Basic Skills Test Requirement
Fall 2007

What is the purpose of the test?

The Basic Skills Test covers mathematical skills that students must master at the start of calculus.  Students who pass the test should be reasonably well-prepared to pass calculus.

The test is given three times.  We do not expect all students to pass on the first try, but we do expect calculus students to pass the exam after they identify gaps in their skills, refresh their memories and practice these basic skills.

Who is required to take the test?

All students in MA1135,  MA1160, and MA1161
NOTE:  Photo ID is required for everyone who takes the test.

When is the test given?

First Try:         Thursday, September 6, 6-7 p.m.
MA 1135 & MA 1160 R05                    Dow 641           (Roblee)
MA 1161 R01-R02                                EERC 103        (Miller,Westlund)
MA 1161 R03-R05                                M&M U115     (Xiao,Garcia,Kumari)
MA 1161 R06                                        Fisher 138        (Schaefer)
MA 1161 R07-R08                                Fisher 139        (Bhatt,Cui)
MA 1160 R01-R04 & R06-R07             Fisher 135        (Kolkka,Kamischke,Zanello,Olson,Pinelis)

Second Try:    Tuesday, September 11, 6-7 p.m.
 MA 1135                     EERC 103
 MA 1160                     M&M U115
 MA 1161  R01-R02     Fisher 138
 MA 1161  R03-R05     Fisher 139
 MA 1161  R06-R08     MEEM 112      
                                                     
Third Try:       Thursday, September 13, 6-7 p.m.
MA 1135                      Dow 641
MA 1160& 1161          Fisher 135

How long is the test?

The test contains 25 questions and should be completed in 50 minutes.

Can I use a calculator?

No, all of the questions must be worked by hand.

What do I have to do to successfully complete this requirement?

Each answer will be graded as either right or wrong (any minor error will result in a score of 0 points on that problem).  You must score 80% or better on this test (20 out of 25) in order to satisfy the requirement.    The BST counts as 10% of your final course grade in calculus.  If you pass the BST with a score of 20 out of 25 or better on one of the three tries, you will receive full credit (10/10) for this part of your course grade.  If you score less than 20, your score will be as follows:

• Score of 20 or better          10/10
• Score of 18-19                    7/10
• Score of 16-17                    6/10
• Score of 15 or below           0/10*

*This will lower your final course grade by one full letter grade.  We STRONGLY recommend that students who do not score at least 16 drop calculus and enroll in MA1032 Data, Functions and Graphs.

If I passed the BST, do I have to take it again?
Yes, it is a course requirement.

What does the test cover?

Skills essential to success in calculus.  See below for a list of topics.

Will the test be the same each semester?

The test will cover the same topics each time it is given, but the questions will be different.

Can I get a sample test?

A same sample test with solutions can also be found on e-reserve at the library. From the library website www.lib.mtu.edu, go to JRVP Library Catalog; Course reserve; Instructor:  MA Dept; Department: Math; Search.  Look for “Basic Skills Test”. 

Do I need to study for it?

Most definitely.  In a typical semester, only 30% of students pass the BST (20 or higher) on the first try and most pass it after three tries.

When will I get the results?

Your instructor will return your tests in class as soon as they are graded.

What if I miss one of the three tries?

Make-up tests will only be given to students who miss a test date because of an excused absence (family emergency, illness requiring medical attention, etc.).  All such absences must be verified by the Dean of Student’s Office, and the student should contact Ann Humes (amhumes@mtu.edu), Fisher 205B, as soon as they return to classes, preferably within two days of the scheduled test date.  Retakes will NOT be given if you slept through the test, forgot to come, etc.