The purpose of the Math Placement Exam (MPX) is to make sure that students begin their mathematical studies at UD in a course for which they are prepared and in which they can succeed.  In that spirit, you cannot register for a course with a higher MPX threshold than the score you have earned.

The Mathematical Sciences department only administers the MPX; and we have posted some limited information about course sequencing.  If you have questions about which course to actually take, how your placement will affect progress through your major, etc., you should contact your advisor.

Does everyone have to take the Math Placement Exam?

Yes, unless by the due date you have:

If you qualify under one of these exceptions, consult this chart to determine the next math course you may need to take.

Your first attempt

The MPX program is free to incoming students.  When you matriculated, you should have received information in the student portal indicating which testing process you should follow.  You should complete your first MPX attempt by June 15, 2024 to be guaranteed a seat in your desired class during your New Student Orientation (NSO) appointment. 

What is the format​​ of the Exam?

The MPX is administered on a computer using an adaptive program called ALEKS.  It covers many major areas of high school mathematics, such as algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, and trigonometry.  You may not use any notes or outside resources.  ALEKS will make a calculator available when the question requires it. It will not be available at all times. The goal of the assessment is to ascertain your mathematical skills which include the ability to do math operations without the assistance of a calculator.​

You will be allowed two hours to complete the exam.

What can I do to get ready for the t​est?

There is no preparation module or revision material available through ALEKS to help you prepare for your first attempt. Review of your high school mathematics material is encouraged. You can find some resources online, but we do not endorse any of them.

Who do I contact if I am allowed exam accommodation du​​e to a disability?

Please contact Disability Support Services to discuss the procedure for obtaining an exam accommodation.  It is best to complete this process BEFORE your first attempt, so you should contact them as soon as possible after matriculation.

Can I still take t​​he Math Placement Exam after the deadline?

Yes.  We will accept new scores until the beginning of class but cannot guarantee a seat.  Moreover, certain majors require you to be enrolled in a particular math class in order to register for their core classes so delay will affect your enrollment in those classes as well.

After your first attempt

​ Check ​​if your score is high enough to enroll in your desired math course. If so, you do not need to take additional attempts unless there are circumstances (change of major, etc) where you may need a higher-level math course in the future.

​If your score is not high enough, then you may make additional attempts (up to five total).
  • ​Subsequent attempts are scheduled using the same protocol as for the first; follow the instructions in the student portal.
  • There must be 48 hours between attempts.
  • Your highest score will be used to determine your placement.

You will spend time in a Prep and Learning (P&L) module in ALEKS to better prepare for the additional attempts.

  • If your goal is to enroll in MATH 114 or MATH 115, choose "Prep for Pre-calculus". If your goal is to enroll in a MATH 221 or MATH 241, choose "Prep for Calculus". NOTE: Once you make the choice, you cannot change it! ​
  • You must spend at least 5 hours in P&L between MPX attempts.

The 5-hour limit is the BARE MINIMUM that you should spend in P&L.  Your focus should be to fill in your Learning Pie as completely as possible before your next attempt.  To work efficiently, focus on the topics where the Learning Pie is not filled in very much.

If you cannot achieve a high enough score to enroll in the math course you need, you will need to complete a course for which you have met the threshold to prepare you for your desired course.

Other Questions

If you have questions that are not covered by this or page or the information in the student portal, please contact us via e-mail or access our Zoom office hours [LINK TO ZOOM PAGE], which will be held....