Math Placement - What Do I Need to Do Next?
Once you have:
- completed the Initial Math Placement Survey,
- confirmed Cal Poly, and
- reviewed your math placement and major's math requirement,
you are ready to confirm your Math Placement Action Plan, which will indicate whether any additional steps are available or needed.
Depending on your situation, the Action Plan may include one or more of the following:
- Submitting additional official records not yet on file, such as official test scores (SAT/ACT/AP) or college transcripts
- This option applies when official test scores or transfer credit are not yet on file and could satisfy a degree requirement or change course eligibility.
- Taking the Math Placement Exam (MAPE) either online over the summer, in-person during Week of Welcome (WOW), or this summer through Early Start Math (ESM) 105/120.
- This option applies when a student’s official records are complete and they wish to seek eligibility for higher-level coursework. The Math Placement Exam does not lower placement and does not confer course credit.
Key Dates Related to Math Placement
| May 1 | Student Intent to Register |
| June 15 | Last Day to enroll in Early Start Math (ESM) |
| June 22 - July 10 | ESM 105 and ESM 120 courses run |
| July 1 | AP scores available |
| July 8 - Aug 4 | Block registration |
| July 15 | High school transcripts due to Admissions |
| August 5 | First-time freshmen access Fall schedule |
| August 11 - 13 | Open enrollment for first-time freshmen |
| August 14 | Last day to take online MAPE |
| August 15 - 21 | Open enrollment for all students |
| August 19 - 23 | Week of Welcome (WOW) |
| August 20 | In-person MAPE (last MAPE opportunity) |
| August 24 | Fall semester begins |
Placement updates are made as official information and test scores are received. Early confirmation of placement increases the likelihood that students are enrolled in the appropriate math course during block registration and reduces the need for schedule changes during open enrollment.
Students have one attempt at the Math Placement Exam. If taking the exam, it is recommended that students allow sufficient time to prepare before attempting it.
