Math Placement Test Question

Does the result of the Math Placement Test give you a suggestion as to which math course you can take at UMass or is it mandatory to sign up for the course that is given to you?

I have not taken it yet but if I scored really low on it will they force me to take a remedial class or will it just be a used as a suggestion/indicator of where I am in math so that I can pick the right course for myself?

I know the Gen. Ed requirements says that an R2 math course gives you credit for both R1 & R2 requirments. So what’s the point of being put in an R1 course if I can just sign up for an R2 course that will give me credit for both regardless of if I get a low score on the placement test.