Math Readiness Assessment FAQ
Preparation
Why must I take the math readiness assessment? The assessment is used to determine the mathematics course in which you will have the greatest success. Upon completion of the Readiness Assessment, your score is sent to your academic advisor. Your advisor will review your score and help make appropriate recommendations for course registration.
Who has to take the math readiness assessment? All incoming first year students and transfer students without math credit. Math credit is equivalent to an AP test score of 3 or higher or a C or higher in a college level math course. If you are unsure if you are required to take the placement exam, please contact qsc@whittier.edu
When do I take the math readiness assessment? As soon as possible. The sooner students take the assessment, the sooner they can register for classes.
Is there a fee to take the math readiness assessment? There is no fee to take the assessment.
Do I need to install any software or plug-ins prior to taking the assessment? No. There are no required plug-ins or applets required. If you have access to the internet and are using an updated browser, you should not experience difficulties in taking your assessment. Please disable any pop-up blockers from your browser.
What topics are covered during the math readiness assessment? Topics range from arithmetic through calculus. It is a Placement Assessment, not a preview of math courses at Whittier College. It is designed to identify if you are prepared for a particular course.
Topics covered:
- Real numbers (including fractions, integers, and percentages)
- Equations and inequalities (including linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations),
- Linear and quadratic functions (including graphs and functions, linear functions, and parabolas), exponents and polynomials (including integer exponents, polynomial arithmetic, factoring, and polynomial equations), rational expressions (including rational equations and rational functions
- Radical expressions (including higher roots and rational exponents)
- Exponentials and logarithms (including function compositions and inverse functions, properties of logarithms, and logarithmic equations)
- Geometry and trigonometry (including perimeter, area, and volume, coordinate geometry, trigonometric functions, and identities and equations).
Taking the Assessment
What is the format of the questions? The assessment contains multiple choice questions. However, it may still require you to work out solutions with paper and pencil.
May I use a calculator? Yes, you are allowed to use a calculator.
May I use any other resources during the assessment? You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and calculator. You should not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any other resources. Using outside resources will lead to improper placement and potentially course failure.
Is the assessment timed? You have 90 minutes to complete the assessment. The assessment cannot be paused and must be completed within 90 minutes.
What if I see questions I don’t know? It is likely that you will be asked questions on material you have not yet learned. On such questions it is appropriate to answer, I don’t know. On any question that you have familiarity with, however, it is important to do your best.
How do I know if my answers were saved? Moodle autosaves every minute.
Can I review a question after I’ve answered it? Yes, you may go back to previous questions and review to make any changes within the 90 minutes. Once you click the “Submit all and finish” button, you will not be allowed to go back and change your answers.
What happens if I do not complete the assessment in the allotted time? Your score will be calculated based on the questions you completed.
I am ready to start the assessment. How do I begin? Log into your Future Poet Portal and access the new student checklist. Click the link provided to access the assessment. You will be led to and auto-enrolled in Moodle where you will take the exam.
Placement Result
What is my placement result?
Course placement is determined as follows:
| Placement Score | Placement |
| 0 | Math 74: Transition to College Math |
| 1 | Math 79: Quantitative Reasoning |
| 2 | Math 76: College Algebra |
| 3 | Math 80: Elementary Statistics |
| 4 | Math 85: Pre-Calc |
| 5 | Math 141: Calculus I |
Where can I see my score?
- You will receive your score immediately upon completion of your assessment.
- On your DegreeWorks page
How long is my placement result valid? Your placement result is valid for 4 years.
I did not place into the class I wanted. Can I take it anyway? No, you must achieve the minimum placement result to take each corresponding class.
Technical Support
Where can I get help with the math placement exam? Please email qsc@whittier.edu
