- Why do I
need to take a placement test?
Your placement test score will be combined with your other
academic data to determine a recommendation for which
mathematics course you should take at UC Merced. This test
allows your advisor to place you in the math course in
which you will be most successful.
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- What about my
Calculus AP Scores?
If you scored a 4 or above on the Calculus AB or the
Calculus BC exams, you do not need to take the placement
exam and should consult the UCM General Catalog or your
school counselor for more information.
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- What math
is tested on the placement test?
This placement test is a Calculus Readiness Test. It is a
test on algebra, geometry, trigonometry and
pre-calculus. This test contains no Calculus. Rather, this
placement test is meant to determine whether you have the
background to succeed in Calculus at UC Merced.
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- Will I get
my placement score as soon as I finish the on-line
test?
You will see your score immediately. However, you will not
see your placement recommendation. When you meet with your
advisor, he or she will give the recommendation to you.
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- What
information do I need to take the test?
You need your UCMNet username, ID number and email
address. This information is contained in your letter of
admission. If you cannot find your UCMNet information,
contact Tammy Johnson, tjohnson2@ucmerced.edu.
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- What
equipment do I need to take the test?
You need some clean scratch paper to work on and a pencil
or pen. You will need a modern web browser (e.g. Internet
Explorer, Firefox, etc) to take the test. Calculators,
books and internet resources are not permitted on the
mathematics placement test!
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- What
if I use a calculator or some other resource?
This is actually a bad idea. The test is constructed so
that someone who spends time looking up answers or working
with their calculator won't do as well as someone who
knows the material. In addition, placing into a course for
which you are not prepared will only hurt you -- and your
GPA.
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- Why
can't I use a calculator on the test?
The placement test is designed to measure your facility
with basic mathematical skills that are needed for
different math courses. Because of this, using a
calculator will generally not help you -- you'll score
better by knowing the material and working it all out by
hand.
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- Do I need
to study for the test?
If you have just completed a math course, you do not need
to study. However, if it's been a year since you've had
math you may want to review.
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- How
many questions are on the test?
There are 25 questions on the test.
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- What is the
time limit on the test?
You must complete the test in 30 minutes or less.
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- What if
something goes wrong while I'm taking the test?
In general this won't happen. If your browser crashes or
you have a similar problem, immediately go to retake the
test: it will let you resume where you left off. If a
technical problem prevents you from completing the
placement test, please contact Prof. Arnold Kim.
- Whom do
I contact with other questions about the placement
test?
If you have technical problems with the math placement
test, please contact Prof. Arnold Kim.