Seattle University Math Placement Exam

Frequently Asked Questions

What is on the placement exam? Which part should I take?
There are essentially two different parts to the placement exam, and you may take one or both
parts, depending upon your situation. These two different parts are described below.
Purpose

Format

Content

Algebra Placement Test

This test is used to determine which
Math class you place into or should
be initially taking (up to MATH 134).
Your SAT/ACT/AP scores are first
used to determine your placement into
a Math class. However, if you think
this placement is inaccurate and your
scores do not reflect your ability, you
can take this test to attempt to place
into a higher level Math class. You
might also take this test if you do not
have SAT/ACT/AP scores to be used in
determining your placement, nor do
you have any transfer courses. This
test does not earn you any credits
toward your degree.
30 multiple choice questions
NO calculator
Can be taken only once
-Algebraic manipulation/simplification
-Fractions
-Powers
-Roots
-Factoring
-Expansion
-Solving equations and inequalities
-Linear, quadratic, polynomial, and
rational equations and inequalities
-Equations and inequalities with
absolute values
-Geometry
-Area, perimeter/circumference,
volume, surface area
- Functions, concept of a function
-Domain and range
-Graphs of functions
-Transformations of functions
-Compositions of functions
-Families of Functions
-Linear, quadratic, polynomial,
rational, exponential, and log functions
-Functions with absolute value

Trigonometry Placement Test

This test is used to place out of or
waive the trigonometry class (MATH
121), which is a co-requisite for MATH
134 (Calculus I) and MATH 131
(Calculus for Life Sciences). If you
pass the test, you do not need to take
the class. However, passing the test
does not earn you any credits.
Students might also take this test to
fulfill the MATH 121 prerequisite for
classes outside the Math department
(for example, Physics). In this case,
you must contact that department to
determine the requirements and gain
permission in advance.
9 multiple choice questions
NO calculator
Can be taken twice
-Angles
-Trigonometric functions
-Inverse trigonometric functions
-Trigonometric identities
-Solving trig equations
-Law of sines and law of cosines
-Solving triangles

When can I take the placement test?

New freshman students generally have an opportunity to take the test during orientation in the
summer. Generally, there are also scheduled testing sessions during the first week of classes in
the fall quarter. You can contact the Math department administrative assistant, Margie Trenary
(206-296-5930, trenarym@seattleu.edu, BANN 415), to find out when these sessions will be
held. You can also take the exam any time by appointment in the Math department office
(BANN 415). Please contact Margie Trenary if you wish to set up an appointment.
If you are taking the algebra portion of the placement exam, you will probably want to do so as
soon as possible so you can determine which course you qualify for, and can therefore plan your
schedule and register. However, this will depend on your individual situation and how much
time you have before needing to register for a math class.
Most students who plan on taking the trigonometry placement test in order to waive MATH 121
register for this trigonometry class (with their calculus class either 131 or 134) and then later
drop the trig class (MATH 121) if they pass the test. If you are doing this, you should take the
placement test no later than the add/drop period for the quarter. Otherwise, you will not be able
to drop the class. If you must take the test after the add/drop period, you should definitely do so
no later than the withdrawal deadline for the quarter. Otherwise, you will no longer be able to
withdraw from the class either, and will have to remain enrolled (and receive a grade). Some
students choose to take the placement test prior to registering for a calculus class. This way, they
know whether or not they need to register for MATH 121. Additionally, some of these students
decide to take MATH 121 in one quarter and their calculus class in the following quarter
(particularly if they cant fit both into one quarter).
When do I get my results?
The test will be scored immediately after you finish, so you will know your results when you
leave the testing session. The administrative assistant can also assist you in interpreting your
score.
How long do I have to complete the test? Is it strictly timed?
The test is not strictly timed. Generally, we recommend that students allot at least one hour to
take the algebra portion of the test, and about 30 to 45 minutes to complete the trigonometry
portion. However, some students may need less or more time. You must complete the test in
one testing session. If you have accommodations through the Learning Center, please let know
so arrangements can be made.
Do I have to take the math class that I place into, or can I take a lower level class if I feel more
comfortable with that?
Yes, you can take a math class below the class that you place into. For example, your score
might place you into MATH 134 (Calculus I), but you would feel more comfortable starting out
with MATH 120 (Precalculus), which is the class below it. This is perfectly fine. You cannot,
however, take a class above the one you place into (i.e., you cant take MATH 134 if you place
into 120). It should be noted that once you receive credit for a course (with a grade of 2.00/C or
better), you cannot subsequently receive credit for a course below it. For example, if you take
MATH 120 and receive a grade of C or better, you cannot later take MATH 110 and receive
credit for it.
Additional Questions? Contact Margie Trenary, Administrative Assistant (206-296-5930,
trenarym@seattleu.edu, BANN 415) or Jeff Boersema, Math Department Chair (206-2965929, boersema@seattleu.edu).