Basic Skills Test

What is the Basic Skills Test?

The BST is an assessment test that covers high-school mathematics skills that are essential for the passing of a university-level calculus course. We recommend that students registered in Math 110 take the optional Basic Skills Test as a way of assessing their math skills. Those who score 15 or higher out of 30 will be eligible to take Math 180 or 184. Those who score 15 or higher out of 30 and who have also completed a high-school calculus course will be eligible to take Math 100, 102, or 104.

Why is this test in place?

The data from past final exams show that 75% of students' mistakes are related to basic high-school materials. Students often understand the concepts from calculus, but their algebra tools fail them when they are solving problems. The test will show you where your basic weaknesses are, and will provide you with means to improve.

Students who do not receive a score of 15 out of 30 on the basic skills test will take Math 110 which reviews necessary background material in addition to covering the calculus content of Math 100, 102, 104, 180, or 184.

When and where will the test be given?

The next sitting of the BST will take place on May 9th, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, in LSK Room 121.  The August sitting will be on the 29th, and the September sitting on the 5th.  Registration for the May 9, 2013 sitting is now open.

You can only take the test once a year. The test will last for 90 minutes and will be given only on the Vancouver campus of UBC. If you need to take the test, you are encouraged to do so as early as possible, so that any resulting rearrangement of your course timetable can be done before the start of classes.

Click here to sign up for one of the BST test sittings.  Details of times of sittings are available when you sign up.

What will the format of the test be?

The test will consist of 30 questions and will be administered on computers.  The test includes both multiple-choice and open-ended questions.  We will provide you with paper to work out your answers on.

A  sample test  is provided.

What are the contents of the test?

• Algebra: 50%
• Analytic Geometry: 25%
• Functions: 25%
• Trigonometry, logarithms, inverse functions, and statistics will not appear on the test.

What aids are allowed for the test?

• Calculators are not allowed.
• Electronic communication devices are not allowed.
• Formula sheets will not be provided and are not allowed.

What do you need to bring to the test?

• Pencil and eraser
• UBC student number
• Photo ID with your full name clearly shown

How difficult is the test?

The level of difficulty will be similar to the sample test above.

How do I prepare for the test?

• Try to do the sample test provided above.
• Take a practice test (courtesy of SFU). Feel free to ignore questions referring to trigonometry, logarithms, and inverse functions, since they will not appear on UBC Basic Skills Test.
• Take the diagnostic tests A, B, and C in Calculus, Early Transcendentals, 6th edition by James Stewart. Even if you don't have this textbook, you can access these tests by clicking here.
• Go to the Stewart Calculus website and work on the problems from the Algebra Review and Analytic Geometry Review.
• Review materials from Grades 10, 11, and 12.