All incoming students are required to take the online Test for Readiness and Aptitude in Mathematics (TRAM) math placement exam. The deadline is June 1, 2024. Please note that accepted students will need to complete the exam to receive a class schedule.
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Topics Covered in the Exam
The placement test covers a wide variety of skills from both algebra and trigonometry, including, but not limited to:
Algebra
- Manipulating algebraic expressions, including factoring /simplifying, solving equations, PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division, and Addition and Subtraction)
- Solving inequalities and absolute value problems
- Working with numbers and expressions in the form of fractions, exponents, and logarithms
- Reading graphs and tables, and plotting functions in the xy-plane
- Finding compositions and inverses of functions
- Solving word problems
Trigonometry
- Evaluating trigonometric functions for common angles
- Solving trigonometric equations
- Plotting basic trigonometric functions
- Working with trigonometric identities
Please note: the use of calculators and cell phones is not permitted during the exam.
Preparing for the Exam
Students whose performance on this test indicates proficiency in these skills will be placed in the appropriate calculus course for their major. In order to prepare for this exam, we recommend that you review the topics listed above and practice doing some examples without the use of your calculator. Some useful online sites to refresh your knowledge are:
In the event that the exam indicates that you need more review of your basic algebra and trigonometry skills, we will notify you and provide opportunities for you to remedy the situation.
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities seeking accommodations for the math placement exam must have approval from the Specialized Resource Center (SRC). Students must submit disability documentation to the SRC for approval prior to logging in to take the exam. Please allow enough time to review documentation and determine if accommodations are appropriate.
Students requesting accommodations for the exam may submit documentation indicating the student took the SAT or ACT with accommodations. This is appropriate documentation ONLY for the TRAM; preferably, we accept a copy of the student's IEP or 504 plan indicating test accommodations were part of the plan.
Please contact the SRC at src@manhattan.edu.
