What is the Math Placement Exam (MPE)?
The Math Placement Exam is a 90 minute, multiple-choice examination used to assess a student’s math skills. This is an important tool to help your advisor determine which mathematics course you should take. There are two MPE exams and students will be directed to the correct exam based upon their major.
Requirements for Freshman Students:
All incoming freshmen are required to complete the MPE. Students enrolling in the College of Engineering and the College of Science will take the MPE on Day 2 of their NSC. Students in these two colleges may take 2 practice exams prior to their NSC and are encouraged to do so.
All other students should take the MPE online at least 24 hours before attending their NSC. Students will be able to see their MPE scores under the ‘My Test Scores’ tab in AIS and will want to make sure the MPE scores are posted prior to coming to an NSC.
Requirements for Transfer Students:
Transfer students do not have to take the MPE unless they are planning to take MATH 151, 171, 147, or 142 at Texas A&M. For students who plan to take MATH 151, 171, or 147, a prerequisite restriction will prevent you from enrolling in these courses unless you have credit for MATH 150 at Texas A&M University or a qualifying grade on the MPE. If you have taken a pre-calculus course at another institution that may be equivalent to Math 150.  For students who plan to take MATH 142, you must have credit for MATH 140 or an appropriate score on the MPE to register for the course. Please check with your Texas A&M advisor to determine if you must take the MPE before enrolling.
Accessing the MPE
To take the MPE, log into Howdy at howdy.tamu.edu and go to the Applicant tab and follow the instructions for the Math Placement Exam. Use the online review material available at http://www.math.tamu.edu/placement to help you prepare for this exam. Be prepared to spend the full 90 minutes taking the exam. If you experience any technical difficulties, please contact the Department of Mathematics at mathassessment@math.tamu.edu.
Testing Instructions:
To take the MPE, log into Howdy at howdy.tamu.edu and go to the Applicant Tab and follow the instructions for the Math Placement Exam. Use the online review material available to help you prepare for this 90-minute exam. Be prepared to spend the full 90 minutes taking the exam. If you experience any technical difficulties, please contact the Department of Mathematics at mathassessment@math.tamu.edu.
The following rules apply to the Math Placement Exam:
- Calculators are not permitted.
- Exam must be taken before you attend your New Student Conference.
- The exam may be repeated. However, there is a 2 week waiting period between attempts.
Students entering the College of Engineering or Science, please be sure to read ‘Requirements for Freshman Students’ above.