If you cannot find an answer to your particular question here or from your advisor, then you can email questions to wantland@warren-wilson.edu. Please put "Math Placement Question" in the subject line.

Q: Do I have to take a Math Placement Exam?

A: Yes, unless you have already satisfied the Mathematics component of the General Education requirement.

Q: How do I know if I have already satisfied the Mathematics component of the General Education requirement?

A: If you have scored well enough on an appropriate AP or IB exam (please see AP EXAMINATION RECOMMENDATIONS ) or you have an official transcript with evidence that you have successfully completed an appropriate course (Statistics, Computer Science, Precalculus, Calculus, etc.) from another college or university, then you have (most likely) satisfied our General Education Mathematics Requirement.
If in doubt then please go ahead and take the placement exam. Please note that even though you may have satisfied the General Mathematics requirement, you might still need to complete additional Mathematics courses to fulfill your Major requirements.
A complete list of Baccalaureate Degree Requirements at WWC can be found at:
http://www.warren-wilson.edu/academics/catalog/catalog2.php?name=academic_policies&id=bachelors_degree_requirements

Q: I began the exam and found there were a lot of questions that covered math I haven't studied. Should I be alarmed?

A: Do not be alarmed. The exams cover a variety of material in order to place students in a variety of courses. The purpose of the exam is to show us what you know. Simply do the best that you can.

Q: When should I complete the Math Placement Exam?

A: You should take the math placement test before arriving at Warren Wilson College for Orientation. If you are here, you should have already taken it.

Q: What if I don't complete a Math Placement Exam before I arrive for orientation?

A: Since the exam is online, you can take it any time (and anywhere) you want. We recommend that you take the exam in the Bannerman Computer Lab on campus.

Q: I'm not even close to choosing a major yet. How do I know which Mathematics Placement exam(s) I should take?

A: The placement exams are designed independent of major, and the appropriate test for you depends more on your mathematical background than future. If you have not completed the equivalent of a course on Trigonometry or Precalculus, then you need only take the Algebra placement exam. If you have completed a Precalculus course or a course including Trigonometry and you expect to take Calculus sometime in your future, then we recommend that you start with the Trigonometry and Elementary Functions exam.

Q: What will I need to take the exam? Will I need a calculator?

A: No calculators, please. The exams are designed so that you do not need (and should not use) a calculator. However, you will most likely want some paper and a pencil to help with scratch work and calculations.

Q: What computer resources will I need to take this exam?

A: You will need a network connection and a web browser with a Java plug-in. This is a standard set-up, and odds are that you (or your local public library) already have what you need. For specific requirements refer to the Math Placement Exam System Requirements document available to you through your Math Placement Moodle page.

Q: Where can I take the exam?

A: Any location where you have a computer with a good internet connection. Please make sure that you choose a place to take the exam(s) where you are comfortable, have room to use pencil and paper for calculations, and you will not be interrupted.

Q: How long will it take?

A: Each exam is timed, and the times allowed range from 30 to 45 minutes depending on the exam. Once you start an exam you are committed to finishing that exam within the allowed time limit. If you need to take a second exam (or you would like to retake an exam), then you can do so at any time.

Q: When will I find out my results?

A: As soon as you submit your exam you will be apprised of your score and status. Your Academic Advisor will also receive your score(s) and recommendations from the Mathematics Department for your appropriate placement.

Q: Can I retake the exam or take a different exam?

A: Yes. Please note that we are collecting data from these exams, so we hope that you take the exam(s) seriously. If you take an exam and think that your score does not accurately represent your background, or that you just need to review some concepts, then you are encouraged to retake the exam at your convenience. After taking an exam, if you need to take an exam at a different level, then you can take another exam at your convenience. You will be placed into an appropriate course by your most recent placement exam scores.

Q: Why can't I just enroll in the course I want?

A: With small class sizes and a tight schedule, we find it is best if we determine which course is most appropriate for you based on skills you demonstrate. Mathematics is a subject that builds on previous skills. We neither want you in a course where your background is too weak, and you will not succeed, or in a class where you already have the skills, and you will be bored.
We are happy to meet with students individually to discuss options, however these discussions cannot take place until you have begun the Math Placement process by taking an appropriate exam.

Q: I took a Calculus course, but I did not take the AP exam. Can I still place out of Calculus?

A: Yes. However, you will not have satisfied the Mathematics component of the General Education requirement and will still need to complete an appropriate course at WWC. Please take the Calculus Readiness placement exam and contact your advisor and Evan Wantland at wantland@warren-wilson.edu.