Math Placement Test - for Transfer Students
Students must complete six hours of mathematics above the college algebra level in order to graduate from the College of Charleston. This requirement may be fulfilled through AP credit or coursework completed at the College or another accredited college or university
Incoming freshmen DO NOT take a math placement test. Your placement level will be determined from information about math courses you successfully completed in high school as well as the math SAT or ACT score.
Transfer students must take the math placement test if they are not transferring six or more credit hours in math (excluding college algebra) to the College. Transfer students must complete the math placement test before they meet with an advisor.
- Know the basics of algebra. You must understand the concepts.
- Review pre-calculus (more advanced algebra and trigonometry).
- You are not allowed to use a calculator during the math test.
For students who want to brush up on their mathematics, either before taking a particular class or prior to the placement test, we recommend a paperback book called Schaum's Outline. They come in a variety of topics, including Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra, and Precalculus. The Outlines include mini lessons, arranged by topics, worked out problems, and exercises for the student. Their structure makes them good for review and refresher work.
The Intermediate Algebra outline is good and relatively easy refresher to help students do better on the placement test. If it's too easy once a student gets back into the math, the student will probably want to switch to the College Algebra one, since it will help even more with the placement test.
1. 3-[3(-6+4)-4]=
a.) -15
b.) -7
c.) 1
d.) 5
e.) 13
Answer: e
2. 
a.) 
b.) 
c.) 
d.) 
e.) 
Answer: a
3. If 
a.) -2
b.) 7
c.) 2
d.) 4
e.) 1
Answer: b
4. 
a.) 
b.) 
c.) 10
d.) 1000
e.) 100
Answer: d
5. If 
, then
a.) 0
b.) 
c.) 
d.)
e.) 1
Answer: e
Taking the test
If you are expected to take the math placement test, you will receive an e-mail to your College of Charleston e-mail account (also known as your Edisto account) with the instructions. This e-mail will include all of the information needed to access the online test and complete it. If you do not have access to a computer at your home, please note that the test can be taken at any public computer such as a public library or current college you are attending.
updated
July 8, 2009
