Department of Mathematics

Math Outreach

High School Testing Program FAQ

When may the exams be administered?
Exams will be administered at a time selected by the participating high school.   All fall exams must be requested before November 19, 2010. Spring exams must be requested before April 16, 2010 and administered and submitted for evaluation before June 1, 2010.

What must the high school provide?

  1. The school will need to provide suitable space, time, copies of exams, and proctors to administer the exams.
  2. Each student must have a number 2 pencil.

Are calculators permitted on any of the tests?
A basic scientific calculator with trigonometric functions is permitted for the Algebra I, Mechanics, and Electricity and Magnetism tests.  A basic scientific calculator with trigonometric functions is required for the Algebra II and Trigonometry test.  Graphing and programmable calculators are not permitted.  Calculators are not permitted on either of the Calculus exams.

What will the Department of Mathematics at Purdue University provide?

  1. All test masters and answer sheets for administering the tests.
  2. Grading of the exams.
  3. A report for each student of his or her results.
  4. Statistical reports and lists for counseling and school analysis.

Is there a charge for the testing?
Copying exams from master and return postage are the only cost to the school.

Are there any restrictions or regulations that a high school must agree to before administering the tests?
All answer sheets must be returned to us.  At the completion of the test, the test master and all copies of the test should be destroyed.   For this program to be successful your help in administering and preserving the security of these tests is crucial.

Can students who are planning to attend Purdue University use these exams to obtain credit in math courses?
Students who attend Purdue University, West Lafayette, and who pass the Algebra II, Trigonometry, Calculus I, or Calculus II tests may receive Purdue University credit.  A final decision about credit will be made by a student with his or her academic counselor at the time of registration.  The following chart will help with questions about Purdue credit:

Math Course Purdue Course Number Credit Passing Grade
Algebra II MA 153 3 67%
Trigonometry MA 154 3 67%
Calculus I MA 165 4 70%
Calculus II MA 166 4 70%

How can students prepare for the exams?
More detailed information about the credit exams, including study guides, can be found on the exams page.  These study guides, which are designed for enrolled undergraduates who wish to test out of the listed courses, will provide you and your students with data about the content and difficulty of college-level mathematics.

How does one order the exams?
To participate in the High School Testing Program, complete and submit the appropriate order form. To view the order forms, click on the link below.

Is there any additional information?
For additional information that has not been answered here, please contact:

Jerry Woodward
High School Testing Program
Mathematical Sciences Building
150 N. University Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2067
Phone: 765-494-9578
Fax: 765-494-1736
jwoodwar@purdue.edu