Math Placement and MPLEX Guidelines
Math placement is determined by one of three measures
• ACT or SAT math score
• Prerequisite course (including transfer courses with appropriate scores/grades)
• MSU’s math placement exam (MPLEX)
MPLEX Testing for New Students
At orientation, students may take the MPLEX within these guidelines:
• Students are allowed one attempt at MPLEX during orientation.
• It is important for students to understand what level MPLEX they wish to achieve
in order to enroll in the appropriate courses on their schedule.
When students pass a level on the MPLEX, they will be asked whether they
wish to attempt the next level. Students who are unsure can respond “yes” and continue
to answer questions.
• Students who do not pass the desired MPLEX level may attempt MPLEX a second time
only after they
a. Complete 20 hours of study in EdReady and
b. Demonstrate a 90% Proficiency Rating at the desired level within EdReady. Only one repeat attempt is allowed. Students should be aware that MPLEX only allows a simple calculator, so they should not rely on a graphing calculator to achieve a particular EdReady Proficiency Rating.
• After students have completed the above requirements, students may schedule an individual MPLEX with Testing Services. Students will be responsible for any Testing Services fees.
MPLEX for Continuing Students
MPLEX is generally intended for students only upon initial enrollment at the university. Students seeking to take the MPLEX during or after their first semester may take the MPLEX through Testing Services within these guidelines:
• Students must schedule their MPLEX with Testing Services and pay the required fee.
• Students who do not pass the desired MPLEX level may only retake the MPLEX after
they
a. Complete 20 hours of study in EdReady; and
b. Demonstrate a 90% Proficiency Rating at the desired level within EdReady.
(Only one repeat attempt is allowed. Students should be aware that MPLEX only allows a simple
calculator, so they should not rely on a graphing calculator to achieve
a particular EdReady Proficiency Rating.)
• The MPLEX may not be used to avoid retaking a math course previously attempted.
For example, a student who withdraws from or fails M 121Q cannot take the MPLEX
to place into Level 4. Students who can demonstrate an ability to pass the course,
but who had extraordinary circumstances that prevented them from finishing the
course, should meet with their academic advisor to discuss next steps. Note:
Students with a passing grade in M161 will be allowed one attempt at the
MPLEX if they are seeking admission to M 171.
MPLEX Availability & Course Registration
• There is no charge for new students to take the MPLEX at a scheduled MSU orientation.
• Transfer students who wish to take the MPLEX before the scheduled transfer orientation
must schedule their MPLEX with Testing Services and pay any required fees.
• MPLEX availability is limited at the beginning of each semester. Students may only
take the MPLEX within the first three class days of any semester when they meet
the eligibility requirements listed within these guidelines.
• Students may only register for math classes through the fifth class day of the semester.
• Between the fifth and tenth class day, if space is available and a student has the
required approval, students may
a. Switch sections of the same math class; or
b. Upon advice of their instructor, drop a class in order to add a lower-level math
class.