Liberty University’s Math Placement Test: A Tale of Two Tests (And Why You Should Care)
So, you’re thinking about heading to Liberty University, eh? Maybe you’re a future football star aiming for a scholarship, or maybe you’re just looking for a good education with a strong Christian foundation. Whatever your reason, you’re probably wondering about the dreaded math placement test.
Here’s the deal: Liberty University DOES NOT use the Accuplacer test. They’ve got their own system, a unique blend of SAT/ACT scores, high school GPA, and their own math assessment test. It’s like a three-headed beast of math evaluation, and it’s staring you down.
But fear not, brave warrior of higher learning! We’re going to break down this beast, piece by piece, so you can conquer it and move on to the real fun: college life.
The Math Placement Test: A Closer Look
Liberty’s math placement test isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill, “solve for x” kind of ordeal. They’ve got a more holistic approach. It’s like they’re saying, “We want to see how you think, not just what you can memorize.” They call it the “PLMA” score, and it factors in your SAT/ACT scores, your unweighted high school GPA, and their own math assessment test.
Here’s the basic breakdown:
- SAT/ACT: These scores tell them where you stand in the national pool of college-bound students. It’s like the “general intelligence” test of the placement world.
- Unweighted High School GPA: This measures your overall academic performance. It’s the “work ethic” component.
- Math Assessment Test: This is where you get to show off your actual math skills. It’s the “skill check” of the bunch.
The Math Assessment Test: A Deep Dive
This is the part that’s likely causing you the most angst. What kind of math are we talking about, exactly? Well, it’s a mix of the classics:
- Algebraic Expressions: Remember those things with letters and numbers? You’ll need to know your way around them.
- Equations and Inequalities: Can you solve for x? Can you tell if a number is bigger or smaller than another? You’ll be tested.
- Word Problems: Let’s face it, word problems are the bane of many a student’s existence. Get ready to translate those words into math and solve them.
- Graphing and Functions: Can you plot points on a graph and understand the relationships between variables? This is your chance to shine.
- Systems of Equations: Two or more equations with two or more unknowns? You’ll need to find the solutions.
- Polynomials: These are expressions with multiple terms, and you’ll need to know how to manipulate them.
- Factoring: Can you break down polynomials into their simpler parts? This is a key skill for higher-level math.
- Radicals: The dreaded square roots! You’ll need to understand how to work with them.
The Goal: 30 or Higher
A score of 30 or higher on Liberty’s math placement test means you’re ready for college-level math. A higher score means you’re ready for more advanced courses. But don’t let the numbers scare you! With a little preparation, you can hit that target.
Here’s how to get ready:
- Get a Study Guide: There are plenty of study guides out there that focus specifically on Liberty’s math placement test. These will give you the practice you need to feel confident.
- Review the Basics: Brush up on your algebra, geometry, and basic math concepts. You can find resources online, at the library, or even in textbooks.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice, the better you’ll become at solving math problems. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how you learn!
- Understand the Concepts: Don’t just memorize formulas. Take the time to understand the underlying concepts so you can apply them to different situations.
Remember, you’ve got this! The math placement test is just a hurdle – not a wall. With a little preparation and a positive attitude, you can conquer it and start your journey at Liberty University.
And who knows, maybe you’ll even find that math is actually fun (it happens sometimes!).