CONTACT: Prof. Martin Flashman. Email: flashman@humboldt.edu
Q: I have already taken MATH 115 at HSU. May I take the MDPT test to improve my math placement status?
No. The MDPT is only available to students who are eligible for HSU General Education math courses who have not taken Math 115 at HSU.
Q: Can I improve my math placement status by taking the MDPT at my home?
No. To change your math placement status only with regard to Math 115, you must pass the proctored MDPT at HSU.
Q: What kind of material is covered on the placement test?
The MDPT covers a broad spectrum of material from algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. You can find out more about the content by going to the sample test at On-line Sample Calculus Readiness Test
Q: Where can I find materials to help me review for the MDPT?
Your previous course textbooks should be useful for reviewing. Here are two web sites that also can be of some help in reviewing for the MDPT: The Purple Math websiteand TheMathPage.
Q: What if the MDPT asks me questions about material I have never seen?
The MDPT is diagnostic. The assessment is 40 questions. You may be asked questions on material you have not yet learned. Do not guess if you have no idea on what the best response is. On any question that you have familiarity with, however, it is important to do your best. If you do not do your best, the MDPT will not be accurate in determining you readiness for further mathematics work. The diagnostic aspect of the test will also not be accurate.
Q: Is the MDPT only for general education-ready math students?
Yes. If you have placed into HSU's Math 115 and you have already taken pre-calculus mathematics in high school, then you can potentially eliminate the need to take Math 115 at HSU by passing the MDPT.
If your high school pre-calculus mathematics did not cover trigonometry, then the HSU Math Department does not recommend that you attempt to bypass Math 115.
Q: Can returning HSU students use the MDPT to change their math placement status?
Yes. This opportunity is available free once to students who have not previously taken Math 115. However, since the test does cover many topics, it is not recommended as a way to avoid Math 115 unless the student is adequatey prepared in the trigonometry and algebra content covered in Math 115.
Q: I have placed into Calculus I, can I use the MDPT to place in to Calculus II?
No. The MDPT is only to assist students with placement into courses that have Math 115 as a prerequisite.
Q: How many times may I take the MDPT?
You may only take the proctored MDPT once for free on the HSU campus. You are allowed to retake the test once for a fee. Exact dates and times during HOP Sessions are to be announced.
Yes and No. You may only take the proctored MDPT once for free. You are allowed to retake the test once for a fee.
Q: Why would I want to take the MDPT?
Math 115 is a 4-unit course. It will require text books and count toward university and financial aid unit caps. You can save a substantial amount of time and money by reducing the number of math courses you are required to take for your major. For free or even for the small cost of taking the MDPT a second time, the savings are well worth the time to review this material from your previous course work.
Q: I have placed in to GE Math or Pre-calculus, why would I want to spend the time and energy to prepare for the MDPT?
If you have placed into GE level math and your major does not require a course that has Math 115 as a prerequisite, then you do not need to take the MDPT. If you have placed into Math 115 and your major does require a course with Math 115 as a prerequisite, then you can potentially eliminate the need to take Math 115 at HSU by passing the MDPT. If your high school math coursework did not cover trigonometry, then the HSU Math Department does not recommend that you attempt to bypass Math 115.
Q: What score is required to "pass" the MDPT?
The Score to pass the MDPT is tentatively sert at 24 out of 40.