Placement Exam Preparation
To register for the exam, please visit the Placement Exams page.
The University of Michigan-Dearborn uses an adaptive test called ACCUPLACER for math placement. With this computer-based test, the computer automatically determines which questions are presented to you based on your responses to prior questions. The content of the exam covers three areas described below.
Questions in this section will focus on computation, order of operations, estimation and rounding, comparing and ordering values in different formats, and recognizing equivalent values across formats. In addition, questions may assess a student’s math ability via computational or fluency skills, conceptual understanding, or the capacity to apply mathematics presented in a context.
All questions are multiple choice in format and appear discretely (stand alone) across the assessment. The following knowledge and skill categories are assessed:
- Whole number operations
- Fraction operations
- Decimal operations
- Percent
- Number comparisons and equivalents
Questions in this section will focus on a range of topics including computing with rational numbers, applying ratios and proportional reasoning, creating linear expressions and equations, graphing and applying linear equations, understanding probability and set notation, and interpreting graphical displays. In addition, questions may assess a student’s math ability via computational or fluency skills, conceptual understanding, or the capacity to apply mathematics presented in a context.
All questions are multiple choice in format and appear discretely (stand alone) across the assessment. The following knowledge and skill categories are assessed:
- Rational numbers
- Ratio and proportional relationships
- Exponents
- Algebraic expressions
- Linear equations
- Linear applications
- Probability and sets
- Descriptive statistics
- Geometry concepts
Questions in this section will focus on a range of topics, including a variety of equations and functions, including linear, quadratic, rational, radical, polynomial, and exponential. Questions will also delve into some geometry and trigonometry concepts. In addition, questions may assess a student’s math ability via computational or fluency skills, conceptual understanding, or the capacity to apply mathematics presented in a context.
All questions are multiple choice in format and appear discretely (stand alone) across the assessment. The following knowledge and skill categories are assessed:
- Linear equations
- Linear applications
- Factoring
- Quadratics
- Functions
- Radical and rational equations
- Polynomial equations
- Exponential and logarithmic equations
- Geometry concepts
- Trigonometry
Use this helpful material to prepare for your placement exam. Select any of the topics below to access practice questions for that section on the placement test.
Exam Frequently Asked Questions
This technique selects just the right questions to ask without giving you questions that are too easy or too difficult. Because the ACCUPLACER tests are adaptive, you do not have to answer as many questions as you would on a traditional paper-and-pencil test.
Since ACCUPLACER tests are adaptive and since the questions are chosen for you based on your answers to previous questions, you must answer every question when it is first given. You cannot leave a question and come back to it later. You must answer a question in order to go to the next question. Once you go on to the next question, you cannot return to previous questions.
If you do not know the answer to a question, you should try to eliminate one or more of the choices. Then pick from the remaining choices. There are no calculators allowed on the exam. Most students will complete 2 of the following 3 exams.
Review your last mathematics test as well as the notes and text you used. There are mathematics textbooks and videos in the UM-Dearborn Mardigian Library that may be helpful. Review "familiar" sections and problems if it has been more than a few years since your last mathematics course, also review the problems at one level below the last course that you completed. Time yourself doing a practice test.
The results of the exam will be evaluated along with your previous mathematics background and your ACT or SAT scores (when available), and you will be placed in the appropriate algebra, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus I course. For many concentrations, completing one mathematics course will fulfill your mathematics requirement (it must be a course for degree credit, not additive credit). Other majors require much more mathematics. Please consult the Undergraduate Announcement or speak with your academic advisor concerning the requirement in your specific situation.
If you have had only one year of algebra, you will probably place in one of our review algebra courses. You may also need to take one of these algebra classes to upgrade your skills in preparation for Math 105. Algebra courses (Math 080 and Math 090) at UM-Dearborn award additive credit only (credit which is in addition to credit requirements for graduation, and will not count toward graduation or toward fulfilling requirements).
This placement allows you to take Math 104 (Pre-Calculus without Trigonometry) or Math 105 (Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry) depending on your major. Please talk to your advisor regarding the appropriate course to take. If you are undecided about your major, taking Math 105 will keep all your options open. If you are placed into Pre-Calculus, be prepared to work very hard; even the well-prepared students report spending 3-4 hours per night on homework. This is a jam-packed course with no time for a significant review of background algebra. There is brief, superficial coverage of some algebra topics. You should be concerned if much of that material seems unfamiliar. Be conservative about deciding to stay in the course while reviewing algebra. We are conservative about placing you into Pre-Calculus, and you should be equally protective of your own best interests.
If you have never had trigonometry, you will not be able to take the Calculus I (Math 115) course that is designed for mathematics, science, and engineering majors, You may, however, be prepared to take the Calculus I (Math 113) designed for business and social science majors. The course that you choose will depend on your academic goals; discuss this with your advisor.
If you have had some calculus and are hoping to place into Calculus II or above, you must either:
- Take the AP (Advanced Placement) Exam given by the Educational Testing Service, or
- Receive transfer credit for the appropriate prerequisite(s), or
- Contact the Department Chair for special circumstances.
If a student is not satisfied with their score and placement, they may choose to retake the placement test once after reviewing materials for at least 14 days. Please select the Freshman, Transfer, or Non-Degree link above to re-register for your second exam.
If a student is not satisfied with their placement score after taking the exam twice, they may appeal by filling out the following form:
Math Learning Center
4901 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128
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