Information about Math Placement for New Students
Here’s what you need to know about math placement and items to consider to help you determine if you need to take the Math Placement test.
Do I have to take a test?
Not all students need to take the Math Placement Test (MPT)! Check out the various ways you can earn your math placement below.
How do I establish my math placement?
- 4 years of appropriate high school math classes with passing grades (high school graduates Spring 2015 or later) earn placement into MAT 108, 114, or 150.
- ACT Math sub-scores of 24 or above (dated August 2012 and onward) earn placement into MAT 108, 114, or 150 (and above, depending on score).
- SAT Math sub-scores of 560 or above (dated March 2016 and onward) earn placement into MAT 108, 114, or 150 (and above, depending on score).
- AP Calculus exam scores of 3 or higher earn placement into Calculus classes (dependent on which exam is taken).
- College math courses taken at the Intermediate Algebra level allow students to earn math placement, but DO NOT transfer as college credit.
- Math Placement Test
How do I know if I should take the test or not?
Students pursuing a Humanities degree
Most students who have earned placement into MAT 108, 114, or 150 from four years of high school math, and have chosen one of the following programs, DO NOT need to take the NAU Math Placement Test:
- Arts
- Communication
- Elementary Education
- English
- Journalism
- Media
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Philosophy
- Political Sciences
- Social Studies
If you are pursuing one of these degrees or something similar, it is likely that the placement you earned from four years of high school math (MAT 108, 114, or 150) will allow you to fulfill the requirements of your degree program.
Students pursuing a STEM degree
Most students who have earned placement into MAT 108, 114, or 150 from four years of high school math, and have chosen one of the following programs, DO need to take the NAU Math Placement Test:
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Exercise Science
- Math and Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Public Health
- Secondary Education
- Nursing
If you are pursuing one of these degrees, another math-intensive program, or are in the Honors College, AND if your math placement from four years of high school math courses is into MAT 108, 114, or 150, it may benefit you to take the Math Placement Test and aim for a higher placement.
What if I do not like my placement?
All NAU students are eligible to take the math placement test to challenge their current placement and try to improve it.
Additional information and resources
- Math placement testing is available for students during the June 2017 Orientation, on Day 1 of each orientation session, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. No reservation is required. Testing is on a walk-in basis. Orientation staff will be available to check in students at the Student Academic Services building. They will check you in and guide you to the testing room. Students will need a picture ID (driver’s license works fine for purposes of identity verification).
- Students who want to take the Math Placement Test, but are not planning on attending Orientation until August, should check out the information about off-site proctoring options on the About the Test page.
- NAU offers an online Peak Performance Math Summer Bridge Program for incoming freshmen and transfer students. For students whose math placement is lower than desired, this program allows them to brush up on math skills with an individual Peak Performance Math Coach. Our Math Coaches help students prepare to retake the Math Placement Test. This free, voluntary program is completely online. Check out the Peak Performance website to learn more.
For transfer students:
- For information on how college math classes may transfer to NAU, please visit Jacks Path.