Mathematics Placement Test
The purpose of the mathematics placement test is to place new students in the proper mathematics courses at UIC who are not placed in a course by the ACT or AP math score (See Initial Math Placement Chart). The placement level determined by the test has important consequences. A student will not be able to register for higher-level mathematics courses or to receive graduation credit for lower-level mathematics courses than the course they place into.
A placement test is needed for admission to the following mathematics courses: Math 070, 090, 118, 121, 140, 160, 165, 180
Exemptions from Placement Test
- ACT math score 28 of higher is placement in Math 180
- CBA: ACT math score 26 or higher is placement is Math 160/165
- ACT math score 26 or 27 is placement in Math 121/Stat 101
- ACT of 21 or lower is automatic placement in either Math 070 or Math 075 or Math 118 (Math 118 does not replace Math 070/075/090 as a prerequisite)
- Transfer students with a C or higher in a calculus class from another college or university do not need to take the placement test.
- Students with an AP score of 2 or higher on the AB mathematics exam or an AP score of 1 or higher on the BC mathematics exam are not required to take the placement test.
Placement test results and Precalculus courses from other institutions are not accepted in place of the UIC placement test.
More Information
- Placement tests are valid for a year starting the day of the test.
- Petitions for a one-time retake of the test are available in SEO 322 and are submitted there.
- Transfer students with a C or higher in a calculus class from another college or university do not need to take the placement test.
- Placement test times are listed in Timetable. Exams are held at Testing Services, SSB 1070.
Placement Test Scores and Corresponding Math Classes
| Algebra Score | Trigonometry Score | |
| Math 070 | 267 | -- |
| Math 090/092 | 441 | -- |
| Math 118 | 400 | -- |
| Math 121 | 551 | -- |
| Math 140 | 490 | -- |
| Math 160/165 | 551 | -- |
| Math 180 | 601 | 100 |
Description of the Test
The test is a one-hour, multiple-choice test with 50 questions. Calculators are not permitted.The test has an algebra part and a trigonometry part which are scored separately.
The first 40 questions cover the following topics from algebra: integers, fractions, decimals, linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, polynomials, rational functions, simplification of algebraic expressions, exponents, logarithms, and radicals. Students wishing to place into courses below Math 180 should use the entire hour for the first 40 questions.
Questions 41-50 are on trigonometry and trigonometric functions. A table of trig formulas is included in the test. Students wishing to place into Math 180 (Calculus I) must take both parts of the test. It is advised that these students spend 40 minutes on the algebra questions and 20 minutes on the trigonometry questions.