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Math Placement Exam Directions

IMPORTANT:
Print this page for reference and read all directions before starting the exam.

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About the Test


The test you are about to take uses an online learning system called OWL (Online Web-Based Learning). There are 40 questions on the test, 30 on Part A and 10 on Part B. The system will allow you 60 minutes for each part, but the test usually takes much less time than this (normally one hour or less). You will receive one point for each question you answer correctly, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers.

Both multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank questions are used on the test. You may use a calculator, but books or other outside assistance are not allowed - the work should be entirely your own.

*This test is for placement only - No credits or exemptions will be awarded.

Before You Begin


Some browsers do not support the Greek characters that are used in the exam. If you do not see the Greek letters below, you will need to change to a different browser. If you have problems, try updating to the most recent version of Netscape or Internet Explorer.

alpha = α
theta = θ
pi = π

Logging on to OWL

  1. To open the OWL login window, click here.
  2. Enter your Login (UMass Amherst ID number - also known as your Admissions ID number)
    Enter your Password (your last name, not case-sensitive)
    Then click the LOG IN button.
  3. Carefully read the information on the Welcome page, and press Continue.
  4. On the next page, verify that your name and student ID number are correct - you do not need to enter any other information. If correct, press Save and Continue.
  5. On the next page, click on the UMass Amherst Math Placement Exam link. This will take you to the exam itself.

Taking the Test


Some general instructions:

  • The two parts of the exam are listed as separate items under the Current Assignments heading.
  • You should start with Part A first and then advance to Part B. Note that as long as the time has not expired for a particular part you can switch back and forth between parts. Remember, you have one hour to complete each part from the time you begin that part.
  • To navigate between questions, use the OWL Next and Previous buttons located in the navigation bar on the left. Also, as you work on the exam you will see a list of questions at the top of the page. You can click on the icon for a particular question to jump directly to that question.
  • Once you have completed Part A or Part B, click on Current Assign in the navigation bar on the left. This will take you back to the Current Course Assignments page, where you may enter or reenter a part, as long as you have time remaining on that part.

Specific directions for starting the exam and answering questions:

  1. Click on the Part A link on the Current Course Assignments page.
  2. Read the TIMED assignment warning, and click OK.
  3. Click on the Info Page 1 link (first item in the Content/Question column of the table) and read the directions.
  4. Click Next in the navigation bar (in the OWL system) on the left to advance to the first question.
  5. Read the question and enter your answer, either checking the correct answer or filling in the blank.
  6. Press Submit Answer. A pencil icon will appear next to the question number at the top of the page to show that the question has been answered.
  7. If you need to change the answer to a question that you've already submitted, just return to the question, enter your new answer, and then press Resubmit Answer. Only your last submission counts.

Remember: Use the Next or Previous buttons on the left to navigate between questions or click on the icon next to the question number in the list at the top of the page. You can switch back and forth between Part A and B by returning to the Current Course Assignments page. (Click the Current Assign button on the left.)

When You Are Finished


If you work on the exam until time expires, your grade on each Part will appear automatically on the Current Course Assignments page. If the time has not expired, but you are sure that you are done working, here's how you can view your grade:

  1. From the Current Course Assignments page, click on the Part of the grade you want. Or from a question page within the Part of the grade you want, click on the I've finished the exam link at the bottom of the page.
  2. On the Unit Menu page, press the View Score button.
  3. Under the heading, Final Submission for Assignment read the notes to make sure this is what you want to do.
  4. Press the Submit Assignment and View Score button.
  5. Read the warning box and press OK if you are sure that you want to forfeit any remaining time, or press Cancel if you wish to return to the exam.
  6. Your Grade is shown in the top left of the Unit Menu page and on the Current Course Assignments page.
  7. Repeat for the other Part if desired.
  8. Write down your grade for each Part.