Mathematics Assessment
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise Department of Mathematics & Computer Science wishes to ensure student success by accurately placing students into mathematics courses for which they are best prepared. Scores used to place students in the appropriate courses include the SAT, ACT, and/or a Mathematics Assessment.
*Note on the Use of Calculators: Mathematics courses at UVA Wise required on the Calculus track (including prerequisite courses) generally do not allow the use of calculators.
Initial Placement
Students will be placed in initial mathematics courses based on their prior coursework and any SAT Math and/or ACT Math scores (utilizing the highest score achieved). However, students can take the Mathematics Assessment to try and improve their initial placement. Students should read the next sections to determine if they need to or should take the Mathematics Assessment.
Should You Take the Mathematics Assessment?
Students who are planning to major in any Natural Science or Mathematics & Computer Science program are required to take the Mathematics Assessment. This includes students who are transferring mathematics credit(s) from another college or university, dual enrollment, and/or AP credit.
Additionally, students who wish to improve their initial placement may also take the Mathematics Assessment, but are NOT required to do so.
Students who are satisfied with their initial placement or have transferred mathematics credits that meet the requirements of their intended major (and thus do not need to take any more mathematics) are NOT required to take the Mathematics Assessment.
Transfer Credits
UVA Wise recognizes that many students may have transferable mathematics credit(s) (including dual-enrollment courses and AP credit). Due to our departmental calculator policy, students transferring mathematics credit(s) may have had a different experience in their previous mathematics courses. Thus, it is important for students to take the Mathematics Assessment in order to assess their knowledge without the use of a calculator. In doing so, students and advisors will be able to select the mathematics course that is best suited for success.
Students with transferable mathematics credit(s) should discuss the following options with their advisor:
- Students who have successfully completed a prerequisite course may register for the next course if they feel they are mathematically prepared.
- Students who do not feel that they are mathematically prepared for the next course, may register to audit a course previously taken. In doing so, students will be able to refresh their mathematical skills to prepare for future mathematics courses without penalty towards their GPA.
*Note: Students choosing to register for a course they have previously taken may opt to take it for a grade. However, the most recent grade will be the grade of record for GPA calculation and degree requirements.
For questions about the Mathematics Assessment during the orientation process, please contact OSE@uvawise.edu or call 276-328-0313.
Registering for and Completing the Mathematics Assessment
The Mathematics Assessment is an online module that will be available as part of the Orientation process. Students must enroll in and complete the “Orientation” module before completing the “Math Assessment” module.
All students who are required to complete the assessment (see “Initial Placement” section) AND students who elect to complete the assessment to improve their initial mathematics placement will be enrolled in the “Math Assessment” module AFTER completing the “Orientation Module”.
Both the “Orientation” module and “Math Assessment” module must be completed BEFORE scheduling an advising appointment with the faculty advisor. Learn more about Orientation.
Preparing for the Mathematics Assessment
The use of calculators is not allowed on the Mathematics Assessment.
Below is a list of topics that could be covered on the exam. It is in the students’ best interest to review these topics without the use of a calculator prior to taking the exam to ensure the most accurate assessment of mathematical knowledge.
- 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),
- Exponential 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).
Other online resources to prepare for the Mathematics Assessment (optional).
Receiving Scores
Upon completion of the Mathematics Assessment, scores are sent to faculty advisors who will share them with students during their advising appointments.
Mathematics Courses Available Per Assessment Scores
Courses are available based on the Mathematics Assessment scores. These courses are only the first course recommended to incoming students. Please refer to the College Catalog for a list of all mathematics courses that are required for specific majors.
Advanced Placement
- Students who place into MTH 1050 and complete the course with a C or better will also receive credit for MTH 1010.
- Students who place into MTH 1210 and complete the course with a C or better will also receive credit for MTH 1110. Those who do not get a C or better are advised to take MTH 1110 before repeating MTH 1210.
- Students who place into MTH 2040 and complete the course with a C or better will also receive credit for MTH 1110 and MTH 1210.
Read mathematics course descriptions in the College Catalog.
Retaking the Mathematics Assessment
Students who are not satisfied with their Mathematics Assessment scores may retake the assessment. However, students must provide proof of practice in order to retake the Mathematics Assessment.
Satisfactory Proof
- Transcript of additional course taken
- Certificate of online course taken
- Other documents must be approved by the Mathematics and Computer Science Department
Please submit documentation to the Mathematics and Computer Science Department Chair, James Vance, at least two weeks prior to the intended testing date for approval. Along with the documentation, please supply your name (first, middle, and last) and intended testing date.
Email: jav6e@uvawise.edu
Phone: 276-376-4615
Once documentation has been approved, students are able to retake the Mathematics Assessment.