Mathematical Sciences Testing Center
Math Placement Testing
The Math Placement Test will resume in person and online starting 9/13/2021.
In person testing takes place in the Math Testing Center (Exploratory 4107) during its hours of operations (see below). No appointment needed. Walk in only.
Online testing requires an appointment. To reserve your appointment click on the link below and use your Mason username and password to log in:
https://gmu.campus.eab.com/pal/ICuB8cyHb9
The placement test is required for:
- Math 105
- Math 108
- Math 113
- Math 123
- Math 125
Students will need to pass the placement test before enrolling in the course.
After passing the placement test, students will be able to add the course within 1-2 hours.
If students have trouble with adding a math course or feel that they meet the prereqs through college credit, please submit a Course override request.
Students having difficulty registering for non-Math courses (such as CS 112) will need to contact the department that offers the course.
Hours of Operation - Exploratory Hall, room 4107
No appointment needed. Walk-in only.
| Dates | Time |
|---|---|
| Mondays | 10:00am - 6:00pm |
| Tuesdays | 10:00am - 7:00pm |
| Wednesdays | 11:00am - 5:00pm |
| Thursdays | 10:00am - 7:00pm |
Important Information
- The purpose of the Math Placement Test is to determine if you are prepared to take a particular course. You cannot use it to get credit or a waiver for any course.
- You have 2 chances per year (February 2021 to February 2022) to take the test.
- The score on the placement test will be valid for three consecutive semesters, including the summer.
- You may use a scientific calculator. Graphing calculators and CAS calculators are not permitted.
- The test contains 3 sections for a total duration of 1hour and 45 minutes. Sections have to be completed back-to-back.
- If you fail a section you must wait until the next day at the earliest to retake that section.
- Have your Mason ID ready to be checked before your test. Your photo can not be faded. If you don't have your Mason ID, you can use any government ID that has your photo.
- By taking the test, you agree to the University Honor Code Policy. Any student, who takes the online placement test outside the time they are registered for, without registration, or without the presence of a proctor, will loose one of the ONLY two attempts and will be sent to the Academic Integrity Office for a Honor Code violation.
- Students who wish to retake the test are advised to wait at least one week so that they can sufficiently study the appropriate material.
- If you will need academic accommodations for the Math Placement Test, please contact Disability Services at ods@gmu.edu or 703-993-2474.
Math 008 Final Comprehensive Check
The hours when you can take the final comprehensive check is listed below.
If you have questions about the Online Algebra Tutorial Program, pleased send an e-mail to Gary De La Pena at gdelape2@gmu.edu.
Math Placement Test Resources
Please look at the Testing Center FAQ's first, if you still have questions, send an e-mail to Sarah Khankan at skhankan@gmu.edu.
If you have questions about the Online Algebra Tutorial Program, pleased send an e-mail to Gary De La Pena at gdelape2@gmu.edu.
If you are an incoming freshman, and you are interested in a summer Math Boot Camp focused on scoring well on the math placement test, visit the following page: https://science.gmu.edu/STEMcamps and please send any questions to stemcos@gmu.edu.
Time limit for each section
| Section | Time limit |
|---|---|
| Algebra I | 45 minutes |
| Algebra II | 30 minutes |
| Transcendentals | 30 minutes |
Scores Needed for Courses
Math 106, Math 110, Math 111 & Stat 250
Section and Score Needed:
- N/A
Options without that score:
Retake the test after one week, OR:
- The placement test is not required for these classes.
Math 108 and 125
Section and Score Needed:
- Algebra I: 13 or more
Options without that score:
Retake the test after one week, OR:
- Enroll in the Online Algebra Math Tutorial offered through the mathematics department. Enroll in Math 108 or 125 upon successful completion.
Math 105
Section and Score Needed
- Algebra I: 13 or more
Options without that score:
Retake the test after one week, OR:
- Enroll in the Online Algebra Math Tutorial offered through the mathematics department. Enroll in Math 105 upon successful completion.
Math 123
Section and Score Needed
- Algebra I: 13 or more
- Algebra II: 7 or more
Options without that score:
Retake the test after one week, OR:
- More than 13 in Algebra I, but did not pass Algebra II:
- Take Math 105, then after achieving a grade of C or better, you then would enroll in Math 123 or Math 113.
Math 113
Section and Score Needed
- Algebra I: 13 or more
- Algebra II: 7 or more
- Transcendentals: 7 or more
Options without that score:
Retake the test after one week, OR:
- Less than 13 on Algebra I:
- Enroll in the Online Algebra Math Tutorial offered through the mathematics department. Enroll in Math 105 upon successful completion. Then enroll in Math 113 after achieving a grade of C or better in Math 105.
- More than 13 in Algebra I, but did not pass Algebra II nor Transcendentals:
- Take Math 105, then after achieving a grade of C or better, you then would enroll in Math 113.
- More than 13 in Algebra I and more than 7 in Algebra II but do not pass Transcendentals:
- Take Math 123, then after achieving a grade of C or better, you could enroll in Math 124. Both Math 123 and Math 124 will be equivalent to Math 113.