Which Math Assessment should I take?
You will choose from among four math assessment, each designed for placement into different levels of math.
Work the problems on the math practice assessments by clicking on Assessment #1, #2, #3 or #4, below.
These practice questions, your math background and the math course you wish to enroll in all help in determining which of the four assessments you will take.
Make your decision regarding which assessment to take (#1, 2, 3, or 4) prior to assessing.
Students who plan to take Assessment #3 or Assessment #4 are strongly encouraged to visit the MDTP website (http://mdtp.ucsd.edu/onlinetests.shtml) to take an online practice assessment to verify readiness for the assessment.
Note: If the questions on Assessment #1 are too difficult, you may elect to begin at the Math 360 without assessing - you must notify Assessment if this is your choice.
Please read the information below for assistance in determining which math assessment is appropriate for you. Bring the Math Skills Assessment Request form on the day of your assessment:
- Assessment #1 Algebra Readiness:
- Take this assessment if you took a math class a long time ago or are not sure what your math skills are. This assessment will evaluate your math skills for placement into either:
- Arithmetic (Math 360)
- Pre-Algebra (Math 351)
- Beginning Algebra (Math 261)
- Assessment #2 Elementary Algebra Diagnostic:
- Take this assessment if you have successfully completed one year of high school algebra. This assessment will evaluate your math skills for placement into either:
- Beginning Algebra (Math 261) or
- Intermediate Algebra (Math 263)
- Assessment # 3 Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic:
- Take this assessment if you have successfully completed two years of high school algebra. This assessment will evaluate your math skills for placement into either:
- Intermediate Algebra (Math 263)
- Math for General Education (Math 10)
- Statistics (Math 16)
- Pre-calculus (Math 13)
- Finite Math (Math 17)
- Business Calculus (Math 18)
- Assessment #4 Pre-calculus Diagnostic:
- Take this assessment if you have successfully completed two years of Algebra, one year of Geometry, AND Pre-Calculus (including trigonometry) or Math Analysis in high school. This assessment will evaluate your math skills for placement into either:
- Pre-Calculus (Math 13)
- Calculus I (Math 20A)
Please Note: If your score on any math assessment is too low to accurately place you, you may need to take a different assessment to determine proper placement. You may retake the Math Assessment “ONCE” with the Assessment Center's permission per semester. This is dependent upon diagnostic data from the original assessment.
Practice questions are available for each of the Math Assessments on this site. If you wish to see a printed version of the Math Practice Assessments please call 831-646-4027 or stop by the Assessment Center to review the math practice questions.