See questions regarding the Math Placement Exam (MPE) frequently asked by Texas A&M University College of Engineering students.
- When can I take the MPE?
All students admitted to the College of Engineering (COE) must complete their MPE prior to attending their New Student Conference (NSC). The MPE is offered in an online, proctored setting via Respondus Monitor® - an online proctoring platform that is accessible from Canvas. Your test scores will be reported to you and your academic advisor. New students admitted for Fall 2025 can start MPE testing as early as one month ahead of their NSC. - Will taking MATH 150 (Functions, Trigonometry and Linear Systems) delay my graduation?
Please remember that proper placement in your first math course is paramount to your success and degree completion in engineering. MATH 150 represents one extra course, which could extend time to graduation by one or two semesters. However, it is possible to take summer session courses at Texas A&M to get back on track for timely degree completion. If you do not take the proper math course and fail, graduation could be delayed even more. - If I start my math sequence at Texas A&M in MATH 150, how do I get back on track?
It is possible to take summer session courses at Texas A&M to get back on track for timely degree completion. Also, please remember that you have alternate options to demonstrate readiness for MATH 151 (Engineering Mathematics I) before you begin your first semester at Texas A&M. - I am a BA in Computing student, will taking MATH 150 (Functions, Trigonometry and Linear Systems) delay my graduation?
Not necessarily. The BA-COMP degree requires an interdisciplinary concentration area outside of computer science, and the area you pursue will impact which math sequence best fits your plans. Contact the advising office for the Department of Computer Science and Engineering to discuss your options at undergraduate-advisors@cse.tamu.edu. You do have alternate options to demonstrate readiness for Calculus before you begin your first semester at Texas A&M. - Math is my best subject in high school, and I even took an AP calculus course. Why am I required to first take a pre-calculus course if I score less than a 22 on the MPE?
The MPE is the best single indicator of student performance in the math courses and our goal is to set students up for success in the math courses. If a student scores less than 22 on the exam, the student is required to begin in MATH 150. - As a General Engineering student, if I take MATH 150 the first semester, will I still be able to apply for entry to a major during my second semester?
General Engineering students who begin their math sequence in MATH 150 are expected to meet Entry to a Major (ETAM) coursework requirements after their third semester — upon completion of MATH 152, PHYS 206 and ENGR 216/PHYS 216. Therefore, General Engineering students enrolled in MATH 150 will apply for ETAM during their third semester. For more information, visit the Entry to a Major page. Please remember, you have alternate options to demonstrate readiness for MATH 151 (Engineering Mathematics I) before you begin your first semester at Texas A&M. Taking action during the summer can get you on track for entry to a major during your second semester. - If I score below a 22 on the MPE, can I retake it?
Yes, you are allowed one retake. Please note there is a two-week waiting period between your 1st and 2nd attempt at taking the MPE. - Are the results of the MPE binding?
Yes. However, you do have alternate options to demonstrate readiness for MATH 151. - Is there another way I can demonstrate readiness for MATH 151 (Engineering Mathematics I) without retaking the MPE?
Yes, you can enroll in your local community college this summer and earn college credit (with a letter grade of A or B) for a course equivalent to Texas A&M’s MATH 150 - Functions, Trigonometry and Linear Systems. Equivalent classes for most institutions can be found in the Transfer Course Equivalency Guide. - I already have AP/IB credit (or dual credit) for Calculus I. Can I be exempt from this test?
No, all new College of Engineering students are required to take the MPE. Credit for Calculus I does not necessarily ensure adequate preparation for calculus. - How do I get my accommodations so I have them for my exam?
In order to coordinate testing accommodations for the MPE, students must submit documentation of their disability at least two weeks prior to taking the exam to allow time for review. For more information, contact the Disability Resources office at 979-845-1637 or visit the Disability Resources website.