Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Mathematics Placement Test?
  It is a placement test that will identify the first mathematics course a student should take at Barton College. It covers material from Algebra I through Pre-Calculus.
• Do I need to take the Mathematics Placement Test?
  If you do not have AP mathematics credit or transferable college mathematics credit, you must take the Mathematics Placement Test.
• Should I prepare for this test?
  It is strongly recommended that students review before taking the test. Students should try the practice test and review as needed. Students are expected to know the basic rules of algebra and elementary formulas.
• How long is the test?
  The test contains 40 questions, and students will be given 60 minutes. Students may leave once they have completed the test.
• What should I bring to the test?
  Number 2 pencils and a calculator. You will not be permitted to use your cell phone as a substitute for a calculator. You may not share a calculator, nor will the College provide one.
• When is the test administered?
  The test is administered during Orientation and prior to pre-registration in the fall and spring semesters. The dates for the placement test will be announced well in advance. During the fall and spring semesters, the test will normally be administered during the 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. time slot on a Tuesday or Thursday. No classes are held during this time.
• What should I do if I cannot answer all the questions?
  A student may not be able to answer all the questions on the test. The first twenty questions assess basic mathematics knowledge, and students should attempt to answer all of them. Students who do not achieve a score of 70% or better on these questions will need to take MTH 100 Fundamentals of Algebra. For the placement test, random guessing is strongly discouraged.
• May I take the test more than once?
  A student may take the test twice. The second attempt has to be within six (6) months of the first. Freshman students are required to begin their first mathematics course no later than their third semester of enrollment at Barton College. Transfer students are required to begin their first mathematics course no later than their second semester of enrollment at Barton College.