school, have earned a C– or better in calculus through College in High School, have completed an approved equivalent of Algebra or another approved mathematics course, or have scored 600 or better on the Math SAT”</p>
<p>southeastmom- that right for all students EXCEPT in engineering, who are required to take the math placement tests regardless of sat score, AP test, or hs curriculum. </p>
<p>also- the exception from the algebra test for earning a C-or better in calculus is stated as follows: "or if you earned a grade of C- or better in Math 0220 or 0120 in our College in High School program, " so it does not appear that taking calculus in any hs program is sufficient just the one that Pitt offers to hs students</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.pittstart.pitt.edu/spring_freshmen_exams.aspx[/url]”>http://www.pittstart.pitt.edu/spring_freshmen_exams.aspx</a></p>
<p>Engineering students are required to take the placement exams. DS got a 5 on his AP calc b/c exam and still had to take the placement test. Make sure you brush up on the basic math (you tend to forget it especially if you are taking calc or higher math).</p>
<p>Sorry about the incorrect info - I had no idea that engineers were treated differently!</p>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I haven’t seen you on the Pitt forum before, are you new here ? ;)</p>
<p>But I doubt you can fail it, you probably just have to get a set score in order to place out of certain remedial classes.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>The algebra exam is basic. Stuff like 2x=4 solve for x (maybe slightly more complicated).</p>
<p>HOWEVER, I will say the trig stuff is pretty deep. It involves knowing all of the sin/cos/tan rules (like cos(2theta)=whatever, sin(2theta)=whatever, that sort of stuff). I had to re-read up on those rules because I hadn’t done trig in years, so I <em>highly</em> recommend going over that if you haven’t recently.</p>
<p>and unlike what 908kiddo said, you can fail. Failing is not passing (the exams are pass/fail). Pass means you can take a normal level math class. Fail means you might have to take a remedial class, and be behind in your studies. Bottom line: don’t fail.</p>