Math Placement Exam Preparation

Studying for the MPE

The most common mistake students make is not studying for the MPE. Math skills are extremely perishable. In order for students to place at their actual skill level, they should study and refresh their math skills before taking the exam and between exam attempts. 

Why study?

If you place below your skill level because you did not study, you will likely be placed in a course where you already know all the material. That's a lot of money to spend on a course you don't need!

If you place in a course above your skill level, you will need to learn not only the math for that course, but all the prerequisite math skills, too, in order to succeed!

Please take the exam directions seriously. Committing academic dishonesty can have serious consequences. 

What topics does the MPE cover?

The MPE tests 5 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 Trigonmetry

    • Angles, right triangle trigonometry, and the unit circle

    • Graphing trigonometric functions

    • Inverse trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, trigonometric equations

Study Guides and Other Resources

• ALEKS PPL test pack (all students who take the MPE, whether online or in-person, must purchase this)

  • Includes access to guided learning modules

  • 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. 

• Math Refresher "class" in ALEKS

  • Six weeks of access to a self-paced ALEKS prep program (seperate from the test pack). Costs $25, plus tax. You will have access to the preparation course until the start of the following Fall term.

  • You will have to complete a knowledge check at the start of this course and as you progress, but these do not count toward math placement. Only proctored ALEKS math placement exams count toward placement. See the Math Placement Access and Instructions page for information on taking the placement exam.

  • This course closely mimics the format of the actual placement exam, so it is good practice. It's more in-depth than EdReady or the math placement exam review and the material displayed changes based on your progress, unlike Khan Academy.

  • To enroll in the course, visit www.ALEKS.com, select new student and enter class code: MRW4K-6M4LY. 

• Khan Academy

  • Web based tutoring and instruction (free)

• EdReady

  • Web based diagnostic and instruction (free)

• Math 1080 Bridge Math

  • A 4-week, intensive summer math class on campus with instructor guidance. This is only available for incoming freshmen. 

CASM tutors may be able to help with questions. Visit the CASM page for hours and location.