Missouri State University uses placement exams to help determine your level of skill in an area of study and your potential to succeed in a specific course.  One of the exams the University offers is the mathematics placement exam.

Am I required to take the mathematics placement exam?

You can be placed into an appropriate math course based on either your ACT or SAT math subscore or your performance on our mathematics placement exam.  To determine which courses you are eligible for based on your sub-score, please view the chart located below.  Titles and descriptions of the MTH courses can be found in the Mathematics Department section of the Undergraduate Catalog.

If you have transfer credit for an equivalent to MTH 103 or higher, you will not need to take the placement exam; your placement in a math course will begin with the next highest appropriate course.  If you do not have either transfer credit or ACT or SAT math scores, you must either take the math placement exam or begin your math sequence at Missouri State with MTH 101.

You may also choose to take the placement exam if you are not satisfied with your placement based on your ACT or SAT math sub score.  In the event that the placement determined by the ACT or SAT sub score and the departmental test are different, the student may choose either one after consulting with an advisor.

When and where will the math placement exam take place?

The math placement exam will begin at 8:30 a.m. on the first day of your scheduled SOAR session.  Please meet in the lobby of the Plaster Student Union by this time, and a SOAR leader will escort you to the exam site.  It is important that you arrive on time; students arriving after the exam's start will need to take the math placement exam during a later SOAR session or by scheduling an appointment to take the exam with the Mathematics Department.

How can I have my ACT or SAT scores sent to Missouri State? 

If Missouri State has not received your ACT or SAT scores, or if you have obtained new scores since your admission to the University, be sure to request that they be sent to our Office of Admission if you have not already done so. Consult www.act.org (ACT) or www.collegeboard.com (SAT) for more information. 

What is the mathematics placement exam like?

The one-hour placement exam administered by the Mathematics Department will consist of fifty questions in three components: basic algebra, advanced algebra, and trigonometry. Students have the option to attempt only the basic algebra portion during the first thirty minutes if they wish.  They are, however, strongly encouraged to attempt the whole test. There is no charge for the mathematics placement exam, and pencils and testing materials will be provided to you.  Students are not allowed to use calculators for the exam.  The test can only be taken once.  Please contact the Mathematics Department for further information.

Placement Using ACT Math Sub-score

With a score of...                           You are eligible for...

ACT Math of 27 or higher             MTH 340, 287, 261, 215, 181, 138, 135, 130          

ACT Math of 26                              MTH 181, 138, 135, 130         

ACT Math of 24 or 25                    MTH 138, 135, 130, 103, 102, 101          

ACT Math of 22 or 23                    MTH 135, 130, 103, 102, 101

ACT Math of 20 or 21                    MTH 103, 101         

ACT Math of 19 or lower               MTH 101

Titles and descriptions of the MTH courses listed here can be found in the Mathematics Department section of the Undergraduate Catalog.

Placement Using SAT Math Sub-score

 With a score of...                           You are eligible for...

SAT Math of 620 or higher            MTH 340, 287, 285, 261, 215, 181, 138, 135, 130

SAT Math from 600 to 610            MTH 285, 181, 138, 135, 130

SAT Math from 560 to 590            MTH 138, 135, 130, 103

SAT Math from 520 to 550            MTH 135, 130, 103

SAT Math from 480 to 510            MTH 103, 101

SAT Math of 470 or lower              MTH 101

Titles and descriptions of the MTH courses listed here can be found in the Mathematics Department section of the Undergraduate Catalog.