Introduction
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) requires all incoming students to take a math placement exam to determine their level of mathematical proficiency. This exam is designed to ensure that students are placed in the appropriate math courses for their academic needs.
Who Needs to Take the Math Placement Exam?
All new UC Davis students, regardless of their intended major, must take the math placement exam. This includes transfer students, international students, and students with prior college math experience.
How to Prepare
UC Davis recommends that students prepare for the math placement exam by reviewing the following topics:
- Basic algebra (e.g., solving equations, factoring, exponents, radicals)
- Trigonometry (e.g., sine, cosine, tangent, inverse functions)
- Calculus (e.g., limits, derivatives, integrals)
Students can find free online resources, such as Khan Academy and Coursera, to help them review these topics.
The Exam
The math placement exam is a computer-based test that typically takes about 60 minutes to complete. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover a wide range of math topics. The exam is adaptive, which means that the difficulty of the questions will adjust based on the student’s performance.
Placement Results
After taking the exam, students will receive a placement score that ranges from 1 to 5. The placement score determines which math courses the student is eligible to take.
| Placement Score | Equivalent Course |
|---|---|
| 1 | MATH 111 (Elementary Algebra) |
| 2 | MATH 112 (Beginning Algebra and Trigonometry) |
| 3 | MATH 141 (Precalculus Mathematics) |
| 4 | MATH 21A (Calculus I) |
| 5 | MATH 21B (Calculus II) |
Tips and Tricks
- Use a calculator. A calculator is allowed on the math placement exam, so be sure to bring one.
- Don’t guess. If you don’t know the answer to a question, skip it and come back to it later. Guessing will only hurt your score.
- Manage your time wisely. The exam is timed, so be sure to allocate your time wisely. Don’t spend too much time on one question, and try to answer as many questions as possible.
- Relax. The math placement exam is not a high-stakes test, so try to relax and do your best.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing through the exam. The math placement exam is timed, but rushing through the questions will only increase the likelihood of making mistakes.
- Not using a calculator. A calculator is allowed on the math placement exam, so be sure to use it.
- Guessing. If you don’t know the answer to a question, skip it and come back to it later. Guessing will only hurt your score.
- Not practicing. The best way to prepare for the math placement exam is to practice. Take practice exams online or in a math textbook.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the math placement exam?
The math placement exam is used to determine which math courses students are eligible to take at UC Davis.
How can I prepare for the math placement exam?
UC Davis recommends that students review basic algebra, trigonometry, and calculus before taking the math placement exam. Students can find free online resources, such as Khan Academy and Coursera, to help them review these topics.
What is the passing score for the math placement exam?
There is no passing or failing score for the math placement exam. The placement score simply determines which math courses the student is eligible to take.
What happens if I don’t pass the math placement exam?
If you do not receive the required placement score, you will need to take a lower-level math course. You can retake the math placement exam after completing the lower-level math course.
How can I retake the math placement exam?
If you need to retake the math placement exam, you can do so by contacting the UC Davis Math Placement Office. The Math Placement Office will provide you with the necessary information and materials.
Conclusion
The UC Davis math placement exam is an important step in the admissions process. By taking the exam and following the tips and tricks provided in this guide, you can ensure that you are placed in the appropriate math courses for your academic needs.