Overview
The Colorado State University Math Placement Exam (MPE) is an exam that all incoming freshman are required to take at least once. Being successful on the MPE allows a student to pass out of, but not earn credit for, CSU's Precalculus courses; Math 117, Math 118, Math 124, Math 125, and Math 126. This exam is designed for students who have traditionally been strong in math. If you are not looking to pass out of any courses, and instead are looking to only get into Math 117, then the better exam to accomplish this is the Entry Level Math (ELM) exam.
- The MPE can be taken online from home, or you can take it in person on campus at CSU's Precalculus Center (Weber 138).
- You are allowed to use a TI-84 calculator on the MPE.
- The MPE is 50 multiple choice questions, and you have a total of 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete the exam.
- The MPE is broken into 3 different sections that allow you to pass out of different courses. If you have tried CSU's review materials, the actual exam is broken up into 3 specific areas, just like CSU's review materials are broken up into three specific areas. The sections will be physically divided up on the screen. They do not mix and match through the entire exam.
- Algebra Section (24 questions)
By doing well on the questions in this section you are able to pass out of Math 117 and Math 118. If that is all you need for your major, then you can use all your time focusing on this section. - Trigonometry Section (16 questions)
By doing well on the questions in this section you are able to pass out of Math 125 and Math 126. - Logarithm Section (10 questions)
By doing well on the questions in this section you are able to pass out of Math 124.
- Algebra Section (24 questions)
If you do not pass into Math 117, you have the option to take the MPE exam a 2nd time. You also have the option to take a different exam known as the Entry Level Math (ELM) exam which allows you to pass into Math 117.
Preperation Tools
CSU's Review Materials
CSU offers free to use review materials on their website. You will need a NetId to access the materials.
Private Tutoring
I offer private tutoring to help you prepare for the MPE. Generally the Algebra Section requires 2 hours of tutoring, the Trigonometry Section requires 1 hour of tutoring, and the Logarithm requires 1 hour of tutoring.