How to Take the Math Placement Exam (MAPE)
Students who wish to take the Math Placement Exam can do so in one of three ways:
- online during the summer,
- in person during WOW (Week of Welcome), or
- as part of an Early Start Math (ESM) program.
Testing accommodations must be approved in advance by the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in coordination with the Mathematics Department. Accommodations cannot be added once testing begins.
Taking the MAPE Online (Summer)
How This Option Works
The online MAPE is offered at no cost during the summer prior to the start of the fall term and is administered through ProctorU.
Scheduling the Exam
To take the exam online, students must:
- create a ProctorU account,
- schedule the exam at least 72 hours in advance, and
- follow the setup instructions exactly.
Scheduling Details
- Institution: California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo
- Term: 2026 Placement
- Exam Selection:
- IA45C86 → Students eligible for MATH 1000
- PC40C86 → Students eligible for MATH 1004, 1005, 1006, or 1007
Deadlines
- Last day to schedule: August 11
- Last day to test: August 14
Students should test their equipment in advance to ensure their system is ready for their testing session.
Test Day Requirements
Students must have:
- a computer with reliable internet and a working webcam,
- no Chromebook,
- a Cal Poly email account (this will serve as your student ID),
- a valid photo ID (government-issued ID, passport, or high school ID), and
- three blank sheets of paper and a pen or pencil.
The exam is 90 minutes. Books, notes, calculators, and outside communication devices are not permitted.
Taking the MAPE In-Person During Week of Welcome (WOW)
How This Option Works
Students may take the MAPE in person during WOW. The exam is tentatively scheduled for August 14 in Building 38, Room 135. Specific testing times will be announced closer to WOW. No advance sign-up is required.
Each exam session is 90 minutes. Students must present DRC documentation for any approved testing accommodations at check-in.
What You Need to Do
- Bring a valid photo ID
- Arrive on time to complete check-in procedures
Taking the MAPE Through Early Start Math (ESM)
How This Option Works
Some students may take the MAPE as part of Early Start Math (ESM), an online summer program that includes guided review and a required placement exam.
Early Start Math Pathways
- ESM 105 / ESM 90: Reviews Intermediate Algebra topics and culminates in the Intermediate Algebra MAPE
- ESM 120: Reviews Precalculus topics and culminates in the Precalculus MAPE
What You Need to Do
If you elect to take Early Start Math in your Action Plan, you must:
- complete the required enrollment steps,
- participate fully in the assigned modules, and
- complete the associated Math Placement Exam.
Students receive credit for Early Start Math by completing the course requirements. Passing the MAPE is not required to pass the class.
After You Take The Exam
Exam results are sent to the student’s Cal Poly email address weekly beginning July 15. Placement eligibility is generally updated in the Admissions Portal before email notifications are sent.
Students should continue to check their Admissions Portal for updates.
Where to Go for Help
For questions about accessing the Math Placement Exam or your Math Placement Action Plan, contact: mathplacement@calpoly.edu or (805) 756-2268.
