Mathematics Placement Testing
A number of courses across the university use either the Miami Math Placement exam or an ACT or SAT mathematics test subscore as a prerequisite. Since ACT and SAT scores are optional, all incoming students - except for those in the College of Creative Arts - are REQUIRED to take the math placement exam. Students who take the math placement test and then have their ACT or SAT scores sent to Miami can use the higher of the two when determining if they have met a course's prerequisite. Students who do not have a math placement test, ACT, or SAT score on record will NOT be able to register for any course that has a math score prerequisite.
This test can be taken once and you have 90 minutes to complete it. Please note: once started the test must be completed in that timeframe, so please take your time and follow the instructions carefully.
If you anticipate or experience a disability-related barrier, you may request a reasonable accommodation. Oxford students, please contact the Miller Center for Student Disability Services at SDS@miamioh.edu or 513-529-1541; Regional students, please contact Regionals Student Disability Services at RADS@miamioh.edu or 513-785-3211.
Note: You must be logged in with your Miami ID to properly self-enroll. Do not use a Guest login via a non-Miami email address.
Self-Enroll to Take the Math Placement Test
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which math or statistics course I am ready for?
Placement into math and statistics courses is based on ACT or SAT Mathematics test subscore. Students who do not have ACT or SAT scores on file with the university and who want to take a course that has a math prerequisite are required to take our online placement test.
Students who have ACT/SAT scores on file may opt to take the placement exam; however, we have found ACT/SAT scores to be a better predictor of preparation.
Now that I have my placement score, what should I do?
If you are looking to take a math or statistics course, you can begin by consulting the most recent General Bulletin. Go to the Academic Planning section and find the Placement Guides. There is a chart that will help you plan what course you should start with. You should also speak with your academic advisor, who can help you out.
If you are looking to take a course that has a math placement prerequisite, you can find the prerequisite information in the General Bulletin under the Courses of Instruction. The prerequisite will be listed at the end of the course description.
I took Calculus in high school, but my ACT/SAT or online placement test score places me in MTH 025, MTH 122, or MTH 125. Do I really have to take Algebra or Precalculus again before taking MTH 151?
If you took your ACT/SAT after last August, then we strongly recommend using that score to determine placement.
I think my placement is too high. Should I take a class lower than my placement just to be safe?
If you think you will struggle in the math course in which you placed, then you do have the option to take a lower-level course. We want to make sure you succeed.
I think my placement is too low. Can I take a class that is more advanced?
No, you will need to register and successfully complete the course in which you placed before moving on.
What are some of the common courses that require a math placement in order to register for them?
The following courses each require a specific ACT/SAT math subscore or Miami Math Placement Test score.
- CHM 141 / 141R
- CSE 174
- ISA 125 / STA 125
- MTH 119
- MTH 122
- MTH 124
- MTH 125
- MTH 133
- MTH 135
- MTH 141
- MTH 151
- PHY 161
