For students who took a year or more of Calculus in high school or who have earned college credit for Calculus:

​If you want to take a math class (for any reason) during your first year at the university, you are required to take the Math Placement Test 3. Depending on your results, you may also be required to take the ALEKS Math Placement Exam.

All international students admitted for fall with prior Calculus credit are required to take the MPT 3 by the end of May or as soon as possible thereafter in order to be eligible for early enrollment. All international students admitted for spring with prior Calculus credit are required to take the MPT 3 by the end of November or as soon as possible thereafter in order to be eligible for early enrollment. Placement exams should be completed 2 weeks prior to Orientation. 

If you are considering a major in any of the following areas of study, you are required to take the Math Placement Test 3. Depending on your results, you may also be required to take the ALEKS Math Placement Exam.

Actuarial Science
Applied Physics
Astronomy
Athletic Training
Biochemistry
Biology
Biomedical Sciences
Business
Chemistry
Chiropractic (pre-)
Computer Science
Dentistry (pre-)
Elementary Education
Engineering
Environmental Sciences
Geoscience
Health & Human Physiology
Human Physiology
Informatics		 Mathematics
Medical Laboratory Science
Medicine (pre-)
Microbiology
Nuclear Med Tech Interest
Nursing
Optometry (pre-)
Pharmacy
Physical Therapy (pre-)
Physician Assistant (pre-)
Physics
Podiatry (pre-)
Public Health (BA, BS, interest)
Radiation Sciences (pre-)
Science Education
Sociology
Speech and Hearing Science
Statistics
Veterinary Medicine (pre-)

 

Placement exam results are binding because they place you in the most appropriate level for your current math skills.

Why do I need to take a math placement test?

You must satisfy the prerequisites for all of your courses.  Many math courses have prerequisites that are satisfied either by earning a minimum score on a math placement test or by earning a minimum grade in another college or university math course (high school courses do not satisfy prerequisites).  

When to take the MPT 3

Take this test at least 2 weeks prior to your orientation date. Depending on your results, you may also be required to take the ALEKS Math Placement Exam.

What you should know before taking MPT 3

  • The MPT3 is an online, 20 item multiple-choice test including the following topics: limits, differentiation, basic integration, curve-sketching, simple applications, and trigonometric functions.
  • There is a 60 minute time limit; however, you should allow 90 minutes to complete the entire process
  • You must complete the test in one sitting.
  • You may repeat the MPT3 once without special permission by emailing the ITS Help Desk.
  • You may not use a calculator, books, notes, or any other resources except for scratch paper.

Go to MPT3 for more complete information.

How to take the Math Placement Test 3

Begin the Math Placement Test 3 (MPT3)

Login with your University of Iowa hawkID and password