Placement Tests

Math Placement Test

The goal of the mathematics department is to place each student into the most challenging class in which s/he can be successful.  At the same time, it is essential to ascertain that a student has a good understanding of concepts from the previous course before moving on to the next course.

All incoming students are required to take a written Mathematics Placement Test.

The Math Placement Test will be mailed to newly accepted students early in May and should be returned to Sheryl Cabral, Chair of the Mathematics Department, no later than May 27.

• Students who have completed Algebra I receive an Algebra I placement test.
• Students who have completed Geometry receive a Geometry placement test. 
• Students who have completed Algebra II receive an Algebra II placement test.
• Students who have completed Precalculus receive a Precalculus placement test.
• Finally, students who have completed Calculus receive a Calculus placement test.

In some instances where it is not easy to discern which mathematics courses a student has taken from the transcript, the student may be asked to complete two or even three placement tests.  In the same mailing, students also receive a mathematics course request form that should be returned with the test.  Mrs. Cabral will grade all placement tests in June and, based on the test score, teacher recommendation, student request and SSAT score, place each student in the appropriate course.

If the placement is the same as the course that the student requested, the student and his/her parents will be informed by e-mail.  If the placement is not the same, Mrs. Cabral will call the student and his/her family to discuss the result.

New seniors and post-graduates are placed in consultation with their college advisors.

If students need additional information, or have questions, please contact Mrs. Cabral.

French and Spanish Placement Tests

Many students have already studied some French or Spanish prior to coming to Deerfield.  If they decide to continue studying one of these two languages next year, we ask for their cooperation in helping us place them at the right level.

In order to develop a clear understanding of students’ language skills, we need the placement test to be an accurate reflection of their real abilities.  As a result, students should not undertake any special preparations for it, and should carefully follow the instructions at the start of the test.

The placement test is only available online.  Please review the instructions for taking this test, and please submit the completed placement test before June 1.  As soon as we receive it, a member of the language department will correct it and register that student for the appropriate language level.

Students will be able to find their final placement decision online beginning July 15.

See directions below for retrieving the placement.

PLEASE NOTE: Once students have opened the exam, they must take it. They cannot start it and then return at a later date.  Students will have 2 hours to complete AND submit their test.

It is strongly recommended that students take the test using Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer.  Other browsers will not support some of the test features.

If the Internet connection should fail, the computer crash, or any other technical issue should arise that prevents from the completion of the test, the student must contact the Academic Dean’s Office (413-774-1470) to help them reconnect to the test to complete it.  The Academic Dean’s Office will assess the situation and contact the appropriate person to have the exam reset.

Before Beginning

• In order to login to the test, students MUST log into their Deerfield email account and change their password. Students will not be able to login to the test until they choose a new password.

• The French & Spanish Placement Test uses a secure pop-up window. Pop-up blockers MUST be tured off in order to successfully take the test.

Getting There

• Once students access the French & Spanish Placement Test they will be prompted to log in.

Login Information

• Your User ID: The same as student’s email username

• Your Password: The same as student’s email password

• Read all directions on the testing site and on the test thoroughly.

• Click on the link for the appropriate language test (French, Spanish).

• After answering each page of questions click ‘NEXT’ at the bottom of the screen to move to the next set of questions. Students may go back and forth between pages of questions during the time allotted for the test.

• When students have completed the test, click on ‘SUBMIT ALL and FINISH’ at the bottom of the page. Students will be asked to verify that they wish to submit the test. Click ‘OK’ to finalize the test submission.

• When students have submitted the test, they can click on the ‘LOGOUT’ button at the top right corner of the screen.

Remember: Once students have opened this exam, they have two hours to complete and submit it!

Retrieving Placement

• Login to the French & Spanish Placement Test.

• Click on the Grades link on the left side of the screen (under Administration).

• Scores translate as follows:

1.0 – Language Level I	4.0 – Language Level IV
2.0 – Language Level II	4.5 – Language Level IV Honors
2.5 – Language Level II Honors	5.0 – Language Level V
3.0 – Language Level III	5.5 – Language Level V Honors
3.5 – Language Level III Honors	6.0 – Language Level VI Honors

 

• After checking the placement, click on the ‘LOGOUT’ button at the top right corner of the screen.

If students have any questions or concerns, please email the Academic Dean and we will be happy to offer additional guidance.