Math Placement Test

The Mathematics Placement Test is designed to assess the level of your preparedness for college level mathematics. Almost all students will take at least one mathematics course during their time at Merrimack, so ensuring that you begin with one for which you are prepared is an important first step.  Your performance on this test will not adversely affect your admission status, your eligibility for financial aid, or your grade in any course. We do not want you to waste your time or your money taking a math course that is too hard for you or too easy for you; the results of this test will enable us to determine the appropriate math course for you to take based on your demonstrated ability and your choice of major.

TAKING THE MATH PLACEMENT TEST:

This test is available on-line through the college’s Blackboard Academic Suite. Please refer to your welcome letter sent to you via mail for your log-in information.

Once you log in, select the “course” Math Placement Test where you will find additional instructions about taking the test and interpreting your results. 

As the on-line directions indicate, you will have one hour to complete the test. You may use pencil and paper for your calculations but you should not use any books, notes, or calculators. You should not receive assistance from any individuals while taking this test. As soon as you complete the test, you will receive your test score. Refer back to the on-line directions for information about which math course is appropriate for your score and your choice of major. Within a few days after you complete the test, the Math Department will notify the Registrar’s Office of your test score and you will be able to register for an appropriate math course.

If you have any questions before, during, or after the test, please contact Dr. Michael St. Vincent in the Department of Mathematics at 978-837-3467 or by e-mail at Michael.StVincent@Merrimack.edu.  

FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS:

Please refer to the Transfer Credit Evaluation Sheet which was sent to you by the Admissions Office; this document reflects the courses that Merrimack College has already accepted in transfer as well as any that may still be under review.

 

FOR CURRENT MERRIMACK COLLEGE STUDENTS:

You must take the Merrimack College Mathematics Placement Test (MPT) before you register for your first math course unless you have transfer credit for MTH 1115 or MTH 1217. Our MPT is administered as a “course” through the college’s Blackboard Academic Suite.

If you have not taken the MPT but are enrolled in the MPT “course” on Blackboard, you can log in, read the directions, and complete the test. When you have completed the MPT, send an e-mail to Dr. Michael St. Vincent in the Department of Mathematics at Michael.StVincent@Merrimack.edu informing him of this fact; in this e-mail, please indicate your major, so he can tell the Registrar’s Office which math courses you should be allowed to take.

If you have not taken the MPT and it is not listed on Blackboard as one of the course in which you are currently enrolled, contact Dr. Michael St. Vincent in the Department of Mathematics at 978-837-3467 or by e-mail at Michael.StVincent@merrimack.edu. 

If you have previously taken the MPT but do not feel that the test result is an accurate reflection of you current level of mathematical ability, you may retake the test in a proctored environment by making an appointment with Mrs. Kathleen Mushow LeBlanc, Secretary of the Department of Mathematics, at 978-837-5499 or by e-mail at kathleen.mushow@merrimack.edu.