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Web-based Precalculus Readiness Test

Taking this test does NOT exempt you from taking the MPE.

The Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project offers a web-based Precalculus Readiness test at http://mdtp.ucsd.edu/test/. The test can be taken online and is immediately scored. This test may be useful to students preparing for the Mathematics Placement Examination (MPE). This test does not exempt you from taking the MPE. The online test covers material through a second-year algebra course in high school. The MPE covers material from both second-year algebra and precalculus courses; and, therefore, includes some topics (e.g., trigonometry) not covered in the online test.

The only purpose of the online test is to indicate the extent of your understanding and facility with some important mathematical concepts and skills. At the end of the test you will submit your answers for scoring. You will then have an opportunity to review your performance on each question. You will also see your total score and your score on the topics covered by the test. No record of your score is kept.

The topic areas included in the online test are:

Functions
Geometric Concepts and Applications
Linear Equations and Inequalities, Absolute Values, Graphs
Logarithmic and Exponential Functions, Exponents, Radicals
Polynomials, including Quadratic Equations
Rational Expressions

To get an indication of your level of preparation, you should take this test under test-like conditions, by yourself with no reference materials and in a limited time. You should have paper and pencil available for working problems or noting problems that you may want to come back to later. You should allow one hour to take the online test.

If you score 25 or higher, then you appear to possess the necessary prerequisite skills and knowledge to succeed in Math 4C and you should achieve a qualifying score on the MPE. If you score 20 or higher, then you appear to possess the necessary prerequisite skills and knowledge to succeed in Math 3C and you should achieve a qualifying score on the MPE. You are strongly encouraged to take an early administration of the MPE to ensure you qualify for either Math 4C or Math 3C.

If you score lower than 25 and you would like to enroll in Math 4C (or lower than 20 for Math 3C), then you are strongly encouraged to review the list of topics included in your diagnostic report before taking the MPE. Again, you are strongly encouraged to take an early administration of the MPE.

If after taking the MPE you are placed into a lower math course than desired, you are strongly encouraged to take a course in intermediate algebra at a community college before attempting the MPE again. This allows you time to review the suggested topics and retake the MPE. If you achieve a qualifying score on your retake, then you will be placed into your desired math course.