Math Placement Exam Preparation

Why study?

Math skills are extremely perishable. The most common mistake students make is not studying for the MPE. In order to place into a course concordant with your actual skill level, it's important to study and refresh your math skills before taking the exam and in-between attempts. If you place below your skill level, you might end up in a class that covers material you already know (and spend money on a course you don't need). If you place in a course above your skill level (due to academic dishonesty), you might struggle with content you're not ready for, since you'll need to learn both the course material and all of the prerequisite math material, too. 

See below for a list of topics covered on the MPE, as well as study guides and other resources that can help you prepare. 

Three students sit and listen to a math lesson.

What topics does the MPE Cover?

The MPE tests five different levels of math proficiency:

  • Arithmetic
    • Whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
    • Percents, proportions, and geometry
  • Beginning Algebra
    • Signed numbers, linear equations, and inequalities
    • Lines and systems of linear equations
  • Intermediate Algebra
    • Relations and functions
    • Quadratic and polynomial functions
  • College Algebra
    • Rational expressions and functions
    • Radicals and rational exponents
    • Exponents and logarithms 
  • College Trigonometry 
    • Angles, right triangle trigonometry, and the unit circle
    • Graphing trigonometric functions
    • Inverse trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, trigonometric equations

Study guides & other resources

Try taking the exam once to familiarize yourself with ALEKS PPL and to identify which math skills you need to review. After the exam, ALEKS PPL will provide you with access to guided learning modules to help you study. Remember, you can retake the MPE as many times as needed if you're not satisfied with your score. 

Students get help while studying

The ALEKS PPL test pack includes access to guided learning modules in-between exam attempts. Once you take the exam and get your first placement score, study material will open up tailored to the topics you need to master to achieve your desired placement. It's recommended that students complete the minimum number of study hours between exam attempts (and it is required for those taking the exam online).

The math refresher "class" is a self-paced ALEKS prep program separate from the test pack. It costs $25 and students will have access to the preparation course for six weeks. The course closely mimics the format of the actual placement exam and the material displayed changes based on your progress. To enroll in the course, visit www.ALEKS.com, select "new student," and enter the class code: YH3HW-WWG9J

 

Note: students complete a knowledge checks at the start of the course and as they progress, but these do not count as math placement exams since they are not proctored. 

A four-week, intensive summer math class on campus with instructor guidance available to incoming freshmen. Click here to learn more MATH 1080.