Math Assessment Test Information
What is the Math Assessment Test? The Math Assessment Test (MAT) is used to evaluate a student’s competency level in the areas of College Algebra and Trigonometry. The results are used to place students in an appropriate starting point in SPSU’s math sequence.
Who is required to take the MAT? All students who have not received credit from SPSU for College Algebra (Math 1111) and Precalculus (Math 1113) are required to take the MAT for placement. Credit for courses can come by transfer, CLEP, or AP scores. Information about CLEP can be found at http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html. CLEP offers exams in both College Algebra and Precalculus.
The table below determines the courses in which a student shall receive credit for having participated in an Advanced Placement Program.
|
AP Exam |
Minimum Score |
SPSU Course for Credit |
Hours |
|
AB Calculus Test |
3 |
Math 1111, 1113, and 2253 or 2240 |
10 or11 |
|
BC Calculus Test |
3 |
Math 1111, 1113, 2253 or 2240, 2254 |
14 or 15 |
|
Statistics |
3 |
Math 2260 |
3 |
Students who have credit for Math 1111 and 1113 are encouraged, but not required, to take the MAT for advisement purposes.
What should one expect on the MAT? The 90-minute exam consists of 63 questions covering College Algebra and Trigonometry. (To understand the level of the questions you will see on the MAT, follow the link to our sample questions.) Bring your photo I.D. and two #2 pencils. The use of calculator is prohibited. The MAT can be taken only once.
When should the MAT be taken? Students should take the MAT prior to registering for any math course at SPSU. Most will take it during orientation. If a student is required to take the MAT, no registration for a math course at SPSU will be possible until the MAT requirement has been met.
When can a student enroll without being required to take the MAT? Students who are admitted to SPSU and are awarded credit (by transfer, CLEP, or AP) for both Math 1111 (College Algebra) and Math 1113 (Precalculus) are not required to take the MAT. Students who are admitted to SPSU and never anticipate taking a math course during their stay at SPSU may elect not to take the MAT.
Are there any special testing provisions allowed when taking the MAT? Students who have a documented learning disability or physical handicap may be allowed special provisions. Such students must contact the ATTIC at (678) 915-7361 well in advance of their need for special accommodation.
How are students notified of MAT dates and times? All incoming students are mailed notification of the MAT requirement and the times and dates the test will be given during Orientation. Currently enrolled students may take the MAT in the ATTIC (A160). Check the schedule by looking in the Registration Bulletin or calling (678) 915-7361. NOTE: Students who are currently enrolled may not attend the incoming student MAT held during Orientation.
How are MAT scores used? MAT scores are used to determine a student’s appropriate starting point in SPSU’s math sequence. Students may only enroll in a math course at SPSU for which all prerequisites have been met or into which the MAT places them. Note, however, that MAT scores will not be used to "take away" course credit previously awarded by SPSU.
How can MAT scores be accessed? MAT scores are maintained in the student’s computer files.
How are MAT scores interpreted? The table below determines a student’s appropriate starting point in SPSU’s math sequence based on MAT scores. A student may choose to start in a course lower than the MAT placement.
|
If you have an MAT score of… |
Then placement is in… |
|
23 or lower on MAT 1 + 2 |
Math 1111 – College Algebra |
|
24 or higher on MAT 1 + 2 |
Math 1113 – Precalculus |
|
26 or higher on MAT 1 + 2 and 8 or higher on MAT 3 |
Math 2253 – Calculus 1 or Math 2240 – Survey of Calculus |
|
28 or higher on MAT I + II and 630 or higher on the math portion of the SAT or 28 or higher on the math portion of the ACT |
Math 1113 – Precalculus or Math 2253 – Calculus I or Math 2240 – Survey of Calculus. Placement in Math 1113 is recommended. |
How should I prepare to take the MAT? Because the MAT is a placement test, it is designed to assess the mathematical knowledge that you have acquired from previous courses. Hence, preparation for the MAT is not necessary. However, if you wish to prepare for the test, you may find it useful to review materials from mathematics courses that you have previously taken in the areas of College Algebra and Precalculus. If you have no such review materials at your disposal, or you would like others, then you might wish to obtain copies of the course syllabi for College Algebra (Math 1111) and Precalculus (Math 1113). Listed on these syllabi you will find the names of textbooks and suggested homework assignments that are currently used in teaching these courses.
One other review option would be to make use of the many available on-line tutorial services, such as S.O.S. Math for algebra and trigonometry and C.O.W. (Calculus on the Web) for precalculus.
A few sample questions with solutions are included here to help you understand the level of the MAT.
Contact the ATTIC at 678 915-7361 for questions about MAT dates and times.
For general questions, please contact the Mathematics Department at (678) 915-7235.