Placement Exam

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rutgers University
1

<p>So I got back my results back for my math placement exam and found I had been placed not in Calc, or even Pre-Calc, but Elementary Algebra. I know you can't really "fail" a placement exam, but I was really surprised (in the worst way) considering I'm taking AP Calc AB right now and am looking to get a 4/5 on the exam. I guess I must have seriously choked and didn't even realize :/. </p>

<p>Anyway, I was wondering if getting a 4 or 5 on the exam would override my placement in Elementary Algebra and then make it so I'd be able to take Calc I? Or if I don't pass, about how long would it take for me to reach Calc I? Would it be feasible to test out or take it by my sophomore year? I was also wondering if my placement into Elementary Algebra means I won't be able to take other courses, such as Chemistry or Statistics, since someone I know got placed into Pre-Calc and Chemistry at the same time.</p>

2

<p>If you are in AP Calc now I would seriously consider retaking the test.</p>

3

<p>Is this a possible option at Rutgers New Brunswick? I know you can retake the math test at Newark but I’m not sure about NB.</p>

4

<p>I would call them and explain your situation. You should try to get out of it. It is a huge waste of time and money and not to mention you are going to be so bored learning stuff you already know.</p>

5

<p>I think it’s weird that you got placed into elementary algebra. I would call.</p>

6

<p>I’m in calc now and got put in Pre-calc. Should I also call? Or sort it out at APA day?</p>

7

<p>I would call and if that doesn’t get you anywhere, bring it up at APA.</p>

8

<p>Thanks! :)</p>

9

<p>I’m going to attempt to call them, but would I be calling the school or the person in charge of placement testing? </p>

<p>But I have a feeling they’re just going to tell me to place out if I feel like the curriculum is too easy, but that’s such a waste of time ><. And apparently at my level there’s no way I can take chemistry, at least not until I reach the Pre-Calc level.</p>

10

<p>Regarding your original question, if you manage a 4/5 on the AP exam, then your math placement exam result is irrelevant and you would receive credit for Calc 1 (as long as you accept the AP credit, which you should). So if you are confident that you are going to get a 4/5 on Wednesday, then hold off trying to retake the placement exam or taking the proficiency exams for elementary algebra and pre-calc because they would be superfluous. Here’s the webpage for that kind of stuff. [Mathematics</a> Department - Undergraduate Proficiency Examinations](<a href=“Error Page - 404”>Error Page - 404)</p>

<p>I don’t mean this to be demeaning, but if you are taking AP Calc right now, you really shouldn’t have placed into Elementary Algebra. I hope you just had an off day at the placement exam and it’s not really indicative of your math abilities. Study hard, and good luck on the AP Exam!</p>

11

<p>About the placement exams, are they the same for all Rutgers’ schools? Or is there a different test for SAS, SEBS, SOE, Pharm, etc.?</p>

<p>I know SAS requires you to take foreign language, but I’m assuming everything else is the same…?</p>

12

<p>The placement tests themselves are the same, but each school may have different requirements regarding them. For example, SOE lets you skip the English exam if you have above a 600 (or 650, can’t remember exactly) on the CR section of the SAT and doesn’t require the foreign language exam. Other schools probably have similar exemptions, but I can’t comment on them personally.</p>