Math Placement Exam (MPE)
- Do I Need The MPE?
- MPE Timeline
- MPE Session Dates
- MPE/MDA Expiration Dates
- MPE Resources
MPE Session Dates
The Math Placement Exam (MPE) determines students' official math placement. The MPE is a proctored exam, either on campus (free) or remotely (for $20 on ProctorU). Students should take this exam seriously as it will determine their starting course in the Math Pathway required by their major and/or college.
All students must register in advance for a testing session.
| Upcoming Sessions | ||
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Remote on ProctorU ($20)
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For students who need to take the MPE to be eligible to book a math class for Winter 2027 |
Students may complete the Equipment Check to receive a link to schedule an exam session. |
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On-Campus (Free)
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For students who need to take the MPE to be eligible to book a math class for Winter 2027 |
Registration for November 7 is open at On-Campus MPE January 9 registration will open in mid-November |
| Past Sessions | ||
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Remote on ProctorU ($20)
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For student who needs to take the MPE to be eligible to book a math class for Fall 2026 |
Session closed |
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On-Campus (Free)
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For new first year students - continuing students are welcome to join a waitlist and be admitted as space allows |
Session closed |
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Remote on ProctorU (Free)
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For new transfer students and first-year students after receiving AP or IB results |
Session closed |
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Remote on ProctorU (Free)
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For new first-year students |
Session closed |
MPE-Retake Policy
MPE retakes are NOT allowed, and students must enroll in the course that they are placed into. Advancement will occur by completing successive courses in the established Math Pathways determined by their major and/or college.
Exceptions:
- MPE results are valid for one full academic year plus one term to ensure students do not lose their enrollment if their results were valid during their booking windows (see MPE/MDA Expiration Dates). Students who have not enrolled in their placed course after this timeframe must retake the MPE before they can enroll in math.
- Students who pass (C- or higher) a preparatory math course (such as College Algebra or Precalculus) at another college after they take the MPE can send a screen capture of their unofficial transcript with their final grade to mathtesting@ucsd.edu for review. Accepted transcripts can allow students to retake the MPE. Only courses are accepted for eligibility (support courses to a preparatory course are not accepted).
Place-Up Pathway
Students with initial Math 2 placement are on the Place-Up Pathway (PUP) and may not retake the MPE. To move forward in math, students must:
- Pass the Math 2-to-3B Place-up Exam (PUP-E). See PUP-Exam for more information.
- Once placed in Math 3B, advancement will occur by completing successive courses in the established Math Pathway determined by their major and/or college.
