Anyone else concerned about Math placement score?

K

Konkolm

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Mar 5, 2019
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Hello all,
So this may be an odd question, but can you get your academy appointment rescinded ...OR be denied from pursuing a certain degree based on your math placement test?

I'm prior enlisted, and been out of HS for a few years...so it's been 4+ years since I've taken any math....and I basically just failed the initial placement test...on pre-calc stuff. Stuff that I've learned, but frankly, just do not recall. I've never been particularly mathematically inclined, but I'm willing to put in the hours I'll need to get up to speed. Just wondering if they can actually come back with something along the lines of "your transcript looked better than your test results, sooooo you're out."

thanks in advance! :)
 
Konkolm said:
Hello all,
So this may be an odd question, but can you get your academy appointment rescinded ...OR be denied from pursuing a certain degree based on your math placement test?

I'm prior enlisted, and been out of HS for a few years...so it's been 4+ years since I've taken any math....and I basically just failed the initial placement test...on pre-calc stuff. Stuff that I've learned, but frankly, just do not recall. I've never been particularly mathematically inclined, but I'm willing to put in the hours I'll need to get up to speed. Just wondering if they can actually come back with something along the lines of "your transcript looked better than your test results, sooooo you're out."

thanks in advance! :)
Click to expand...
Interesting question, my hunch is they will work with you to bring you up to their standards. I don't recall any pre-calc from high school either, other than the letter i. How much pre-calc does the air force pilots use in their profession? Just curious.
 
According to the portal, it is just for placement and will not impact one’s appointment. I had the same fear because I did not preform as well as I’d hope. But It looks as though we’re in the clear [emoji846]
 
USAFA offered you appointment because they believe you can succeed there. They had plenty of information on which to base that decision. You're not the first nor the last to do poorly on that test. But all it means is that you'll likely start at a remedial level. You'll need to catch up, for sure, and still take the required courses. But you were accepted for a reason -- above and beyond what you can do mathematically.
 
Once you are in class in the Fall take full advantage of EI, extra instruction, should you need it. A lot of C4s wait until it is too late and dig a hole for themselves. I personally know a few who found Calculus very difficult and did not take advantage of the help available. Key learning point - seek out help, if required, and you will find plenty of support available. Take full advantage of the resources available to you and you will do fine.
 
Teacher here. Here's some tips:

1. Read ahead. Try to be one week ahead on the reading. Never go into a class without going over the day's topic. After all, a football player can't come to practice without already having read the playbook!

2. Start your assignments on the day they're available. It takes the time pressure off, and lets you know what you know and what you need help on.

3. Once you see you need help, *get help*. Your first resource should be your instructor's office hours, but take advantage of study centers, tutoring sessions, etc.

4. When you have a question, write it down and ask the question. Ask it in class if you can, but if not, use the office hours.

You'll still have a lot of work to do (time management, reviewing for tests, papers and reports), but if you take these steps it'll make life a bit more manageable.
 
In addition to extra instruction, squadrons will have a cadet academic officer and non-commissioned officer who SHOULD be organizing an in-squadron tutoring program. Some squads just have a list of squadron members, their associated majors, and courses that they'd be willing to help with. Other squadrons might schedule volunteers to hold tutoring hours in the squadron academic room for core classes. It varies.

Schedule your help ahead of time as much as possible. That goes for both your peers and your instructors.

At least attempt all problems yourself first! Then come to your instructors/classmates and describe what you have tried.

I'm tracking to return to DFMS as an instructor in a few shorts years. See you then.
 
The Cadet Wing also has a tutoring club, which is run by cadets and offers periodic (or personalized) tutoring sessions in virtually every subject. It is a great way to get help and also assist others with subjects you are strong in. I agree with Physicsguru that it is always a good idea to stop by your professor's office since they are the real subject matter experts, but every so often there is a concept which "clicks" when another cadet explains it instead of a teacher.

Additionally, the QRC (Quantitative Reasoning Center) is really helpful for many subjects as well. During the school year, you can stop by during evening hours and get help with physics, chemistry, etc., etc.
 
I thought I read others reference a practice math placement test, has anyone seen one? If not, is it like the math portion of the SAT/Act and AP Calculus?
 
Once you get all setup to take the math tests, my son said there are practice tests available on that site.
 
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