Math Placement Test

Pluto

Pluto

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I just finished my math placement tests. I had an A+ in Precalc and an A+ in Calc AB this year. Failed both sections of the placement tests! LOL
There was no calculator which didn't make things any better...

Anyone know how heavily they use these results for placements? I have completed a year of both pre-calc and calculus 1, but is it possible for them to place me into calculus 1? I feel this is probably where they will place me...
I mean the score themselves weren't horrible failing scores. 63% and 68% respectively, so I don't know where that puts me.

I'm obviously not happy with these results as I don't feel they accurately reflect my math capabilities, but c'est la vie. I am for sure happy to be at USAFA next year though. Whatever math class I get, I am sure it is the best.

Good luck to anyone who hasn't taken them yet!
 
Hmmm...I started in Calc 2 fall semster (after taking AP Calc BC) and it was a breeze. Ended up with an automatic math minor. I'd never recommend anyone testing out of Calc 2, though.
 
You will take more placement tests once you are at USAFA, but if you are at all shaky on calc, you definitely don't want to be skipping ahead

Momto5 said:
As a follow-up, if by chance you test into Calc 2, can you choose to stay in Calc 1?
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Yes you can, whether you want to depends on your goals. If you want less classes as a firstie or to add a minor or a double major, validating some classes really helps

99Gold said:
Hmmm...I started in Calc 2 fall semster (after taking AP Calc BC) and it was a breeze. Ended up with an automatic math minor. I'd never recommend anyone testing out of Calc 2, though.
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I did that - started off right in calc 3 and I thought it was great - it allowed me to have a whole extra semester of research in the physics department in addition to my math double major. I got a lot of free pizza from the 3 degrees for helping them with their homework in that class :) That said, if you aren't going to be a techie (technical major) then you don't even need calc 3. We had a couple in our class who realized this half-way through the semester. They definitely regretted taking the extra unneeded math class...
 
USAFA10s said:
You will take more placement tests once you are at USAFA, but if you are at all shaky on calc, you definitely don't want to be skipping ahead


Yes you can, whether you want to depends on your goals. If you want less classes as a firstie or to add a minor or a double major, validating some classes really helps


I did that - started off right in calc 3 and I thought it was great - it allowed me to have a whole extra semester of research in the physics department in addition to my math double major. I got a lot of free pizza from the 3 degrees for helping them with their homework in that class :) That said, if you aren't going to be a techie (technical major) then you don't even need calc 3. We had a couple in our class who realized this half-way through the semester. They definitely regretted taking the extra unneeded math class...
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Glad I stayed in Calc 2 just for an easy A to start my cadet career. It is nice to have space for extra classes, though.
 
My DS took calc AB and BC in high school. The problem is, he hadn't taken any calc since his Junior year in high school. He was rusty, and therefore didn't ace his placement tests. He started back in Calc 1-- Both Calc 1 & 2 were easy A classes for him, and given he has a math heavy astro major, it didn't hurt to brush up on calc again.
 
High school grades can be deceptive since different school have different standards. Everyone who gets an appointment did well in school (many probably got A's in math); however, the competition changes dramatically when you arrive at USAFA. Among the new Cadets, some will be selected for an advanced math sequence and some will not. As a prior engineering department faculty member, I never saw a case where a Cadet was placed in an inappropriate sequence of courses. USAFA does a great job in placing the new Cadets. It is my understanding that the service academies also use AP test scores to identify the proper placement for Cadets.
 
hopefulmom182 said:
My DS took calc AB and BC in high school. The problem is, he hadn't taken any calc since his Junior year in high school. He was rusty, and therefore didn't ace his placement tests. He started back in Calc 1-- Both Calc 1 & 2 were easy A classes for him, and given he has a math heavy astro major, it didn't hurt to brush up on calc again.
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My son just said the same, he took AP calc BC as a junior, got an A, is in stats now and thinks he is rusty in it. He hasn’t done the placement tests yet.
 
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Does anyone know of there is any other Math below Calc 1? DD did the first test (pre-calc) and did fine, does not expect to do as well on the second test, finishing Calc in her spring semester now before graduation.
 
CGL said:
Does anyone know of there is any other Math below Calc 1? DD did the first test (pre-calc) and did fine, does not expect to do as well on the second test, finishing Calc in her spring semester now before graduation.
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I mean I don’t know but if you did good on the pre-calc one you’ll probably be placed in at least calc 1
 
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I read about a lower math class, considered remedial, that some cadets place into. It doesn't actually count for college credit, but helps prepare you if you're not ready for Calc 1. So you would be delayed by a semester starting the higher level math.
 
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What is a good placement score for the pre-calc test? I am currently in Calc BC with an A but some of those precalc questions stumped me.
 
nw2003 said:
What is a good placement score for the pre-calc test? I am currently in Calc BC with an A but some of those precalc questions stumped me.
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Same here I got an A- in my dual credit calc class this year. but I got like a 53% on the pre algebra. It's basic stuff the the no calculator just killed me.
 
I’m currently going through the practice tests and one of the questions requires me to find the square root of 233 rounded to two decimal places without a calculator… Is there supposed to be an online calculator on the website or do I need to figure out how to find the square root of 233 by hand?
 
No calculator, you should be able to get the first few digits mentally

I almost gave a hint, but then I stopped myself lol
 
Pluto said:
I just finished my math placement tests. I had an A+ in Precalc and an A+ in Calc AB this year. Failed both sections of the placement tests! LOL
There was no calculator which didn't make things any better...

Anyone know how heavily they use these results for placements? I have completed a year of both pre-calc and calculus 1, but is it possible for them to place me into calculus 1? I feel this is probably where they will place me...
I mean the score themselves weren't horrible failing scores. 63% and 68% respectively, so I don't know where that puts me.

I'm obviously not happy with these results as I don't feel they accurately reflect my math capabilities, but c'est la vie. I am for sure happy to be at USAFA next year though. Whatever math class I get, I am sure it is the best.

Good luck to anyone who hasn't taken them yet!
Click to expand...
These placement tests do factor in greatly when it comes down to which calc class they will assign you to. HOWEVER, don't be disappointed! Calc 1 is a great place to be during the fall semester of your freshman year. Your life will already be difficult as it is and you won't need the additional burden of an advanced placement calc class. It's OK to take an "easy A," here.
 
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