Math Placement FAQ's

Why does the College of Saint Rose require a math placement?
The College requires students to take a math placement so we can ensure you are placed in math and science courses that are appropriate both to your level of aptitude, and to your major. For example, Business Administration majors are required to take MAT 180: College Algebra and Science majors are required to begin with MAT 190: Calculus 1. (For more information about mathematics and science requirements for your major, check the Undergraduate Catalog). While scores are used for placement purposes only, some offices on campus may also compile information from test scores for institutional reasons.

What will be on the placement?
The placement test covers a wide area of basic high school math skills, including, but not limited to, working with ratios, polynomials (basic operations and factoring), word problems, radicals and exponents, fractions, and linear equations.

What must I bring to the math placement?

You must bring a photo I.D. Calculators are available on the computers, but you may also bring a non-graphing calculator with you. All other materials including scratch paper and pencils will be provided

How can I prepare?
The link below will lead you to several documents that can aid you for preparing for the math placement. During the semester we also have daily review sessions geared towards the math placement, as well as open lab math tutors. If you can’t make it to one of those, please make an appointment with the Assistant Director of the Academic Support Center for a time that works best with you.

How long will the math placement take?
You will have approximately one hour to complete the test, although many students finish in a shorter time. You may leave the testing area after you have completed the test.

How is it scored?
The math placement is scored on a sliding scale. As you go through it, the computer weights each problem depending on how well you are doing. The more answers you get correct, the more likely it is that you get harder and harder questions. When completed, the computer calculates a score based on how many questions you got correct, and the relative difficulties of those questions. From this, it determines your score. It is important to note that, like with most standardized tests, this is a scaled score. This means that one question does not equal one point. Therefore, if your score comes out one below, it does not necessarily mean that you need only one more question correct to get the score you need.

What score do I need?
The score that you need depends on the course you are trying to place into. Most majors need only score either a CPRE 42 or a CALG 26, which qualify for a non major level MAT course that will satisfy the Liberal Education requirement for MAT. Students in the School of Business need a score of CALG 54 to take MAT 180. A score of CALG 54 is also needed for any student wanting to take CHM 190, PHY 190 and BIO 191. Students that are mathematics or science majors that need to take Calculus 1 need a score of CCAL 52.

What does CPRE/CALG/CCAL mean?
Those three acronyms are the three domains where scores can fall. The first C in each stands for Compass, the company that makes the math placement. CPRE (PRE for Pre-Algebra) is the lowest domain, then CALG (Algebra), then CCAL (College Algebra) is the highest. The domains serve as a guide to let you know what level math course you are ready for. CPRE usually indicates a non-major math course. CALG usually indicates a major level course that is below Calculus. CCAL is for a major level course, beginning with Calculus 1.

What if I fail the math placement?
Since the math placement isn't a test and is not “graded” in the traditional sense, you cannot receive a failing grade. The math placement assesses your areas of mathematical strength and weakness on a variety of levels, and lists the math and science courses you are prepared to take. In some cases, the results for the math placement may read that you need to retake it. To help improve your score, there are several options available to you through the Academic Support Center. Please contact 454-5299 or email for further assistance.

Contact Information

Saint Joseph Hall, 3rd Floor
Open: Monday-Friday

Phone: (518) 454-5217
Fax: (518) 454-2870

Campus Security / 518-454-5187