FAQs about Math Placement
Is there a difference between the SAT I and the SAT Mathematics Level 2 Subject Tests?
Yes. The SAT I covers content through Algebra 1 or Intermediate Algebra. The SAT Subject Level 2 Math Test covers content through Precalculus and qualifying scores of 600 or higher meet the prerequisites to Math 4C, Math 10A, and Math 18; and scores of 650 or higher meet the prerequisites to Math 20A.
In January 2021, College Board stopped offering all SAT Subject Level tests. Therefore, since SAT test scores used for math placement expire after two years, SAT Subject Level 2 Math scores are not longer accepted.
I took the AP Calculus exam but have not received my score. Should I take the MPE?
You should take the MPE if you think that you might score a "1" or "2" on the AP AB Calculus exam. See AP Credit for more information.
Also, you may take the MPE if needed after results are released in July.
Note: AP Calculus AB scores of a "2" (or AB-subscore scores of 2) are valid for 2 years when used for math placement.
I took AP Calculus in high school calculus class but I did not take the AP exam and I did not receive college credit. Must I take the MPE?
High school credit for an AP Calculus course without earning a qualifying score on the AP Calculus AB or BC exam does not satisfy prerequisites for enrollment in UCSD math courses. You must take the MPE if you do not meet other prequisite criteria (see Placement In Math Classes).
I took the AP Statistics exam. Do I need to take the MPE?
AP Statistics does not satisfy prerequisites for enrollment in UCSD math courses. You must take the MPE if you do not meet other prequisite criteria (see Placement In Math Classes).
I took IB Math. What happens now?
Scores of 5-7 on the IB Higher Level (HL) Analysis and Approaches (AA) earn equivalent transfer credit for Math 20A and 10B. Students do not need the MPE in this case. IB HL 5 or higher do not expire for earning credit. See Placement In Math Classes.
Standard Level (SL) exams and the IB Higher Level Applications and Interpretations (AI) exam are not UC transferable and cannot be used as a prerequisite for UCSD Math course enrollment (see UCSD IB Chart 2021-22). You must take the MPE if you do not meet other prerequisite criteria (see Placement In Math Classes).
Do Placement Measures Expire?
SAT Mathematics Level 2 Subject Test scores and the AP Calculus AB score of "2" are valid for placement for two years.
The Math Placement Exam (MPE) is valid for one year.
AP Calculus scores of (3,4,5) and the IB HL AA 5-7 do not expire since students earn equivalent transfer credit.
Courses Taken Outside of UCSD
I took precalculus at a community college. Am I exempt from taking the MPE?
Course work in precalculus, college algebra or statistics taken at another college or university do not satisfy prerequisites for enrollment in UCSD math courses. You must take the MPE if you do not meet other prequisite criteria (see Placement In Math Classes).
I took calculus through a California community college while still in high school. Do I need to take the MPE?
If the course has been approved for transfer equivalency, and you passed the course with a C- or better, you may enroll directly into the next level calculus course without taking the MPE.
If your course is not approved for transfer equivalency, then you might be able to petition the Math Department for credit. Be sure to request that the community college send your transcript to UCSD as soon as your qualified course is completed.
Math Placement Exam (MPE)
I plan to take a math course at UCSD. Do I need to take the MPE?
How do I register to take the MPE?
You may find current MPE sessions and registration information for the Math Placement Exam on the MTP Website.
I took a math placement test at a different university campus, can I use my result to enroll in a math class at UCSD?
You may not use any math placement result from a different university to be placed in a math class at UCSD. If you do not meet any other listed criterias, you will need to take the MPE before you will be able to enroll in math at UCSD.
Other
I qualified for a math course but the registration system says I do not have the prerequisite and will not allow me to register for any section. What should I do?
If your equivalent credit or official test results have not posted to your academic records, then you should submit a request for a preauthorization using the Enrollment Authorization System (EASy). Be sure to upload a screen capture of your results as evidence.
