How to take the In-Person MAPE
MAPE Exam Availability for New Fall 2024 Admits
- Last day take the virtual MAPE via ProctorU is August 31, 2024. (Click here for instructions).
- Appointments for the virtual test must be scheduled 72 hours in advance of the desired testing time.
In-Person MAPE Exam Availability for New Fall Admits and Continuing Students who have not taken the MAPE
In-person MAPE will be available during 2024 WOW week, September 19 4:30-6:00pm in Building 38 Room 135. This is a drop-in, no sign-up required. For questions, please call 805-756-2206 or email mathplacement@calpoly.edu
Students must demonstrate eligibility in order to enroll in the General Education area B4 course(s) (Math and Quantitative Reasoning) required by their major. The Math Placement Exam (MAPE) is an opportunity to make this demonstration without taking extra prerequisite coursework. These diagnostic exams are offered at various times free of charge and can be used to place students up to Calculus I. Note that the MAPE cannot be used to lower a student’s placement and does not confer college credit.
What is the purpose of the MAPE?
The goal of the MAPE is to help you enter the mathematics curriculum at an appropriate level, reduce frustrations and academic difficulties, and increase chances of success.
The MAPE report indicates a mastery level expected for selected topic areas, your score in each area, a total score, and a statement which indicates the course(s) you are eligible for. There are also recommendations for appropriate actions and/or courses if you do not score mastery level in all areas.
Please note that prerequisites are checked during registration. You will not be allowed to enroll in a math or statistics course if you do not meet the course prerequisites.
The Precalculus MAPE are diagnostic exams to determine your readiness for Calculus (Math 141, 161 or 221) if you do not already meet the course prerequisite.
The Intermediate Algebra MAPE is a diagnostic exam to determine your readiness for precalculus algebra (Math 118) or Trigonometry (Math 119) if you do not already meet the course prerequisite.
Why do I have to take the MAPE?
You don’t, but will want to if your current placement requires the completion of prerequisite coursework in order to be eligible for classes required by your major. The MAPE is your opportunity to advance your placement; however, it can place you no further than Calculus I and will not confer college credit. Also, note that it cannot harm your current eligibility, it can only help to place you further.
Do my high school courses count toward placement?
No individual high school course will count toward placement, but your overall GPA may make you eligible to take Precalculus. To be Calculus ready, a student must submit a sufficient score on one of the various standardized tests we use for placement or transfer credit in College Algebra from another college/university or pass the Precalculus MAPE. For more detailed information on placement please see How does math placement work?
Can I be ready without having to take the MAPE?
If you have test scores (AP, SAT, ACT, etc) or transfer credit from another college/university that have yet to be received, or expect to have such scores/credit, you may be eligible to meet your major’s Area B4 GE requirement without having to take the MAPE or enroll in prerequisite coursework and should send those scores/credits as soon as possible. If you are uncertain or not confident in the outcome of the test/class, we do recommend that you take the MAPE.
What are the prerequisite skills for Calculus?
To take Math 141, 161, or 221, we expect that you will have completed a typical four-year sequence in high school mathematics, including one year of geometry and two-and-one-half years of algebra with grades of "B" or better, and some math within the last year. For Math 141, it is also expected that you have completed at least a semester of trigonometry with grade "B" or better.
Satisfying any one of the following are prerequisites for these courses:
- An Advanced Placement Exam score of 3 or above on the AB or BC Calculus Exam
- New SAT Test: A score of 620 or above on the mathematics section of the new SAT
- Old SAT Test: A score of 600 or above on the mathematics section of the old SAT reasoning test
- A score of 26 or above on the ACT Mathematics Test
- An appropriate precalculus MAPE score
What does the MAPE cover?
The Intermediate Algebra MAPE covers:
- Elementary operations with numerical and algebraic fractions
- Quadratic polynomials, equations and inequalities
- Rational expressions
- Graphing
- Exponents and radicals
- Logarithms and functions
- Linear equations and inequalities
- Word problems
The Precalculus MAPE exams cover:
- Elementary operations with numerical and algebraic fractions
- Trigonometry (not needed for Math 161 or 221)
- Operations with exponents and radicals
- Logarithms and exponential functions
- Linear equations and inequalities
- Word problems
- Functions
How should I prepare for the Placement Exam?
Many students find a review, even just a few hours, helpful. UCSD has created modules to help students who need to review for the exam. You will want to review modules 1 in each topic or modules 1 and 2 if you are looking to become Calculus ready.
How will I find out my results?
First round of results for the online MAPE will be sent July 15. Results of the in-person MAPE will be emailed to you within 5 business days.
Can I retake the test?
Students will not have the opportunity to retake the MAPE exam.
