Math DSP

Note: Your privacy is very important to us. To better serve you, the form information you enter is recorded in real time.

Welcome to the Math Directed Self-Placement (DSP) tool!

Placement determines the level of your entry skills for classes. Students bring various skills and experiences to college. Placement options honor what you know as a learner and your ability to choose classes that work best for your academic and professional goals.

WHAT is Math Directed Self-Placement (DSP)?

DSP is a process/tool that puts the choice of your first college Math course into your hands. It empowers you to make an informed decision that need not be influenced by past standardized test scores. The DSP process values what you know about yourself right now as a learner and honors your ability to choose a Math course that works best for your academic and professional goals.

HOW does DSP Work?

The Math Directed Self-Placement uses a series of questions about previous coursework, asking you to HONESTLY evaluate your confidence level on the algebra skills necessary to be successful in a college level Math course. Our questions are designed to help you determine if you may benefit from a support course. Information gathered in the DSP can also help you understand what you may experience at a variety of different course levels.

WHY am I taking DSP?

We believe that students know themselves best! Research shows that students who make academic choices for themselves are happier and more successful. The DSP process ensures that you are in control, and take an active role in both the placement process and placement decisions for your first college Math course.

The following groups of students should NOT use this model and should contact the appropriate department or Placement Services:

· Running Start

· Fresh Start

· BEdA (Basic Education for Adults)

· Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST)

· STEM students that wish to place above pre-calculus (Math& 141) – Contact the MARC

· Business students that wish to place directly into Business Calculus (Math& 148) – Contact the MARC

· Students with SAT, ACT, IB, AP, Cambridge International scores or college transcripts.

· Smarter Balanced Test used by Washington high schools public four- year schools

· Bridge to College math class.

More placement information can be found at Placement Services.

Students with disabilities may request placement accommodations by contacting the Access Services Coordinator in Bldg. 7 at 253-460-4437 or email.

WHAT will this DSP include?

In order to guide you through this important decision-making process, you may be asked to do the following:

Select your degree pathway. If you are unsure of your degree pathway please speak with your Entry Navigator or advisor prior to using this tool. Here's the college catalog.
Tell us your high school Algebra 2 or Intermediate Algebra letter grade.
Tell us your overall high school GPA.
Rate your confidence on arithmetic and algebra skills (based on provided sample questions).
Make a decision on which course you will take.

Helpful Materials:

Pen/Pencil and paper.
Calculator.
Your TCC ID#.

As you proceed through each step, it is important to read everything. Avoid skimming.

You should use this placement tool just one time. It may take 30-60 minutes and should be taken in one sitting in an area with no distractions. Please take your time and answer honestly and accurately (responses will be randomly verified) to ensure the placement most likely to set you up for success!

You may also find the class search link to be informative. It lists the days and times courses will be offered next quarter, as well as the number of credits for each course. This is available a couple weeks prior to quarterly registration dates. Tuition information can be found here.

Take as long as you need, this isn't timed.

IMPORTANT! A complete DSP submission is required for course registration. This means you must hit 'SUBMIT FORM' at the bottom of the "Almost Done!" screen where you reflect on your course selection and approve the time/date stamp for your submission.

Name*

First Name

Last Name

ctcLink Number / TCC Student ID *

Birthday xx/xx/xxxx *

Email *

Confirm Email *

Which best describes your career pathway? *

Creative Arts, Literature, and Communication. (Examples: Literature, Music, Spanish, etc.) Business, Paralegal, and Technology. (Examples: Accounting, Global Logistics, Paralegal, etc.) Education, Social & Behavioral Sciences. (Examples: Anthropology, Pyschology, Elementary Education, etc.) Science, Engineering, and Math. (Examples: Astronomy, Environmental Science, Computer Engineering, etc.) Healthcare. (Examples: Respiratory Care, Allied Health, Nursing, etc.) Undecided. (We recommend you choose a pathway if possible so we can guide you in your correct math placement.)

Creative Arts, Literature, and Communication

Here are the pathways offered in Creative Arts, Literature, and Communication:

KEY: AA - Associate of Arts; AS - Associate of Science; AAS - Associate of Applied Science; BAS - Bachelor of Applied Science; DTA - Direct Transfer Agreement; MRP - Major Related Program

Art DTA AA

Communication Studies DTA AA

Interdisciplinary Writing DTA AA

Literature DTA AA

Music DTA AA

Spanish DTA AA

World Languages DTA AA

Music DTA/MRP Associates

Select "OK" and click NEXT.

*

Yes, my pathway is listed.

Office Use: SP.22.146

Business, Paralegal, and Technology

Here are the pathways offered in Business, Paralegal, and Technology. Which option lists your pathway?

KEY: AA - Associate of Arts; AS - Associate of Science; AAS - Associate of Applied Science; BAS - Bachelor of Applied Science; DTA - Direct Transfer Agreement; MRP - Major Related Program

Option A

Accounting AAS

Business AAS (transfer degree Business students, see option C below)

Entrepreneurship Certificate

Global Transportation and Secure Logistics Certificate

Human Resource Specialist Certificate

Networking and Cyber Security AAS

Paralegal AAS

Option B

Applied Management BAS

IT Networking Information Systems & Technology BAS

Option C

Business Transfer DTA/MRP AA (select this if you plan to transfer to UW or equivalent to complete a bachelor's degree)

Business pathway option:*

Option A Option B Option C

Office Use: SP.22.A.B110or107, SP.22.B.146, SP.22.C.147

Education, Social & Behavioral Sciences

Here are the pathways offered in Education, Social & Behavioral Sciences. Which option lists your pathway?

KEY: AA - Associate of Arts; AS - Associate of Science; AAS - Associate of Applied Science; BAS - Bachelor of Applied Science; DTA - Direct Transfer Agreement; MRP - Major Related Program

Option A

Anthropology DTA AA

Environmental Sustainability DTA AA

History DTA AA

Political Science DTA AA

Psychology DTA AA

Sociology DTA AA

Human Services AAS

Option B

Elementary Education DTA AA

Early Childhood Education Certificate (and AAS Option)

Education, Social & Behavioral Sciences pathway option:*

Option A Option B

Office Use: SP.22.A.146, SP.22.B.147

Science, Engineering and Math

Here are the pathways offered in Science, Engineering and Math.

KEY: AA - Associate of Arts; AS - Associate of Science; AAS - Associate of Applied Science; BAS - Bachelor of Applied Science; DTA - Direct Transfer Agreement; MRP - Major Related Program

Mathematics DTA AA

Biology DTA/MRP AA

Computer Science DTA/MRP AA

Biology AS-T1

Chemistry AS-T1

Earth Sciences AS-T1

Environmental Sciences AS-T1

Astronomy AS-T2

Atmospheric Science AS-T2

Computer Engineering AS-T2

Physics AS-T2

Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering MRP AS-T2

Computer and Electrical Engineering MRP AS-T2

Materials Science and Manufacturing Engineering MRP AS-T2

Civil and Mechanical Engineering MRP AS-T2

Science, Engineering and Math pathway:*

Yes, my pathway is listed.

Office Use: SP.22.A.141, SP.22.B.146

Healthcare

Here are the pathways offered in Healthcare. Which option lists your pathway?

KEY: AA - Associate of Arts; AS - Associate of Science; AAS - Associate of Applied Science; BAS - Bachelor of Applied Science; DTA - Direct Transfer Agreement; MRP - Major Related Program

Option A

Emergency Medical & Health Services AAS

Option B

Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP AA

Health Information Management BAS

Community Health BAS

Community Health Paramedicine BAS

Community Health Respiratory Care BAS

Allied Health AAS-T

Health Information Technology AAS

Nursing (RN Option DTA/MRP) Associates

Radiologic Science AAS

Respiratory Therapy AAS

Diagnostic Medical Sonography AAS

Option C

Pre-Medicine

Healthcare:*

Option A Option B Option C

Office Use: SP.22.A.B110or107, SP.22.B.146, SP.22.C.141

Undecided

If you're willing to go back and select a pathway you're interested in, this tool will be much more helpful and accurate. However, if you really don't know and wouldn't mind taking an extra math class later, go ahead and select "OK" and click NEXT.*

OK

Office Use: SP.22.146

Statistics Pathway: Let's talk pre-algebra.

To answer the questions below, you might need a little refresher.

Order of Operations:

P E	Parentheses and Exponents
MD	Multiplication and Division (left-to-right)
AS	Addition and Subtraction (left-to-right)

Example: Simplify.

Distributive Law:

Example: Simplify.

Solving Equations:

1. Simplify each side of the equation by removing parentheses and combining like terms.

2. Use addition or subtraction to isolate the variable term on one side of the equation.

3. Use multiplication or division to solve for the variable.

Example: Solve.

Now you try!

Questions:

1. Simplify:

2. Simplify:

3. Solve:

4. Solve: $<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mfrac><mi>w</mi><mn>3</mn></mfrac><mo>+</mo><mfrac><mi>w</mi><mn>2</mn></mfrac><mo>=</mo><mn>5</mn></math>$

5. Use the formula to solve. A rectangular garden has a perimeter of 42 feet. If the width is 9 feet, what is the length?

Answers:

1.

2.

3. $<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mi>x</mi><mo>=</mo><mo>-</mo><mfrac><mn>17</mn><mn>21</mn></mfrac></math>$

4.

5. 12 feet

After trying these, I’d prefer a full refresher course. *

Yes, tell me more. No, thanks.

Pre-Calculus Pathway: Let's talk pre-algebra.