Math Placement

All incoming first year students and transfer students must complete the Math Placement by the start of orientation.
Students may request to take the Math Placement in person on paper by contacting Japheth Wood at jwood@bard.edu.

Instructions and Logging In

Click the button below to log into Google (Google Workspace for Education) with your Bard account email and password (remember, your Bard e-mail address ends in “@bard.edu”). If you have a problem logging into the Math Placement, see the recommendations below.

Log into the Placement

Photo by Scott Barrow

Questions?

Having difficulty logging into your Bard Google account?
Please contact the Bard Helpdesk, Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm EST at 845-758-7500 or helpdesk@bard.edu.

Have questions about math courses or the Math Placement?
Please e-mail Professor Japheth Wood, Director of Quantitative Literacy, at jwood@bard.edu.

Math Placement FAQs

What browser is recommended for the Math Placement?
What browser is recommended for the Math Placement?

It is recommended that you use either the Chrome or Firefox web browser while taking the Math Placement.
- Click here to download Chrome.
- Click here to download Firefox.
What is the Math Placement?

What is the Math Placement?

The Math Placement is required for all enrolling students and does not impact your matriculation into the College. If you choose to take a math or science class at Bard, your score will help us determine the best fit courses for you.

The Math Placement consists of a short, two-part assessment with questions on material commonly covered in high school mathematics courses. You will be asked 40 questions in total, covering topics such as basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

Your scores on Math Placement are for internal use only and will not appear on your transcript.
What is the purpose of the Math Placement?

What is the purpose of the Math Placement?

The purpose of the Math Placement is to determine your mathematical level in terms of Bard’s mathematical course offerings. We want to make sure that you register for mathematical courses for which you will succeed, not fail. You are advised not to look up the answers or get help when taking this exam so that we get an honest assessment of where you are mathematically. This is for your benefit. The Math Placement is also used to determine if you have the prerequisites for introductory courses in science, computer science, and economics.
How much time does the Math Placement take?

How much time does the Math Placement take?

There is no time limit, but the Math Placement probably takes between one and two hours to complete.
What if I don't plan on taking math this semester?

What if I don't plan on taking math this semester?

You still need to take the Math Placement by the specified date. As you are likely aware, all students at Bard (regardless of their majors) must complete a set of distribution requirements, which includes at least one course in mathematics or computing and at least one course in laboratory science. Your scores on the Math Placement will help determine which mathematics/computing courses and which laboratory science courses you are mathematically qualified to take. We don’t want you taking courses for which you do not have the appropriate prerequisites. It is recommended that you fulfill your mathematics/computing requirement during your first few semesters at Bard, while your high school mathematics is still fresh.
What if I took an AP Calculus exam?

What if I took an AP Calculus exam?

You still need to take the Math Placement. Both your AP score and your Math Placement score will be used to advise you on which math course to start with. For students with advanced mathematical backgrounds, a link to Parts 3 and 4 of the Math Placement will be provided in an email later in the summer.
If I am a transfer student, do I need to take the Math Placement?

If I am a transfer student, do I need to take the Math Placement?

Yes, every entering student must take the Math Placement. If you have a good understanding of college level algebra, then you will find the questions on the Math Placement to be routine, and will be minimally inconvenienced by this requirement.

Contact Us

John Cullinan
Mathematics Chair
Phone: 845-758-7104
Email: cullinan@bard.edu

Math Placement

Instructions and Logging In

Instructions and Logging In

Questions?

Math Placement FAQs

What browser is recommended for the Math Placement?

What is the Math Placement?

What is the purpose of the Math Placement?

How much time does the Math Placement take?

What if I don't plan on taking math this semester?

What if I took an AP Calculus exam?

If I am a transfer student, do I need to take the Math Placement?

Contact Us

Bard Math Resources