Math Placement Requirement (MPR)

ALL students who register in MAT 12, 16A, 17A, or 21A, will be required to take the Math Placement Exam. This means we will no longer accept SAT-M or AP scores. For MAT 16A, 17A, or 21A, you are required to take the Math Placement Exam regardless if you passed MAT 12 (or an equivalent course elsewhere). In other words, remember this: everyone is taking the exam.

The Math Placement Requirement (MPR) determines if you are prepared for college-level math courses offered at UC Davis. This is determined by the Math Placement Examination (also sometimes called the "Precalculus Exam"). The passing exam scores and course placement details are listed below. NOTE: The department will begin dropping students who do not qualify, AFTER the end of the very last testing window for that particular quarter.

Math Placement Examination

The Math Placement Examination is only be available online. There will be two testing sessions per quarter, and a student may only take it once per testing session. As with any exam, if you need special accommodations due to a disability, please contact the UC Davis Student Disabilities Center.

Students enrolled in MAT 12, 16A, 17A, and 21A who do not meet the Math Placement Requirement (MPR) before the testing periods will be notified via email regarding when they will be able to take the exam.

Incoming Freshmen will be notified in late May about the Math Placement Examination. They will be sent instructions and login information via email to their UC Davis email address.

Math Placement Exam sessions for Fall Quarter 2012 are open to all students.

For more information about the online math placement exam, please refer to our Math Placement Exam FAQ webpage.

Staff assistance during the testing sessions is only available during regular business hours, Monday-Friday from 9:00a-4:00p. Should you require help, please contact us at placementhelp@math.ucdavis.edu.

Current Requirements

You must satisfy the MPR if you wish to enroll in MAT 12, 16A, 17A, 21A, 21AH, or 36 as outlined in the following table:

Students enrolled in one of the above classes without satisfying the MPR will be administratively dropped from the course no matter what anyone else, including an adviser or an instructor, may have told them. No exceptions to this policy are permitted.

Note that the above cut-off points are MINIMUM TOTAL SCORES. If you fail to earn a score that places you into MAT 16A, 17A, or 21A, you should seriously consider enrolling in MAT 12 to strengthen your algebraic and trigonometric skills prior to taking calculus. This is particularly important if you feel that you are weak in these areas and not merely "a bit rusty" with your basic math skills.

The effects of improper placement in a mathematics class can be difficult to reverse. If you score below 25, you should consult with your major adviser to discuss your options, including the possibility of registering in a Workload course (WLD 055M) or other college-level mathematics course such as MAT B (Elementary Algebra) or MAT C (Trigonometry).

Preparation Tips

If you wish to prepare for the online math placement exam, the Student Academic Success Center (SASC) offers drop-in assistance for those seeking additional help and/or resources. Please contact the Student Academic Success Center for more information.

Study guides are also provided by the Student Academic Success Center and can be viewed here: