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MPE 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.

Incoming First-year and Transfer Students
MPE Dates

Who should test?

Registration

Remote SESSIONS on ProctorU (free)

  • April 15 - June 1, 2026

For incoming, first-year students.

Session is closed.

Remote SESSIONS on ProctorU ($20) - CURRENT SESSION

  • June 2 - June 18, 2026

For incoming, first-year students to be eligible for place up exams and remove HOLDs.

Complete the Equipment Check to receive a link to register.

Remote SESSIONS on ProctorU ($20)

  • July 1 - July 31, 2026

For incoming, first-year students to remove HOLDs.

Complete the Equipment Check to receive a link to register.

Remote SESSIONS on ProctorU (free)

  • July 1 - July 31, 2026

For incoming, transfer students.  

Complete the Math Diagnostic Assessment (MDA) to receive information to register. Contact mathtesting@ucsd.edu to receive MDA information. 

On-Campus SESSIONS (Free)

  • September 26, 2026

For incoming, first-year students to remove HOLDs, and incoming, transfer students.

Registration is open. See On-Campus MPE to register.

Continuing Students

MPE Dates

 Who should test?

Registration

Remote SESSIONS on ProctorU ($20- CURRENT SESSION

  • May 1 - September 30, 2026

For current students who have not yet earned a math placement who need to enroll in Math.

 

Complete the Equipment Check to receive a link to register.

 


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 year. Students who have not enrolled in their placed course after 12 months must retake the MPE before they can enroll in math. 
  • Pass a pre-calculus course at another college. Send mathtesting@ucsd.edu a screen capture of your unofficial transcript to include your final grade. 

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.