About
the MPA
Consistent with degree requirements approved
by the faculty, all Associate degree recipients must demonstrate
proficiency in written communication and mathematics. Mathematics
proficiency is demonstrated by:
- Completing a minimum of an
Intermediate Algebra course taught at an accredited college; or by
- Taking the SMC Mathematics Assessment
and placing into Intermediate Algebra or higher; or by
- Taking the SMC Mathematics Proficiency
Assessment administered by the Assessment Center.
Note: If you are meeting the
mathematics graduation requirement through Option 2 or Option 3
above, you must also complete one course from the Associate in Arts
Degree General Education Requirements Area 4B (Language and
Rationality).
Requirements
& Retesting
- Students may take the Math Proficiency
Assessment upon
completion of a minimum of 30 Associate degree applicable
semester units. The
Assessment Center will verify this at the time of sign-up by
reviewing cumulative units completed indicated in SMC
transcript. If you have attended another college and will be
using units from that college to meet the 30 unit requirement, it is your
responsibility to inform the Assessment Center and provide us
with a valid transcript.
- Retesting for the Mathematics
Proficiency Assessment is limited to one time only after a waiting period of eight (8) weeks
after the first test was taken. Additional retestings will
not be provided under any circumstances. Please ensure that you
review and prepare for the test. You will be responsible for
a $10 retesting fee.
How to take the MPA
-
The MPA is given on a first-come, first-served basis in the
Assessment Center (LA-109) during our normal testing hours ONLY.
Appointments are not needed nor provided.
-
Must
bring a valid photo ID and student ID number when testing;
-
Students will be
provided with the test
results immediately after testing (barring unforeseen
circumstances), however, test results may not be entered into
our system for up to 72 hours.
MPA
Contents & Study Guide
The SMC Mathematics Proficiency
Assessment consists of the ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra Test. A total of 12
questions, divided into three types, are administered in this test.
-
The first type of questions involve
operations with integers and rational numbers, and includes
computation with integers and negative rationals, the use of
absolute values, and ordering. These questions test minimal skill
levels of the student.
-
A second type involves
operations with algebraic expressions, evaluation of simple formulas
and
expressions, and adding and subtracting monomials and polynomials.
At all skill levels, questions involving multiplying and dividing
monomials and polynomials, the evaluation of positive rational roots
and exponents, simplifying algebraic fractions, and factoring are
provided.
-
The third type of questions
involve the solution of equations, inequalities, and word problems.
Study Guide:
The
ACCUPLACER Sample Questions for Students guide, contains sample
questions you may use to help you prepare for the test. However, note
that the sample questions may not be fully indicative of the contents of
the test. You are advised to review on your own and go to websites such
as math.com
or
PurpleMath.com for additional practice problems. |
