Math Placement Exam Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Math Placement Exam (MPE)?

The Texas A&M University Math Placement Exam is an online, multiple-choice examination used to evaluate math skills. The score earned on the exam will allow your Academic Department to place you in the most appropriate math class when registering for classes.  You will not be permitted to register for any MATH courses until you have completed the Math Placement Exam.

 

How do I schedule to take the Math Placement Exam (MPE)?

The Texas A&M University Math Placement Exam is available online and may be taken anywhere, at any time. The exam does not have to be scheduled or proctored, but should be taken alone, by the student, and without help from others.

 

How much does the Math Placement Exam (MPE) cost?

The Texas A&M University Math Placement Exam is FREE!!

 

Do I need to take the Math Placement Exam?

ALL entering Freshmen and Transfer students are required  to take the Math Placement Exam.

 

Which exam do I take?

Two different kinds of introductory Calculus courses are offered for TAMUG degrees with a separate Math Placement Exam for each: 

MATH 142: Business Mathematics II

MATH 151: Engineering Mathematics

Your declared major will determine which of these two exams you should take.  Please refer to the outline below:  

FOR MATH 151

BOUND STUDENTS

Take the
MATH 147/151/171
Exam

FOR MATH 142

BOUND STUDENTS

Take the
MATH 131/141/142/166
Exam

See

“OPTIONS”

Below
  • Marine Engineering Technology    
  • Marine Science
  • Maritime Systems Engineering
  • Maritime Administration     
  • Maritime Studies
  • Marine Transportation
  • Marine Biology
  • Marine Fisheries
  • Ocean & Coastal Resources    
  • University Studies

OPTIONS for MARB, MARF, OCRE, and UNST

If you are strong in math, or if you intend to pursue graduate work in science in the future, or  if you are considering a change in curriculum to another science or engineering degree, then take the MATH 151 bound Exam. If this does not apply to you, then you should take the MATH 142 bound Exam.

 

What If I Need Testing Accommodations Due to a Disability?

If you have a disability and require specific accommodations to complete the Math Placement Exam, please contact the Counseling Services Office at (409)740-4736 or visit http://www.tamug.edu/counsel/Disabilities.html for more information. Reasonable testing accommodations are provided to allow students with documented disabilities an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and knowledge.  In order to coordinate testing accommodations for the Math Placement Exam, the student must submit documentation of their disability to Dr. Ric Ertell for review.

 

When, how, and where do I take the Math Placement Exam?

  • It should be taken after you have been officially accepted to TAMUG.

  • You will not be able to register for any MATH courses until you have completed the exam.

  • Take it as soon as possible. It must be taken before you attend your New Student Conference, but preferably prior to June 1.

  • The exam may be taken up to three times; however, there is a 30 day waiting period between attempts.

  • Calculators are NOT permitted.

  • There are practice exams available to students on the site as well.  Please be aware that if you are taking the practice exam for MATH 147/151/171, it only has 25 questions whereas the actual exam has 33.

  • Once the exam has been completed, your score is automatically added to your student record for faculty/staff review.

Please note: The Office of Academic Enhancement does NOT administer the Math Placement Exam. If you experience any technical difficulties with the exam, please contact the TAMU Math Department: mathassessment@math.tamu.edu.

 

Which MATH course does my MPE score place me into?

See our score charts for course recommendations based on MPE scores earned.

 

What if I make a low score and get placed into College Algebra or College PreCalculus?

While MATH 102 or MATH 150 may not count towards your degree at TAMUG, these courses will help you to build the math skills needed to be successful in your required MATH courses. Taking them can potentially improve your cumulative GPA and the grade you make later in your required MATH courses.

Remember, the MPE exam may be taken up to three times, so there is room for improvement if you take the exam early enough prior to registration. There is a 30 day waiting period between each attempt. The highest score earned will be considered for placement into a MATH course.

 
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