The mathematics placement exam is designed for students who are entering Mississippi State University and are looking for an opportunity to place into a higher mathematics course than where their Math ACT sub-score places them. Students are not required to take the placement exam. If the student is satisfied with the mathematics course in which their ACT places them, they can take that course without taking the placement exam.
Any student who falls into the following categories will NOT be permitted to take the mathematics placement exam:
- Any student with a Math ACT sub-score of 16 or lower must enroll in MA 0103 (Intermediate Algebra).
- Any student who has transferred in a mathematics course from a different credit granting institution that they did not pass (D or F). (For example, did not pass (D or F) College Algebra at a community college.)
- Any student who has taken a mathematics course at Mississippi State University that they did not pass (D or F). (For example, did not pass (D or F) College Algebra at Mississippi State University.)
We highly encourage any student who qualifies and would like to take the Math Placement Exam to take it the first day of their respective orientation session. This will allow time for the Department of Mathematics and Statistics to put in any overrides before the student registers for classes on day two.
There are a total of 3 parts of the placement exam. However, a student may choose to opt out of one or more parts. Each part of the exam is 30 minutes in length and Part 2 must be taken immediately after passing Part 1 and, similarly, Part 3 must be taken immediately after passing Part 2. (Students will not be able to take Part 2 on a different date or a different time on the same day after passing Part 1). Passing each part will place a student into a certain course and allow them to try the next part of the exam. The chart below explains a student's placement upon passing each part of the exam.
| Math Course | Current ACT Prerequisite | Required Placement Exam Result |
|---|---|---|
| MA 0103 | MACT <19 | None |
| MA 1313 | MACT ≥19 | 73% on Part 1 of the Placement Exam |
| MA 1323 | MACT ≥24 | 73% on Part 2 of the Placement Exam |
| MA 1613 | MACT ≥24 | 73% on Part 2 of the Placement Exam |
| MA/ST 2113 | MACT ≥24 | 73% on Part 2 of the Placement Exam |
| MA 1713 | MACT ≥26 | 80% on Part 3 of the Placement Exam |
The highest placement from either the student's ACT score or the student's placement exam will be considered. For example, a student with a math sub-score of 24 on the ACT who does not pass Part 1 can still take MA 1323, MA 1613, or MA/ST 2113.
A student may choose not to take Parts 2 and 3 of the placement exam if they are satisfied with registering for MA 1313. Similarly, a student may choose not to take Part 3 if they are satisfied with registering for MA 1323, MA 1613 or MA/ST 2113.
A student must start with Part 1 even if their ACT math sub-score allows them to register for MA 1313 already. For example, a student with a 24 on their math sub-score on the ACT must start with Part 1 even though they may already register for MA 1323 (Trigonometry) without passing Part 1 of the placement exam.
Once a student completes the mathematics placement exam, they need to allow 24 hours before attempting to register for their chosen and approved course. If a student wishes to not register for the highest course into which they place and instead register for a different mathematics course, then they need to email the mathematics placement exam coordinator (see below) as soon as they complete the exam to inform them of this information.
Since MA 1323, MA 1613, and MA/ST 2113 are at the same level in the placement listing above, a student who passes Part 2 needs to inform the mathematics placement exam coordinator (see below) of which course they would like to register immediately after completing the mathematics placement exam.
To obtain instructions on registering for the mathematics placement exam, students need to contact the mathematics placement exam coordinator (see below) to obtain all necessary instructions and information.
Students need to also be aware that this placement exam could take up to 90 minutes to complete (all parts) and should plan accordingly as all parts must be taken in one sitting as indicated above.
Students will not receive any course credits for any course not completed at Mississippi State University or transferred into Mississippi State University from another accrediting institute. Therefore, if a student needs 6 credit hours of mathematics courses and they have the ACT requirement for MA 1313, it may be in the student's best interest to opt out of the mathematics placement exam. However, if the student will require a higher level mathematics course, it may be in the student's best interest to take the mathematics placement exam.
Mathematics Placement Exam Coordinator
Mr. Jacob Tschume
Location: Allen 458
Phone: 662-325-7176