Initial Mathematics Placement

During your first year at GVSU, we want you to enroll in mathematics or statistics courses that fit your academic plans and your preparation. If you have taken the ACT or SAT, we determine an initial mathematics placement based on your mathematics subscore on these tests. Most students should expect to take at least one test to update or determine their placement. There are four possible initial placements:

1. MTH 097: You are ready to enroll in MTH 097.
2. MTH 097 Fulfilled: You are ready to enroll in MTH 110.
3. MTH 110 Fulfilled: You are ready to enroll in courses whose only MTH prerequisite is MTH 110, which include most General Education Mathematical Sciences Foundations courses.
4. MTH 122 & MTH 123 Fulfilled: You are ready to enroll in courses that have MTH prerequisites of MTH 122 and/or MTH 123, including MTH 201 (Calculus).

Please see the course catalog for the full descriptions of these courses. For more details about how initial placements are determined, see the Mathematics Advising Grid.

Mathematics Proficiency Testing

You can and should update your placement by taking one or more online proficiency tests. New students are automatically added to the testing system upon registering for orientation. Current GVSU students must email their name, G-number, and e-mail to [email protected] to be added to the testing system. The links below to the MTH 110 proficiency test and the MTH 122 & MTH 123 proficiency tests include practice tests, a video on how to take the test online, and links to the login site.

• If you do not have an initial placement or your initial placement is MTH 097 or MTH 097 Fulfilled, you should take the MTH 110 proficiency test.
• If you pass the MTH 110 proficiency test with 34 or more correct, or your initial placement is MTH 110 Fulfilled, you should take the MTH 122 & MTH 123 proficiency tests.
• If you have taken AP Calculus (even if you have not taken the official AP exam), you need not take any math proficiency tests.  Your advisor will work with you to update your placement to MTH 122 & MTH 123 Fulfilled. More information about AP and IB credit can be found at https://www.gvsu.edu/cbe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many times can I take each proficiency test?

A: There are two versions of each of the tests for MTH 110, 122, and 123. You may attempt each of these six tests once. There are also practice tests available to help you prepare.

Q: What if I need accommodations to take a proficiency test due to a documented disability?

A: If you have special needs because of a physical, learning, or other type of disability and need an accommodation to take a proficiency test, please contact Disability Support Resources (DSR) at (616) 331-2490 or online at www.gvsu.edu/dsr. Please contact DSR prior to attempting any of the online proficiency tests as you are only allowed to take each test once.

Q: If I pass a proficiency test, do I receive credit for the corresponding course?

A: Passing a proficiency test does not grant you credit in the corresponding course. So, for instance, passing the MTH 122 proficiency test does not grant you credit for MTH 122, but it does allow you to enroll in courses that have MTH 122 as a prerequisite.

If you have any questions regarding the math proficiency tests, please contact the Department of Mathematics - Math Proficiency Testing: [email protected] or (616) 331-2040.