FAQ
- Do I really have to take this assessment?
You have to take the assesment unless you are content with testing into a given math course based upon other test scores. (If you are not content with the following placements, you should still take the Math Placement Assessment to try and place higher). If you have:
ACT
Scored at least a 26 in the math portion of the ACT test you may start with level 2 (MATH 117, College Algebra). Students who would like to take above level 2 will need to take the MPA.
SAT
Scored at least a 560 in the math portion of the SAT test you may start with level 2 (MATH 117, College Algebra). Students who would like to take above level 2 will need to take the MPA.
AP (Advanced Placement)
Received a score of 4 or 5 on either the Math AB or BC Advanced Placement exam in Calculus you may start with Applied Calculus II (MATH 132) or Calculus II (MAth 162). For more information on credit given for AP courses see the AP Score credit guide.
IB (International Baccalaureate)
Received a score of 5, 6, or 7 on the Higher Level Mathematics and Statistics test, you may start with Level 4 (MATH 131, Applied Calculus I or MATH 161, Calculus I). For more information on credit given for AP courses see the IB Score credit guide.
SAT II, Math 1C (level 1)
*If a student scores > 635, the student is placed into MATH 118 (and of course may take the MPA to place into MATH 131/161).
*If a student scores between 535 and 635, the student is placed into MATH 117 (and of course may take the MPA to place into a higher level).
*If a student scores lower than 535, then the student must take MPA.
SAT II, Math 2C (Level 2)
*If a student scores > 635, the student is placed into MATH 131/161.
*If score is between 535 and 635, the student is placed into MATH 118 (and of course may take the MPA to place into MATH 131/161).
*If score is lower than 535, then the student must take MPA. - Do I need to take the Math Placement Assessment (MPA) in order to take a Quantitative Core class?
You do not need to take the Math Placement Assessment in order to take a Quantitative Analysis Core class. Core Curriculum Quantitative Analysis courses (COMP 125, 150, 163, ISOM 241, MATH 108, STAT 103 and PHIL 174) have no prerequisites. However, you are required to take the MPA if you plan on majoring in a field that requires a math background such as math, science, or business related field and are strongly encouraged to take the MPA if you are thinking that you may potentially switch into one of those fields. - If I have taken a placement test at another college can I use those results?
No, Loyola's MPA is specifically designed to place students into a Loyola University Chicago math course, or appropriate course requiring math pre-requisites. - I’m not required to take this test, but can I take it anyway?
Certainly. However, if you are attempting to take the test a year or more after you were admitted as a student to Loyola, your eligibility may have run out. Just contact the Placement Assessment team at the Hub at placementtest@luc.edu or (773) 508-7700 and we can update your eligibility. - What if I lost my username and/or password and can’t log in?
Check out our overview page for login information. - What if I am taking the MPA online and the system crashes or my internet connection fails?
If you experience a system failure or other technical problem while taking the MPA, e-mail placementtest@luc.edu, explaining the nature of the problem. If you are not able to use the internet for email, then contact the Placement Assessment Team at the Hub at placementtest@luc.edu or at (773) 508-7700 to report the problem. You should expect a response within 24–48 hours. - How do I re-take this test?
See our retake information Page. - What if I don’t know my AP scores yet?
If your AP scores will not be available by your Discover Loyola Orientation, we strongly recommend you take the Math Placement Assessment by your placement assessment deadline; otherwise, you will not be able to register for the math class of choice during orientation. - Is there a fee required to take the test?
There is no fee to take this test the first time. If a student wishes to repeat the test a second time, a fee of $10 will be charged. Students will not be permitted to take the test a 3rd time unless they have extraordinary circumstances. - Is my placement in Math, Chemistry, Physics, or Computer Science dependent upon my Math Placement Assessment scores?
Possibly. Some courses require certain levels of math before you can take them. To find the prerequisites for a course, use the class search or course catalog features in LOCUS (if you don’t have a login you can sign in as a guest) and look at the course descriptions. - Where do I find my results/course placement?
View our placement results interpretation page. - How do I interpret my Math Placement Assessment results?
View our placement results interpretation page. - What if I disagree with my placement?
If you disagree with your placement and only took the test once, we recommend taking it a second time.
If you have already taken the test a second time and still disagree with your placement, please write up why you feel your placement isn’t accurate in an e-mail to the Placement Assessment Team at the Hub at placementtest@luc.edu. - What if I can’t take my test by the deadline.
We recommend taking your test as soon as possible before orientation; otherwise it may affect what classes you will be able to register for. - What if I didn’t take my test before orientation but want to take it now?
If you haven’t taken it before you register at orientation, take it as soon as possible afterwards and contact your academic advisor with the results.
