Freshmen admitted by the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BUTE) were required to take a new first test, called ‘test zero’ in mathematics in September 2010. Among the 3300 participants there were hundreds of students majoring in a variety of fields such as engineering (civil, mechanical, chemical, environmental, transportation or electrical), computer sciences, or economics and management. The test covered the topics of high school mathematics that are assumed to be of higher importance. The need for the test as part of the course requirements in first semester mathematics was generated by the current inconsistencies of the admission system of Hungarian higher education.This paper pictures the story of mathematics ‘test zero’. The results of all participants are presented and attention is called to typical mistakes. Some of the most important and interesting conclusions are highlighted. Actions taken by professors and instructors of BUTE to help students with a weaker background to reach their mathematical potential are reviewed.
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