About the Math Placement Test 

Because most undergraduate programs at Ohio State require some work in mathematics, all entering freshmen are required to take the Mathematics Skills Assessment. You may complete this testing requirement in one of two ways:

·        You may take the test online no later than a week prior to orientation by following the online instructions.

Note: If you receive an undetermined ("U") score, you must complete a second assessment on campus.

·        You may take the assessment on campus. Days, times, and locations will be sent to you in US mail.  Please bring a calculator and pencil, and allow 75 minutes to take the test.

NOTE: The Math Skills Assessment is used as a placement tool. No course credit will be given. Since your score on the math assessment determines your beginning placement level in math and science courses, you are encouraged to review the appropriate topics prior to taking the test. Sample problems for both exams, topics covered, and additional information can be found at www.math.ohio-state.edu/counseling/placement.html.

Am I Required to Take the Math Assessment?

You are not required to take the Mathematics Skills Assessment if:

• You have received transfer credit for a specific Ohio State math course (e.g., Math 1151).
• If you have taken college math courses and had the transcript(s) of those courses sent from your previous college to Undergraduate Admissions, you will be sent a Transfer Credit Report listing your transfer credit.
• You received General or Deferred/Unknown mathematics credit that has been evaluated by a mathematics counselor exempting you from the assessment (refer to Understanding your Transfer Credit Report for details).
• You received a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AB or BC Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus exam while in high school. You will need to have an official copy of your AP test scores sent directly to Undergraduate Admissions to receive credit.
• If you will not have your AP Calculus test scores by three days prior to your orientation session, you will need to take the mathematics skills assessment by the five day testing deadline.
• If you take the math assessment and receive your AP scores before your orientation session, bring a copy of the scores with you to orientation, as those results will be used in determining your appropriate math placement.
• If you receive a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AB or BC Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus exam, those results will be used in determining your appropriate math placement.
• If you have not had your scores sent to Undergraduate Admissions, please bring your copy with you to orientation and contact the AP Program at 1-888-CALL4AP to have an official copy sent.
• You are a nontraditional student who is 23 years of age or older. If you are a nontraditional student and choose not to take the math assessment, you will be placed in Math 1050, an introductory math course. You may take the assessment if you wish to begin at a higher level

You are required to take the Mathematics Skills Assessment if:

• Your credit for college course work in mathematics is not transferring to Ohio State.
• You have received math credit designated as Special (S000), Technical (T000), or Undefined Technical (Und Tech.).
• You have received General (G000) or Deferred/Unknown (D000) math credit, unless you have the credit evaluated by a mathematics counselor prior to your orientation session. For evaluation of General or Deferred/Unknown math credit, follow the instructions for doing so on your Transfer Credit Report..
• You have submitted college transcripts, but have not yet received a Transfer Credit Report by five days prior to your orientation session.

Two Tests: Which One is Right for You?
There are two versions of the Mathematics Skills Assessment: Test B and Test D.

·        Test B: ACT math score of 24 or lower (SAT math score of 560 or lower),

·        Test D: ACT math score of 25 or higher (SAT math score of 570 or higher),

*Scoring high enough on the B Assessment will allow you to take the D Assessment (pre-calculus) during orientation, which may result in a higher placement level.