What is the purpose of the Mathematics Placement Exam?
The Mathematics Placement system at Lindenwood University is designed to assess students’ skills before they enroll in their first math course. This ensures the student has the skills required for that particular course. The goal is to screen potential failure rather than predict success. The student’s major determines which one of the four exams they are to take: General Education, College Algebra, Precalculus, or Calculus. The math placement exams can place students in courses up to Calculus I (MTH27100).
Who takes the Mathematics Placement Exam?
The exam should be taken by the majority of new students. Exceptions are made for students who have transferred college-level math credit that: a) completes the math requirement for their major; or b) satisfies the prerequisite for the first math course required for their major. Students who have a score of 30 or above on the ACT or a score of 3 or higher on an AP Calculus exam, will also be excused from the math placement exam.
When do I take the Mathematics Placement Exam?
Placement exams will be administered to all students attending the Admissions Department’s open enrollment sessions. Students who cannot attend an enrollment session will complete the Mathematics Placement Exam after arriving on campus. Math placement testing appointments should be made at least 24 hours in advance at
Which Mathematics Placement Exam should I take?
The specific placement exam taken by each student is determined by his/her anticipated area of study. Students who plan to major in a field of math or science, including Biology, Chemistry, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics, Middle School Math Education, Middle School Science Education, PreEngineering, PreMedicine, PreNursing, or Secondary Education Biology or Chemistry, should prepare to take one of the Algebra-Calculus placement exams. Students majoring in any other area, and those students who have not yet decided on a major, should prepare to take the General Education placement exam.
What is the exam format?
The General Education placement exam consists of twenty-six multiple-choice questions. The College Algebra, Precalculus, and Calculus exams each contain twelve multiple-choice questions. Students are allotted 40 minutes to complete the exam. Once the student completes the exam, the exam will be graded and the student will be advised which mathematics course they should take in the coming semester. Calculators are NOT allowed on any mathematics placement exam; the questions are designed to test knowledge and understanding of algebra, as well as calculation skills.
How can I prepare for the Mathematics Placement Exam?
Students should prepare for the math placement exam by studying the sample exams available at
Can I retake the Mathematics Placement Exam?
Students may retake the mathematics placement exam once per semester. Students must wait at least thirty (30) days, following the first attempt, to retake any math placement exam. Students must contact the mathematics placement coordinator if interested in signing up to retake the math placement exam.
Can the Mathematics Placement score be used to show proficiency in a particular math course?
No. The math placement exams are for placement purposes only. These tests will NOT be used to show proficiency. Students who wish to validate math proficiency via examination should contact the Lindenwood University Mathematics Department for more information.
