Overview
The Math Placement
Exam (MPE) is an on-line exam and will take about 60 minutes. It is an important
exam which is used for both Math Placement and to assist academic advisors in
recommending courses. The on-line version is only available once so it is
strongly recommended that you review and take advantage of the sample exams
prior to taking the main exam.
Who should take the
exam All new students (Freshmen and Transfer) should take the exam
unless you have successfully completed Calculus II at the collegiate
level.
How to review for the Math Placement
exam:
- Take the sample exam
- Score the sample exam to determine your need to review
- If your score was 19 or less in a certain part,
you might want to review your math skills using a Schaums Outline Series Study
Guide which can be purchased on-line (Amazon or Follet websites) or at most
large bookstores.
- Review for Part 1 Schaums Outline Elementary Algebra
- Review for Part 2 Schaums Outline Intermediate Algebra
- Review for Part 3 Schaums Outline Pre-Calculus (skip trigonometry)
- Review for Part 4 Schaums Outline Pre-Calculus
Calculators for the MPE
Calculators, including graphing
calculators (for example the TI-85 or TI-86), are allowed. Calculators with
symbolic mathematical manipulation ability, for example the TI-89 are not
allowed. You may have blank scratch paper available but no notes or books and of
course, you cannot get help from anyone
else.
Warning
Not following these directions
could result in a score which could place you in the wrong math course. This
could result in a $1700 mistake by the time you withdraw from a course, take the
course you should have taken, then repeat the first course
again.
How the MPE is organized
There are three parts
to the exam, 10 questions per exam part with a 20 minute time limit per part. At
the end of each part you will be asked to score that particular part.
Sample exam
There is a sample
exam on the website. It is strongly recommended you take the sample exam to
review your knowledge in order to determine if you should review before taking
the MPE. Many students need to brush up on what they have covered in math
classes. Study guides are recommended based upon how well you do on the sample
exam. A sample math placement test is available: Sample Math Placement
Exam
Taking the MPE - Shut down and restart computer (this test works best with a cleard cashe or
rebooted system).
- Login by using your NUID# and password (the same login as you use for
MyRed).
- When you are satisfied with your answers for the part you are on, you should
click on the “Grade” button at the top of the frame and proceed to the next
section.
To begin taking the MPE: Math Placement Exam
Login
Instructions if
you received the "Proctor Required" information please send the following to nse@unl.edu
Proctor Name
Proctor Title
Proctor Email
Proctor Phone Number
Include the following information for the student:
Student Name
Student ID
Student Email
Student Phone Number
The proctor can not be a friend or family member.
How the MPE is scored
Wrong answers are penalized. If you
are not fairly certain of how to do a problem, the problem should be left blank.
The actual scoring scheme on each exam part is 1 point per blank, 3 points per
correct answer but 0 points per wrong answer.
Problems with viewing the MPE
Internet Explorer sometimes
limits the number of graphics it displays on a page at first, with a small box
red “x” replacing the graphics. If this happens, right clicking on that box
gives a menu which includes “Show Picture”. By choosing that option, it
generally works to display the missing expression.
Summary - Take the sample test; review if necessary
- Schedule a time where you can be uninterrupted for an hour
- Take the exam by yourself
- Questions, call New Student Enrollment at 402-472-4646
Remember, not following the
directions could result in a $1700 mistake.
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