Below is a link to a math self-diagnostic test developed for entering SAIS students. This test is a purely voluntary self-assessment that we encourage all incoming students to try out prior to arriving for their first economics course at SAIS. Ideally, in fact, you should do this test just before you start studying the math DVDs that were issued to you after you accepted our offer to join SAIS. As should have been clear from previous communications with you, economics is an analytical discipline and this requires that students come to class with a thorough understanding of pre-calculus techniques. In addition, some familiarity with basic calculus concepts in advance of coming to your first economics class is highly desirable, even though some time will be given to learning calculus techniques in the microeconomics course. Precalculus and basic calculus are the subjects covered in the two math DVDs that you received. Also below is a link to the solution sheet for this test, so that you can properly gauge your present level of math knowledge and skill. While there is no “passing” score, the solution sheet provides the worked-out answers to each question AND, in addition, there also comments at the end of every section of the test. These comments are meant to give you an indication of whether your conceptual knowledge of the material in each section is solid or weak, based on how well you handled specific questions. There are six Sections in all—Algebra and Functions, Systems of Equations, Series and Growth Rates, Graphs and Analytic Geometry, Calculus, and Optimization. Test Answer Key For best results, we recommend that you go through the test section-by-section, answering as completely and honestly as possible. We suggest you avoid referring to the solution sheet until after you have fully completed an individual section of the test. As you progress through the test section-by-section, you can then check the solution sheet, also section-by-section. Be reminded that at your very first microeconomics and macroeconomics class at SAIS you will be given a more formal math assessment test similar to this test, but with fewer questions. That assessment test, however, will be graded and timed. Individuals who do not pass will be asked to sit through basic math tutorials during the first week or two of the academic term.
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