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Student Success Center

Math Placement Test (MPT) - Used for placement in to appropriate math course - Enrolling in the correct math course is critical for your academic success.  Attempting a math course without a solid foundation of the proper prerequisite material often leads to failure in the course. 

Students majoring in Business, Engineering, Health Care Science, Biology, Chemistry, Communication, Economics, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology, or who are preparing for Pre-Medicine, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Physician's Assistant and Pre-Veterinarian areas will be advised into a math course based upon their ACT or SAT scores or by the score on the Math Placement test.  ACT/SAT scores are effective for only two years from the time they were taken.  For summer 2008, students who took the ACT or SAT tests before June 2006 and for fall 2008, students who took the ACT or SAT tests before September 2006 should use the table below to determine the  correct math course to take.

ACT

SAT

Course Advisement

0-19

0-470

Take the algebra diagnostic test for placement.

20-22

480-530

Enroll in Math 104, College Algebra

23-25

540-580

Enroll in Math 105, Elementary Functions for Calculus

26+

590+

Enroll in Math 135, Calculus I


If your score on the ACT or SAT score is more than two years old or if you feel that your score doesn’t place you in the correct math course, you may take the Math Placement Tests to try to place in to the correct math course.  The cost of the MPT is $8.50 and should be taken before the end of the first week of classes.  New Freshmen students take the test through new student orientation.  All other students or new freshmen students who wish to retake the test, may do so through the Student Success Career Center.  It is administered by appointment only, Mondays through Fridays between 9 AM and 4 PM.  Call or stop by the Career Center, Main Hall 201, (719) 262-3340, to schedule an appointment.  Any questions may also be emailed to:  jobhelp@uccs.edu.

Two separate tests are offered:

1)  The Algebra Diagnostic Test is designed to measure your mathematical preparedness for college level algebra and pre-calculus courses.  It is a 45-minute timed test consisting of 32 questions.  Calculators are not needed and may not be used.  Since the exam is for placement purposes only, it is to your advantage to mark only those questions for which you are confident of the answer.  DO NOT GUESS.  Wrong answers and blank answers will be counted against your total score.

A list of topics that are covered on the Algebra Diagnostic test can be found here: Review Topics   (Note: If you want to brush up on your math skills before you take the diagnostic tests, you can find a helpful study guide provided by the Math Department:  Download the Textbook HERE).

2)  The Calculus Readiness Test is designed to measure your mathematical preparedness for college level calculus courses.  It is a 30-minute timed test consisting of 25 questions.  Calculators are not needed and may not be used.  Since the exam is for placement purposes only, it is to your advantage to mark only those questions for which you are confident of the answer.  DO NOT GUESS.  Wrong answers and blank answers will be counted against your total score.

If you score on the you should do this
0-11 Algebra Diagnostic Take Math 090 to refresh your skills -  Register online with LAS Extended Studies at www.uccs.edu/~lases.  MATH 090 is designed to sharpen the basic mathematical skills needed for success in college level mathematics courses.
12-19 Algebra Diagnostic Take Math 104, College Algebra .
Business majors:
12-16
Algebra Diagnostic You may take Math 104, College Algebra. 
Business majors: 17+ Algebra Diagnostic Take Math 111, Linear Algebra OR Math 112, Calculus for Business and Economics.
20+


Business majors:
20+
Algebra Diagnostic Qualified to take Math 105, Elementary Functions for Calculus.  Take the Calculus Readiness Exam to see if you can bypass Math 105.  Tests you out of Math 104, College Algebra.

For Business majors: Qualified to take Calculus Readiness Exam for Math 135.  Tests you out of Math 104, College Algebra.

In order for students to take the 30 minute Calculus Readiness exam, they must take the Algebra Diagnostic and earn a score of 20 or above.

If you score on the you should do this
0-9 Calculus Readiness exam Take Math 105, Precalculus
10 or above Calculus Readiness exam Take Math 135, Calculus I

last updated 4/18/08

last updated 12/15/06