It is very important that students begin their college mathematics coursework at the appropriate level, and the math placement exam helps to facilitate this.
All incoming first-year students must schedule and take their mathematics placement exam prior to attending orientation. This allows students to schedule the appropriate mathematics and/or science course during orientation. Students opting not to take the placement exam will begin their math courses at Math 010 (no credits towards degree) to satisfy the math milestone.
If a student earns transfer credit for a course that is exactly equivalent to a RIC math course, they will have satisfied the math milestone. They may choose to take the math placement exam if they are attempting to register for a course that requires a higher placement/prerequisite than which they have credit.
A transfer student who has not earned college credits equivalent to a RIC math course must take the math placement exam to determine their initial math course. Students opting not to take the placement exam will begin their math courses at Math 010 (no credits towards degree) to satisfy the math milestone.
If you have questions about your math transfer credits, please contact Megan DiBonaventura. Please include your RIC ID, the specific math courses taken, and the college from where the credits were earned.
The Math Milestone is a requirement that must be completed within your first 20 attempted credits at the college. It can be satisfied with an appropriate placement on the exam (Level 1 or higher) or by successfully completing Math 010. Transfer students can satisfy the math milestone by transferring in a course equivalent to a RIC Math course.
All students must also complete a course listed under the math category for general education. The Math Milestone is a prerequisite for all general education math courses as well as courses in biology, chemistry, management, etc.
You should receive a confirmation to your RIC email address.
There is no cost for students to take the exam.
Students must have paid their enrollment deposit to attend RIC, then there is a 48-72 hour waiting period for the system to update. Once students are matriculated, they can register for the placement exam.
Yes. All students should take the Math Placement Exam prior to attending New Student Orientation. A minimum of a level 1 placement is required for courses in many disciplines.
Yes. In order to prepare you may use the PDF Practice Test, with answers at the bottom of the last page.
Also, this Guide to Achieve a Level 1 Math Placement is a good way to focus your preparation to meet the Math Milestone and place into college level math courses.
An online practice test can be attempted once. It is highly recommended that you attempt the online practice exam prior to testing in a proctored setting to get a sense of the answer format, type of questions, and the timing. The online practice test is NOT scored and does not count towards your placement.
Please Note: Your account information is loaded after you deposit. Continue to check back sporadically if the system does not yet recognize you. You should not use any outside sources when taking the practice exam (including calculators, text books, people, the internet, etc.) and you should plan to do this all in one sitting. After 30 minutes of inactivity you will be logged out and not allowed back in.
Upon completion of the exam, you will be placed into your initial mathematics course. Your placement will appear on the screen. Scores are uploaded to MyRIC within 24 hours of test completion.
Please note that although this may not be the course required by your major, successful completion should adequately prepare you for the required course.
*Math course that satisfies the General Education Mathematics requirement.
All students may retake the math placement exam once, following a two-month waiting period that should be used to prepare. We will only waive the two-month waiting period if you attend a 2-night workshop (a total of 3 hours).
Use the Guide to Achieve a Level 1 Math Placement to best prepare to meet the Math Milestone.
Students requiring a higher placement for courses in their major should use the all-level practice exam, as well.
Not necessarily, but it is a prerequisite for courses in Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics, etc. Programs like Nursing and Education require the Math Milestone for program eligibility.
We strongly recommend using our practice materials prior to testing.
If you live a significant distance from campus, please email Megan DiBonaventura to coordinate a virtual test using your RIC email account. Megan will coordinate at time to test (approximately one hour) and send a zoom link. You will be required to use the camera and microphone features for the entire zoom meeting.
Yes. To request reasonable testing accommodations for a disability or medical condition, please contact Disability Services Center before you schedule the exam.
Disability Services Center
401-456-2776
dsc@ric.edu
Once your accommodations are in place, you should contact Megan DiBonaventura mdibonaventura@ric.edu to schedule your exam.
Please Note: reasonable accommodations do not include use of a calculator.
All students must complete the Math Milestone to be able to register for college level science and math courses. This milestone can be completed by placing into Level 1 or higher on the math placement exam. We've put together questions you must be able to answer correctly in order to reach a level 1 placement.
After looking at the Guide to Achieve a Level 1 placement, did you feel like you could benefit from guided practice? Register for one-on-one peer tutoring by creating an account and scheduling an appointment on the Math Learning Lab page.
Please Note: It is strongly recommended that you come prepared with your work from your practice of the Guide to Achieve a Level 1 placement.
All students are allowed one retake on the Math Placement Exam. There is a two-month waiting period before you may retake the exam, unless you complete 2 one-hour tutoring appointments on separate days. After completion of the tutoring sessions you may register for your retake, regardless of the amount of time that has passed.
Assistant Director Academic Success Center/Math Learning Lab