UT Math Assessment Calculator Policy Tool

The University of Texas at Austin

This interactive tool helps you determine if you can use a calculator on the UT Math Assessment (UTMA) based on the official rules. Select the conditions of your test environment to see the policy.

What is the UT Math Assessment?

The UT Math Assessment (UTMA) is the official exam used by The University of Texas at Austin to determine a student’s readiness for calculus courses. It is an online, proctored exam powered by the ALEKS PPL (Placement, Preparation and Learning) platform. The primary purpose of this assessment is to ensure students are placed in the correct math course that matches their current skills, setting them up for academic success. For many students, especially those in the College of Natural Sciences, Cockrell School of Engineering, and McCombs School of Business, taking the UTMA is a mandatory step before enrolling in their first calculus course at UT. The question of whether you can you use a calculator on the ut math assessment is critical because calculation is one of the core skills being evaluated.

The Official UT Math Assessment Calculator Policy

The calculator policy for the UT Math Assessment is strict and straightforward. Understanding it is key to avoiding issues with academic integrity. The core principle is that your ability to perform calculations without a calculator is part of what the test measures. Using unapproved aids can result in your score being invalidated.

Policy Breakdown

The rules are not based on a formula but on a clear set of prohibitions and permissions. The central question for students asking “can you use a calculator on the ut math assessment” has a multi-part answer.

UTMA Calculator Policy Rules

Item/Action	Status	Official Guideline
Personal Handheld Calculators (TI-84, etc.)	Prohibited	Students are not permitted to use any external or personal calculators.
On-Screen ALEKS Calculator	Permitted (Conditionally)	The ALEKS platform will provide an on-screen calculator for specific questions where its use is allowed. If no calculator icon appears, you must solve it manually.
Phones, Smartwatches, Other Devices	Prohibited	Using any assistance, including Googling, class notes, or advice from others, is considered cheating.
Scratch Paper and Pencil	Permitted	Students are allowed and encouraged to use scratch paper and a pen or pencil to work through problems.

Practical Examples

Let’s illustrate the policy with two common scenarios students might face during the exam.

Example 1: No Calculator Provided

• Situation: A student is presented with a question involving logarithms and algebraic manipulation. They look around the screen but do not see a calculator icon.
• Action: The student must use their scratch paper to work through the problem manually. Attempting to use a personal calculator would be a policy violation.
• Result: This is the most common scenario. The test is designed to assess your math skills without calculator assistance for most problems.

Example 2: Calculator Provided

• Situation: A student encounters a complex trigonometry problem. Next to the problem input box, there is a small calculator icon.
• Action: The student can click the icon to open the built-in ALEKS calculator. They can use this tool to find the solution.
• Result: This is allowed and expected. The ALEKS system provides the tool specifically because for that problem, the focus is on a concept other than manual calculation. For more information, you might check {related_keywords}.

How to Use This Calculator Policy Calculator

This page’s interactive tool is designed to give you a clear answer about the UTMA calculator policy. Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. Confirm Your Test: Check the first box to confirm you’re asking about the official, proctored UT Math Assessment.
2. Check for On-Screen Tool: During the actual test, if you see a calculator icon, check the second box.
3. Declare Personal Calculator Use: The third box is for illustrating the rule. Checking it will show you the official policy against using personal devices.
4. Review the Result: The tool will provide a clear “Allowed,” “Not Allowed,” or “Conditional” result with a detailed explanation based on your selections. This clarifies any confusion about if you can you use a calculator on the ut math assessment.

To learn about other testing policies, you could review {related_keywords}.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Use

Several factors determine the strict calculator policy on the UT Math Assessment. It’s not an arbitrary rule but one based on the goals of the placement process.

• Assessment Goal: The UTMA’s primary goal is to assess your foundational math skills, which includes your ability to perform calculations accurately and efficiently by hand.
• Academic Integrity: Providing a uniform testing environment for all students is crucial. Prohibiting external calculators ensures fairness and prevents advantages from using powerful CAS-enabled devices.
• Question-Specific Needs: The ALEKS platform is intelligent. It knows which questions are designed to test raw calculation versus which are designed to test higher-level logic where a basic calculation might be tedious but not the core skill.
• Proctoring Method: The exam is proctored via video, and monitoring the use of external devices is a key part of ensuring the integrity of the test results.
• Course Preparation: Success in early calculus courses at UT Austin requires strong non-calculator skills. The assessment policy reflects the expectations of the courses you are placing into.
• University Policy: The rule aligns with the overall UT Honor Code, which requires an honest reflection of your own abilities. A helpful resource could be {related_keywords}.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use my own TI-89 or similar graphing calculator?

No. All personal calculators, especially advanced ones with Computer Algebra Systems (CAS), are strictly prohibited.

What happens if I’m caught using a personal calculator?

Using any unapproved assistance during the UTMA is considered cheating and will result in your score being invalidated. This can have serious academic consequences.

Is the on-screen calculator a scientific calculator?

Yes, when the ALEKS platform provides a calculator, it is a basic scientific calculator capable of functions needed for the specific problem it’s offered for.

Does this calculator policy apply to practice tests or learning modules?

Generally, you should practice under the same conditions as the real test. While learning modules may allow calculator use for practice, you should focus on solving problems without one to prepare for the proctored assessment.

What if I have a documented disability that requires a specific calculator?

If you have a disability with accessibility concerns, you should not take the test without first contacting the UT Disability and Access office or emailing readiness@cns.utexas.edu to discuss accommodations.

Is the “no calculator” rule for the UT Math Assessment final?

Yes, the official policy from the University of Texas is that calculators are not permitted, as calculation is a skill being tested. There is no ambiguity on this point.

How can I best prepare for the non-calculator problems?

The best way to prepare is to use the learning modules provided within the ALEKS system after taking a practice assessment. These modules target your specific weaknesses and help you build the skills needed to solve problems by hand. Consulting {related_keywords} may offer more study tips.

Where can I find the official rules in writing?

The official calculator policy is stated on the College of Natural Sciences Math Assessment page on the University of Texas at Austin website.