Mathematics Placement Exam
Frequently Asked Questions
Accessing the Exam | Test Codes | Test Code Expired | Participants | When to Test
Scores | Testing Early | Location | Preparing for the Test | Duration of Test | Calculators
Transfer Credits | Why Two Tests | Computer Malfunction
Program ID | Summer School Requirements
How do I access the exam?
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First, you need to apply for a code using our Registration Form. Once you have received
your code, you will need to follow the Exam Instructions to take the exam.
I have registered for a code. Why haven't I received it yet?
Codes will only be sent on the mornings of the following dates: 4/19, 4/26, 5/3,
5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31, 6/7, 6/11, 6/13, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, and 8/16.
So if, for example, you register for a code during the afternoon on 4/19, you
will receive your code on the morning of 4/26.
My MyMathTest account has expired. What can I do?
Students are only eligible to receive one individual access code from the Department
of Mathematics. If the MyMathTest account that you created with your individual
access code has expired, you can go to MyMathTest.com and click "Buy Now"
to purchase a code directly from Pearson. You can then follow the instructions on
the instructions page to complete the exam.
Who takes the placement test?
Students in the following majors need to complete the Mathematics Placement Exam
before coming to Winthrop for Summer Orientation. Not all students need to take the
placement test. If you do not see your intended major in the list below, you do not
need to take the MPE.
- Biology (all concentrations)
- Business (all programs)
- Chemistry (all concentrations)
- Computer Science
- Digital Information Design
- Economics
- Environmental Studies/Sciences
- Exercise Science
- Mathematics (all programs)
- Middle Level Mathematics track
- Pre-engineering
Undeclared students (those who are undecided) considering one of the majors listed
above may take the MPE. Undeclared students may also wait until deciding on a major
to take the MPE.
When should the placement test be taken?
MyMathTest student accounts expire after 16 weeks. Students must take the exam,
and review and retest within the 16 week period that his or her account is active.
Students will not be eligible to receive a new individual access code from Winthrop.
Therefore it is imperative that you begin reviewing immediately if you do not reach
the level needed.
Students can complete the exam at any time during the 16 weeks their accounts
are active. However, students should note that exams will only be reviewed on the
mornings of 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26,
8/2, 8/9, 8/16 and 8/19. So any incoming student attending a summer orientation
session should complete the exam before 6/14.
How will I know my score?
Exam results will be reviewed on the mornings of: 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17,
5/24, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16, and 8/19. Placement levels
will only be sent on these exam review dates. You will receive an email from
mathplacement@winthrop.edu stating your placement level. At orientation, advisors
in your major will direct you to enroll in the appropriate course based on your math
placement level.
Is there an advantage to testing early?
Yes. The Department of Mathematics may recommend that completing the study plan
and practice tests that are built into the computer assessment can prepare you to retest
to attempt to place into a higher level course.
If I do not place into the course required by my major, what can I do?
The first step is to take the MPE and have your exam evaluated. If you do not place
into the course you need, you can work through your personalized study plan and
take the practice exams in order to prepare to take the exam for a second time. Note
the MyMathTest account you create is valid for 16-weeks from the time that it is first
created and students will not be eligible to receive a new individual access code from
Winthrop. Therefore it is imperative that you begin reviewing immediately if you do
not reach the level needed. The review and retesting page has more information on
preparing to retake the exam.
Where do I go to take the MPE?
The MPE can be taken online from any computer with an internet connection. Using
a computer with a high speed connection is encouraged.
What should I do to prepare?
The MPE is made up of questions that cover pre-algebra, algebra, college algebra,
and trigonometry topics. Please visit the review and retesting page to read more
about how to use the online materials available in MyMathTest to prepare for the exam.
How long will it take to complete the MPE?
The Math Placement Exam is made up of thirty questions that cover pre-algebra and
algebra topics. Typically this test takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete. The exam
needs to be completed in a single sitting. So please make sure you have a few hours
of time available before beginning the exam.
If a student does well on the Math Placement Exam, the student can then take the
Math Placement Exam - For Placement Into Calculus. This exam is also made up
of thirty questions, and these thirty questions cover college algebra and trigonometry
topics. This test typically takes between 1 and 2 hours to complete and needs to be
completed in a single sitting.
Students who do well on the Math Placement Exam can move directly to the
Math Placement Exam - For Placement Into Calculus in order to complete both
tests in a single sitting, but that is not required. Students who are eligible to take the
Math Placement Exam - For Placement Into Calculus can do so at any time during
the 16 weeks their MyMathTest accounts are active.
Can I use a calculator to complete the MPE?
Yes, we recommend that you use a scientific calculator.
If I have transfer credit, do I need to take the exam?
If you will receive transfer credit for College Algebra (MATH 151), PreCalculus (MATH
101), Trigonometry (MATH 104), or Calculus (MATH 105 or MATH 201), you will most
likely not need to take the placement test. If you are unsure, you can email
mathplacement@winthrop.edu with the coursework you have and your intended major,
and the Department of Mathematics will advise you on whether to complete the
placement test.
Why are there two tests? Do I take both tests?
In MyMathTest you will see both the Math Placement Exam as well as the Math
Placement Exam - For Placement Into Calculus at the top of your list of available
tests. Every student in a major that requires the MPE must take the Math Placement
Exam in order to place at or above the college algebra or precalculus level. Students
who do well enough on the Math Placement Exam to place at the precalculus level
(students who place into MATH 151 or MATH 101) can attempt to place directly into
a calculus course by completing the Math Placement Exam - For Placement Into
Calculus.
What should I do if something happens to my computer while I'm taking the
exam and I'm unable to finish it?
Send an email with a detailed description of the problem to
mathplacement@winthrop.edu. You will receive an email response within 48 hours.
What is my program id?
The program id can be copied and pasted from step 5 of the instructions on the
MPE Instructions Page.
I heard that in the summer the MPE is not required to enroll in MATH classes.
Is this true?
The structure of summer sessions is different than regular terms. Therefore the
department does not require the MPE for MATH 151 registration during summer
sessions. Note: MATH 105 and MATH 201 will continue to either require a MPE
score or successful completion of prerequisites with a grade of C or better.
I don't see my question here. Who can help me?
Email mathplacement@winthrop.edu, or call Brian Hipp at 803-323-4548.