Who has to take the WOU Mathematics Placement Test?
The Mathematics Department at WOU uses SAT/ACT-Math scores to make an initial placement recommendation for new students. If you wish to enter a mathematics course at a higher level than your SAT/ACT score indicates you must take the math placement test.

You may not need a placement test if you have completed a college level mathematics course at some other college or university, or received AP calculus or AP statistics credit.

Note: some students with particular course prerequisites may also have to take the mathematics placement test. For example, Math 105 is not the prerequisite for Math 111, 211, 251, etc. See the FAQ page for more information.

Students in the following majors take the mathematics placement test during SOAR, during New Student Week or at the beginning of their first term at WOU. Students in these majors will be better served by WOU if they start their mathematics course sequences at the beginning of their first year at WOU.

Major List: Biology, Chemistry, Pre-Medicine, Mathematics, Elementary Education (Pre-K - Middle Authorization), Secondary Education, Mathematics

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What should you expect when you take the WOU Mathematics Placement Test?

The WOU Mathematics Department uses COMPASSŪ, which is a computerized, multiple choice exam. There is an online non-graphing calculator for your use. You may use that calculator (or your own non-graphing calculator) and pencil and paper during the exam, but no other materials. The exam has questions of increasing difficulty, in approximately the topic order listed below. You will not be asked questions about every topic in the lists; problems are randomly selected and the difficulty of the problems increases as you answer the problems correctly.

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What topics are covered on the WOU Mathematics Placement Test?

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Sample Mathematics Placement Test Questions

The COMPASS Web Site provides some sample questions. The solutions to the sample questions are listed at the end of the sample questions. Please note, this is just a short list of sample questions to help familiarize students with the type of questions on the test. Most students find that more in-depth study is required to place into the appropriate course.

Placement Test Preparation Problems for the COMPASS Placement Test (.pdf format)

Book Study Resources

WOU Checkout Resources:

The State Adopted text book collection, Hamersly Library, second floor, has a variety of high school mathematics textbooks that you may check out for self study.

Quick Guides:

Schaum's Outline of Elementary Algebra by B. R. Rich. Available at the WOU bookstore

Schaum's Outline of Intermediate Algebra by Ray Steege, Kerry Bailey. Available at the WOU bookstore

Self-Paced Texts:

Introductory Algebra : A Just-In-Time Approach by Alice M. Kaseberg This text, used at several local community colleges, is available in paperback or hardcover.

Intermediate Algebra : A Just-In-Time Approach by Alice M. Kaseberg This text, used at several local community colleges, is available in paperback or hardcover.

NOTE
Any standard Introductory Algebra or Intermediate Algebra text will also suffice for a study guide.

Web Resources

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Scheduling a time to take the WOU Mathematics Placement Test

Students attending SOAR and/or New Student Week will be given the opportunity to take the Mathematics Placement Test. No additional sign up or appointment is necessary for these students prior to arriving at SOAR or at New Student Week.

Students who wish to take the Mathematics Placement Test during the regular academic year must contact the mathematics office specialist: Sharyne Ryals, to schedule an appointment.

Students may take the Mathematics Placement Test twice without charge.

Contact:
Sharyne Ryals
Arnold Arms 306
503-838-8465
ryalss@wou.edu

If you have questions or need more information, please contact the mathematics office specialist: Sharyne Ryals