UNDERSTANDING YOUR MATH PLACEMENT RESULTS

How do I get my results?

Select the "My Placement Results" link after logging in to the ELM Tutorial website. The Mathematics Department cannot give you results over the telephone because of federal law regarding privacy of information. If you have questions about the Mathematics Placement Exam, contact the PACe Office (Weber 137; (970) 491-5761).

May I take the exam again?

Students who are new to the University may attempt the exam remotely one time in a non-proctored setting prior to their term of admission. All students may take the Math Placement Exam (MPE) a total of two times on campus in a proctored setting. To take the exam in a proctored setting, you must request it on a walk-in basis in the PACe Testing Center (Weber 138). Bring your Colorado State student ID card, and a pencil or pen. You must use the TI-84 calculator provided by the PACe Testing Center for walk-in exams.

Should I take the exam again?

If you did not prepare before taking the MPE or feel you can do better with further review, yes, you should review and take the exam again. Consult with your adviser concerning your degree requirements and the importance of retaking the exam to your program of study. To study for the MPE, use the online review materials prepared by the Department of Mathematics.

What happens if I don't do very well on the MPE?

All students taking the MPE will be placed into at least MATH 130, Math in the Social Sciences. The other entry-level math courses at Colorado State have enforced prerequisites that require you to demonstrate a greater level of algebra proficiency on the MPE than is required for MATH 130. The entry-level math courses are:
             MATH 130 (Math in the Social Sciences),
             MATH 133 (Financial Mathematics),
             MATH 135 (Patterns of Phenomena),
             MATH 117 (College Algebra in Context I).
Be sure to consult with your adviser before deciding that MATH 130 is the right course for you. MATH 130 does not satisfy degree requirements for many majors. MATH 130 does not prepare you for any other course at the University, and MATH 130 does not satisfy prerequisites for any other course (such as MATH 117).

What if MATH 130 is the wrong course for me?

If you are still eligible to re-take the MPE, you can study and take the exam again. When you check your placement results, you will also find a link to the ELM Tutorial. Instructions for the ELM Tutorial are found under this link. You can complete this tutorial online and then take a proctored Prerequisite Exam in the PACe Testing Center (Weber 138). The Prerequisite Exam can qualify you to register for MATH 117, MATH 133 and MATH 135.

How do I get the credit I earned on the MPE?

You must take the MPE on campus in the proctored PACe Testing Center (Weber 138) to qualify for course credit by exam. If you qualify for course credit, you must register for it to guarantee it will appear on your transcript. The registration numbers used for placement credit are published in the Class Schedule. However, if you are not eligible to register for these "credit by exam" sections, you will receive an error if you try to add them to your class schedule. If you have any questions about registering for earned placement credit, please speak with the staff in the PACe Office (Weber 137; (970) 491-5761).

WHAT YOUR PLACEMENT RESULTS MEAN

CLEARED to register for:  MATH 130

You have met the prerequisite for only this entry-level math course. You may either register for MATH 130, Math in the Social Sciences, re-take the MPE, or complete the ELM Tutorial and take the Prerequisite Exam to try to improve your placement status. MATH 130 will not satisfy the degree requirements for many majors. You should talk with your adviser or consult the University Catalog to determine if this course is appropriate for your program of study.

CLEARED to register for:   MATH 117, MATH 130, MATH 133, MATH 135

You have met the prerequisite for all of the entry-level math courses. You may either register for one of these courses, or re-take the MPE to try to improve your placement status.

PLACED OUT of:

You scored at or above minimally acceptable levels in these courses. You do not qualify for credit in the courses listed with this result. However, "placed out of" courses do satisfy prerequisites for other University courses, so you are eligible to register for any course that requires one of these courses as a prerequisite. You are also eligible to register for and complete for credit any course that is included in your list of "placed out of" courses.

QUALIFIED for CREDIT in:

Your score indicates competence comparable to that expected of students who have completed these courses. As a result, you have qualified for University credit in the courses listed. You must register for this placement credit (see above), and the grade recorded will be an "S". Credit earned by placement can be used to satisfy the AUCC Mathematics Requirement.

WHAT SHOULD YOU REGISTER FOR?

You should consult with your academic adviser or check the requirements for your degree program as listed in the University Catalog to determine which course(s) are most appropriate for you. Be sure to complete the 3-credit AUCC Mathematics Requirement early in your degree program. Don't get penalized for not having finished this requirement by the time you have earned 60 total credits toward your degree.   (Click here for more information about the AUCC Mathematics Requirement.)