Course Placement

Mathematics

Initial mathematics course placement is made based on a student’s math ACT or SAT scores. (See At-a-Glance Math & Chemistry Placement.) Mathematics placement letters and testing information were already mailed to all students with math ACT scores of 28 or lower (SAT scores 640 or lower), and students with higher scores received an email. If you have no ACT or SAT scores or wish to challenge your placement, you must take an online placement test between March 9 and April 6, 2007. Scores are available online upon completion of the test. Please see the “ First Year Students” section of the mathematics department website at www.math.mtu.edu for more information.

We strongly encourage students to take this test online during the spring testing window; students who take the placement test in the spring typically do better than those who take it in the fall. A test is available during Orientation ONLY for students who registered late or who have no other course placement.

The placement test is a multiple-choice test that includes both algebra and trigonometry. Calculators are not permitted on this test. This test will not place students higher than MA1160 Calculus with Technology I. Students who are already placed into this course need not take a placement test. Advanced Placement test scores override any other math placements. See Advanced Placement below.

Questions: Contact Ann Humes, Director of First-Year Mathematics, at amhumes@mtu.edu, 906-487-2938, or www.math.mtu.edu.

Engineering

During the first year, all engineering students will participate in a common first-year engineering experience. In your engineering classes, you will learn to integrate and apply topics and theories learned in your math and science courses. In addition, you will study and apply theories of engineering ethics, computer programming, design methods, and technical communication.

Spatial Visualization Test – All engineering majors will take this test, which measures your ability to visualize a three-dimensional object from different perspectives during Orientation. If you have difficulties with this test, it is recommended that you enroll in ENG1002, which is an introduction to spatial visualization, a skill that has proven to enhance engineering student success.

Questions: Contact Brett Hamlin, Assistant Chair, Department of Engineering Fundamentals, at
engfun@mtu.edu or 906-487-3057.

Modern Language

Modern Language Placement Test–Learning another language will help you create the future! Michigan Tech offers a minor and international minor, as well as certificates and advanced certificates, in modern language and area studies. If you plan to continue studying a modern language, you need to take the online French, German, or Spanish placement test, to ensure you are placed at the appropriate level of study. We recommend that you take the Modern Language Placement Test prior to your arrival on campus.

Placement Credit–If your score indicates you should be placed in the second or third year of a language program, you can receive 6 placement credits upon satisfactory completion (grade C or better) of a second-year course or 12 credits upon satisfactory completion of a third-year course. Placement credits can save you time and effort in completing your minor or certificate. Remember that you must take the Modern Language Placement Test in order to be eligible to receive placement credits.

World Cultures Language Option–Students may take two semesters of a modern language plus the world cultures activities course, UN 1003, to fulfill the world cultures general education requirement. Students with previous language experience who wish to fulfill the requirement through further language study at Michigan Tech should also take the online Modern Language Placement Test (Please note that placement credits cannot be counted toward the world cultures requirement).

You must preregister to take the Modern Language Placement Test. Complete the form on page 41 and return it, along with your payment, by the appropriate registration deadline.

Questions: Contact Diane Shoos, Placement Test Coordinator, at dshoos@mtu.edu. Please visit ww.hu.mtu.edu/~hlbostic/placement for more information.

The Modern Language Placement Test may be taken online during the following testing windows:
April 12–24 (Registration deadline: Friday, April 7)
June 14–30 (Registration deadline: Friday, June 2)
The exam will also be offered during Orientation. (Registration deadline: Monday, August 7)

Advanced Placement Credit

If you have taken or plan to take an Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) exam, you must have you score(s) sent directly to Michigan Tech from the testing agency. Our AP code is 1464. Provide this code when registering for the exam(s). If you need to request that your results be sent here, call 888-CALL4AP. Details on submitting IB scores can be found by emailing IB at transcripts.ibna@ibo.org, or by visiting ibo.org. See Advanced Placement Credit for AP and International Baccalaureate Credit for IB.

Calculators

The mathematics department strongly recommends that all students have a graphing calculator, but the extent of its use is course-dependent. This instrument is needed for all courses through the calculus sequence. We recommend the TI-89, but other models will suffice. Calculators should have graphing capabilities in addition to the usual arithmetic functions. Calculators may be purchased before you arrive or from the MTU Campus Bookstore.

Chemistry

If your curriculum requires you to take chemistry during your first year, consider the following:

• You’ll need working knowledge of high school chemistry and algebra and good problem-solving skills for college-level chemistry. The course material is more complex and covered at a much faster pace than in high school, so having a strong background is essential for student success. Therefore, the guidelines for chemistry course selection use MTU math course placement as well as high school chemistry grades. Use your grades from your last semester of high school chemistry and algebra when using the guidelines. See At-a-Glance Math and Chemistry Placement for Chemistry Course Selection Guidelines.

• If you didn’t take chemistry in high school or want to review chemistry fundamentals before enrolling in a college-level course, you should register for CH1000, Preparatory Chemistry (offered in fall and summer semesters only).

• There may be cases where students are placed in the wrong chemistry class during scheduling. Using the guidelines, if you believe that you should be in a different chemistry course, you may contact us to adjust your schedule during Orientation registration.

• Keep in mind that, for some students, choosing to wait and take chemistry during the spring semester may be a good choice. This gives you a semester to adjust to college and strengthen your math skills before enrolling in college-level chemistry. You should consult your academic advisor before selecting this option.

Questions: Contact Lois Blau, Coordinator of the Chemistry Learning Center, at lablau@mtu.edu, 906-487-2297, or http://www.chemistry.mtu.edu/pages/courses/no_semester_list.php.

Computer Science

Computer Science Placement Test–This test is for placing students in the accelerated introductory computer science course:

• CS 1121 is the usual first course in computer science. This course assumes no prior experience with computer programming. If this describes you, you need not take the placement test.

• CS 1131 is an accelerated introduction to computer science and requires some previous programming experience. Students with programming experience who plan to take computer science courses are advised to take the programming skills test. If you perform well on this test, you will be advised to take CS 1131.

Please take this test prior to online registration at www.cs.mtu.edu/html/undergrad/new-students/exam-directions.html.

Questions: Contact the computer science department at cs-quest@mtu.edu or 906-487-2209.