Placement
The Mathematics Placement is used to determine the level at which you should begin taking math classes at IU Northwest. Please see the Majors and Math Requirement chart to determine which math course you need to take depending on your intended major.
All admitted students are reviewed using the individual SAT/ACT math scores and high school math grades to assign a default placement level.
Math-SAT | OR | MATH ACT | AND | Placement level |
≥570 |
| ≥24 | AB in HS Precalculus | MA 105 |
≥540 |
| ≥22 | AB in HS Algebra 2 | MA 104 |
≥510 |
| ≥21 | AB in HS Algebra 1 | MA 103 |
≥470 |
| ≥18 | Pass HS Algebra 1 | MA 102 |
Otherwise | MA 101 | |||
Any student who believes they were placed in a level not reflective of their current skill is encouraged to sign-up for an in person placement test.
This test is used to determine your math skills and the results are used to place you into the appropriate course for your skill level.
Students with a STEP hold, adult learners and GED holders will be encouraged to come in person for placement but can also accept a placement in MA101 (Math-M 15).
STEP (Seminar Towards Effective Placement) is a FREE online review of advanced arithmetic. Admitted students in risk group (low SAT or similar) are sent letters informing them that they must complete the STEP program before taking the Mathematics Placement Exam.
For more information about Math-M 15, click the Math-M 15 link.
Students will receive an error message if they try to register for a math class above their Placement level. Mathematics Program Coordinator, Kristie Gilmore, M.P.A. (HH 447, phone 981-5691), assists students who need atypical permissions to register into a math course. Optional placement testing is conducted through the Office of Admissions. Students must schedule a placement test by making an appointment at https://www.iun.edu/placement-testing/ (preferred) or by calling 219-980-6830 or emailing testingn@iun.edu. Students arriving more than 10 minutes late will need to reschedule for another time.
You do not need to study for it as you might for another type of exam. However, we recommend to click on the following links and print and complete the appropriate practice test(s): practice test MA102, practice test MA103, practice test MA104, or practice test MA105.
