Undergraduate: Placement

Statistics Readiness Diagnostic Test

The UNCG Statistics Readiness Diagnostic Test is required for all students with majors that requireSTA 108 – Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics. The test is used to determine a student’s preparedness to enroll directly into Statistics. The diagnostic test does not give a student credit for any course. Instead, it is used for advising purposes to ensure that a student begins their college career in the correct mathematics course.

New students in majors that require Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics must take the diagnostic test before meeting with advisors and creating a course schedule.

Any new student with a sufficiently strong mathematics background who wishes to enroll directly in STA 108 – Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics must demonstrate their ability on the diagnostic test.  Students that do not score high enough to place directly into STA 108 may still enroll in STA 108 as long as they concurrently enroll in the support course STA 107 – Foundations of Elementary Probability and Statistics.  Note that all STA 108 students (even students who place into STA 108) are eligible to enroll in the corequisite course STA 107 for additional support.

The diagnostic test is administered online in Canvas. Once enrolled in the Statistics Readiness Diagnostic Test Canvas Organization, students will have access to learning modules complete with help videos and links to open source textbooks that align with the various diagnostic test topics. Students should use the learning modules to prepare for the diagnostic test.

Based on a student’s score on the diagnostic test, the student will either take  Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics with support, or Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics.  Students that score high enough to enroll directly in Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics can still take the support course for additional help if they wish. Students must take the official diagnostic test before they will be allowed to register for the course — simply registering for the test is not sufficient.

After a student takes the diagnostic test for the first time, they should spend quality time working through all of the relevant learning modules with the goal of mastering the material before taking the diagnostic test again.  A total of three attempts is allowed.

Students should contact their advisor or send an email to mathstats@uncg.edu if they have any questions, have trouble registering for the test, or are experiencing other technical issues.

Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Accessibility Resources (OARS) for testing accommodations.

The Statistics Readiness Diagnostic Test Canvas Organization has practice quizzes as well as learning modules to help students prepare for the diagnostic test.  The practice portion of the Canvas site has videos with worked examples, links to online precalculus textbook pages, long practice sets, and short practice quizzes for each topic on the diagnostic test.  The topics include algebra, operations on numbers, sets, solving equations and inequalities, and reading tables and graphs.  The main topics are further divided into over subtopics to help students identify where they need the most help.

After watching the videos, consulting the online textbook, and working through the corresponding practice problems, students can take a quick quiz to test their retention of the studied material.  After mastering all of the individual skills, students can take a practice test that combines all of the skills.  Students can train with all of the practice resources as many times as needed.  If students need more help, they are encouraged to seek free tutoring either in-person or online through the UNCG Math Help Center.

While working in the Canvas organization, students can check their mastery of each subtopic in the Grades section.  The sub-scores can be used to identify where more practice is needed so that students are better prepared for their second and final attempt at the diagnostic test.

Q. Do I need to take the UNCG Statistics Readiness Diagnostic Test?

The diagnostic test is required if you want to enroll in STA 108 Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics.

Q. Do I need to complete the UNCG Statistics Readiness Diagnostic Test before orientation?

Yes. In order to help academic advisors assess your readiness for STA 108 Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics

Q. I took an AP Calculus Exam in high school. Do I need to take the UNCG Calculus Readiness Diagnostic Test ?

Students that earn a high enough score on the AP Calculus Exam do not need to take the diagnostic test.  More information about AP scores and placement can be found at UNCG Mathematics Placement Information.

Transfer credit or AP exams can take a while to process. Students will not be able to register for MAT 196 – Calculus A until the university processes the scores. Students are encouraged to go ahead and take the diagnostic test for advising and to earn the ability to go ahead and register for courses.

Q. How long is my UNCG Statistics Readiness Diagnostic Test score valid?

The score is only valid for one year.

Q. Why am I not able to register for STA 108 – Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics?

Every student who wishes to take STA 108 – Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics must take the UNCG Statistics Readiness Diagnostic Test at least once before being able to register for STA 108.  Simply requesting access and logging into the Canvas site is not enough.

Q. Can I enroll in MAT 112, MAT 115, MAT 118, or MAT 183 without taking the UNCG Calculus Readiness Diagnostic Test?

Enrollment in MAT 112, MAT 115, MAT 118, or MAT 183 does not require a diagnostic test.  Please consult with your advisor to discuss which course is the most appropriate for your major.  You may also gain additional advising information about these courses here.

Q. Which mathematics diagnostic test should I take?

There are three different math diagnostic/placement tests at UNCG.  The UNCG Statistics Readiness Diagnostic Test linked on this page is for students in majors that require STA 108 Elementary Introduction to Probability and Statistics.  The Calculus Readiness Diagnostic Test is for students wishing to take MAT 190 – Precalculus or MAT 196 – Calculus A.  The MAT 120 Placement Test is for students wishing to take MAT 120 – Calculus with Business Applications.  More information can be found at UNCG Mathematics Placement Information.

Students enrolling in MAT 112, MAT 115, MAT 118, or MAT 183 do not need to take any diagnostic/placement test.

Q. What is the format and content of the UNCG Statistics Readiness Diagnostic Test?

The diagnostic test is entirely multiple choice and is available online through Canvas. More information about the topics covered on the diagnostic test can be found at Preparing for the Diagnostic Test.

Q. Can I use a calculator on the UNCG Statistics Readiness Diagnostic Test ?

Yes, the use of calculators is allowed on the UNCG Statistics Readiness Diagnostic Test.

Q. I have other questions about the diagnostic tests.  Who can I contact?

If you have a question about which diagnostic/placement test to take, please consult with your academic advisor.  Otherwise, send an email to mathstats@uncg.edu.