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Department of Mathematics

Math Placement

All students must meet the prerequisite for any MATH course that they take at USC. For some courses this prerequisite is met after taking one of the two versions of the Math Placement Test. These tests allow students to gauge how their math skills translate into each relevant course.

Which Test Should I Take?

  • The PreCalculus Placement Test covers high school–level pre-Calculus and Trigonometry. If your program requires MATH 141, you need to take this test.
  • The Algebra Placement Test covers high school–level Algebra II. If your program requires MATH 122, you need to take this test.
  • If your program allows you to choose between MATH 141 and MATH 122 there are two options
    • if you are undecided about which course you will take, we recommend you take both versions. (It's best to take the Algebra version before taking the Precalculus version.)
    • If you know which MATH course you will take, take the corresponding version of the MPT as described on the first two lines.

 

Instructions, including Access to the Tests

Please read these instructions before starting your test.

Brochure

The Mathematics Placement Test Brochure

Placement FAQs

Have a question?  You may find the answer here.

Practice Tests

Practice tests will give you a good idea of what to expect on the placement tests.

Prerequisites

Many UofSC MATH courses have prerequisites. Some involve success completion of another MATH course, others require a qualifying score on the MPT, and a few either of the previous two options. If you do not meet the prerequisites for a course, you will not be allowed to register for that course.

AP/IB Temporary Prerequisite Override Request Form

If you have taken an AP Calculus or IB Mathematics (higher level) test and are waiting for the scores to come to USC to satisfy a prerequisite or if you are waiting for course credit from another College or University in order to satisfy a prerequisite, then complete the Temporary Prerequisite Override Request form and take note of the agreement you are making there.

Overrides

In some cases, you may need an override to get into a course. 

 

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