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Guide to the Mathematics Placement Test (2015-2016)
Course prerequisites for Math courses at USC are enforced. Some prerequisites are stated in terms of a
suitable score on the Mathematics Placement Test (MPT). Others involve successfully completing
another Math course with a C or better. Overrides will be given only in instances after a student
documents his or her qualifications for a course. For example, bringing an AP score report or transcript
from another school to LC 413.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can students take the MPT? The MPT is an online test, taken at the student’s convenience. The web address is
http://assess.math.sc.edu/. From this website, students will find practice tests, online tutorials, a FAQ list, and more.
How do students learn the results of their MPT? Results are provided as soon as a student completes their MPT. The
results show the questions missed. Placement results can also be checked through SSC (View Test Scores or Academic
Transcript).
What if a student has AP, IB, dual enrollment, or transfer credit? MPT results do not affect any transfer or AP credits.
The only students not required to take the MPT are those whose academic record shows successful completion of an
appropriate prerequisite course or who will not take any lower-level (100- or 200-level) MATH course at USC.
How will the MPT be used to check prerequisites? The prerequisite for each 100- and 200-level MATH course is given
in the table below.
Math Course
111i
111
112
122 / 170
174 / 221
Minimum Algebra MPT Score
4
8
14
14
Minimum Pre-Calculus MPT Score
7
19
Prerequisite Course (C or better)
111
111
115
116
141
7
19
19
112/115/116
142
241 / 242
141
142
Notes
1.
2.
3.
Credit can be received for only one of MATH 111, MATH 111I, and MATH 115. Students who have credit for
MATH 111 or 111I and need to take MATH 141 should take MATH 112 (Trigonometry).
MATH 116 (Brief Pre-Calculus) is a 2 credit-hour review of the content of MATH 115 designed specifically for
students who qualify for MATH 141 but were not fully prepared to succeed in MATH 141. MATH 116 is offered
during the second half of each Fall semester.
After one week (7 days) you may retake the same version of the MPT (Algebra or Pre-Calculus) with different
questions. You are allowed at most three (3) attempts at any one version of the MPT. Your most recent MPT code is
used to determine your placement.
Details
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Access to the actual tests is restricted to individuals with a valid USC network username and password. To find your
username, and to reset the password, logon to VIP (http://vip.sc.edu/) and click on the Technology tab.
Each student can take each version of the MPT up to three times, with at least one week (7 days) between attempts on
the same version. Students are encouraged to take the MPT two weeks prior to the time they expect to be advised.
Students have up to 90 minutes to complete their MPT. If they have a computer or Internet problem during the test,
they can resume their test as soon as the problem is resolved – even if they are using a different computer. Their partial
work is saved and the 90 minute timer continues to run. When they are able to resume the test, they will have the
remainder of their time to complete the MPT. Students unable to resume the MPT within the 90 minute limit should
send e-mail to assess@math.sc.edu requesting permission to retake the MPT before waiting 7 days. But, students should
not assume their requests will be granted. This is why it is best to complete the appropriate MPT at least 2 weeks before
being advised
Last updated: 23 April 2015