Accessing the Exam | Test Codes | Test Code Expired | Do I need to take the MPE?
When to Test | Result Dates | Placement Levels | Score Needed | Testing Early
Location | Preparing for the Test | Duration of Test | Calculators
Transfer Credits | Why Two Tests | Computer Malfunction
Program ID | Summer School Requirements
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 are usually sent out on Wednesdays.
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 will need to purchase a new code directly from Pearson in order
to get back in to test/review/retest.
To purchase a new code: go to MyMathTest.com, click the "Student" button, click "Register
Now," and enter the requested information to complete your purchase. Once you have
logged into MyMathTest with your newly activated account, proceed from step 5 of the
instructions on the instructions page to enter the program id and take the exam.
If your intended major is included in the table below, then you should complete
the MPE prior to attending Summer Orientation. Completing the MPE and earning placement into the
correct MATH course required for your intended major is an important step in achieving
academic success in your first semester at Winthrop.
If you are unsure of your intended major (undeclared) but are considering one of the
majors below, you may want to take the MPE now so that all options are open for you
as you begin your freshman year.
If your intended major in not in the list below, then you should enroll in either
MATH 111, MATH 112, or MATH 150. You should ask your advisor for advice on which
of these three courses to take particularly during your first semester at Winthrop.
We find that students are most successful in their mathematics course when they enroll
in one of these courses during their first semester at Winthrop.
| Intended Major | MATH Requirement for Intended Major | Prerequisite for MATH Requirement |
| Applied Software Development | MATH 105 | MATH 151 |
|
|
The Biology Department recommends all Biology Majors take the MPE since they must complete two math classes to satisfy the major’s math requirement. Which math classes students complete is dependent on their goals for after graduation (e.g. graduate school, professional program, employment, etc.). Students should consult their primary advisors concerning the choice of an appropriate math course. | |
| Business Administration (all concentrations) | MATH 151 or MATH 105 | MPE score of at least 1 or MATH 151 |
| Chemistry (all concentrations) | MATH 201 | MPE score of at least 3 or MATH 101 |
| Computer Science | MATH 201 | MPE score of at least 3 or MATH 101 |
| Cyber Security | MATH 105 or MATH 201 | MATH 151 or MATH 101 |
| Data Science | MATH 201 | MATH 101 |
| Digital Information Design | MATH 151, MATH 105, or MATH 201 | MPE score of at least 1 or MATH 151 or MATH 101 |
| Economics | MATH 105 or MATH 201 | MATH 151 or MATH 101 |
| Environmental Sciences | MATH 151 | MPE score of at least 1 |
| Integrated Marketing Communication | MATH 151 | MPE score of at least 1 |
| Mathematics (all programs) | MATH 201 | MPE score of at least 3 or MATH 101 |
| Middle Level Mathematics Track This degree program does require additional MATH courses but completing the MPE is not needed for enrollment in those courses |
MATH 201 | MPE score of at least 3 or MATH 101 |
| Pre-Engineering | MATH 201 | MPE score of at least 3 or MATH 101 |
When should the Mathematics Placement Exam be taken?
MyMathTest student accounts remain active for 16 weeks after being created. Students
can complete the MPE at any time during the 16 weeks their accounts are active. After
16 weeks, the accounts expire and are no longer actrive. 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 once their original acccounts expire. Therefore it is imperative that you begin reviewing immediately if you do not reach the level needed.
How will I know my placement level?
You will receive an e-mail from mathplacement@winthrop.edu stating your placement level. Usually, exam results are reviewed and placement level
e-mails are sent on Thursdays. At orientation, advisors in your major will direct
you to enroll in the appropriate course based on your placement level.
What are the placement levels?
none - Student needs to review and retest in order to place into a calculus track
course.
1 - Student can enroll in MATH 151.
2 - Student can enroll in MATH 101 or MATH 151.
3 - Student can enroll in MATH 201 with MATH 104 as a co-requisite, MATH 105,
MATH 101, or MATH 151.
4 - Student can enroll in MATH 201, MATH 105, MATH 101, or MATH 151
How well do I need to do on the Mathematics Placement Exam to place into a class?
The content on the Mathematics Placement Exam is prerequisite material for a precalculus
course. Students need to answer at least 75% of the questions correctly in order to
be eligible to enroll in a precalculus course.
Similarly, the Mathematics Placement Exam - For Placement Into Calculus is made up
of precalculus and trigonometry questions. Students need to answer at least 75% of
the precalculus questions correctly to place into a calculus course, and students
must answer at least 75% of the trigonometry questions correctly in order to avoid
having to take a trigonometry course.
Please note: students are able to view the percentage of questions answered correctly
on the practice tests. The actual exams, however, are individually reviewed. Students
will not see a numeric score on those exams. Students will instead receive an e-mail
containing their math placement level on the exam review dates listed above.
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 Mathematics Placement Exam 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 Mathematics Placement Exam?
The Mathematics Placement Exam can be taken online from any computer with an internet
connection. Using a computer with a high speed connection is encouraged.
The Mathematics Placement Exam 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 Mathematics Placement Exam?
The Mathematics 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 Mathematics Placement Exam, the student can then take the Mathematics 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 Mathematics Placement Exam can move directly to the Mathematics
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 Mathematics
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 Mathematics Placement Exam?
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 Mathematics Placement Exam. If you are unsure, you can e-mail
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 Mathematics Placement Exam as well as the Mathematics
Placement Exam - For Placement Into Calculus at the top of your list of available
tests. Every student in a major that requires the Mathematics Placement Exam 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 Mathematics Placement Exam to
place at the precalculus level (students who have placed 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 e-mail with a detailed description of the problem to mathplacement@winthrop.edu. You will receive an e-mail response within 48 hours.
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 Mathematics Placement Exam is not required to enroll
in MATH classes. Is this true?
The structure of summer sessions is different from regular terms. Therefore the department does
not require the Mathematics Placement Exam for MATH 151 registration during summer
sessions. Note: MATH 105 and MATH 201 will continue to either require a Mathematics
Placement Exam score or successful completion of prerequisites with a grade of C or
better.
I don't see my question here. Who can help me?
If you do not see your question above, please send an e-mail to mathplacement@winthrop.edu
