Math Placement FAQs

Math Placement (MP) is the process of measuring your current mathematical knowledge and skills to determine your readiness for your first-year math course. The MP is structured like a quiz but functions as a path to success in your first semester at Wentworth. Your MP score will indicate how ready you are to begin the first-year math course needed for your intended major and serves as the first step to success in that course.

All new first-year students must complete the MP including transfer students who have not already received credit for their program’s first-year math requirement (see chart below). Students expecting to receive AP, IB or Dual Enrollment credits should still complete the MP as well as conditionally admitted students.

The MP assesses your knowledge of topics covered in algebra, trigonometry, precalculus, and calculus. This information is used in combination with your intended major to design an individualized math plan for your academic success.

Your major uses the Calculus Sequence track. MP results indicate whether it is best for your first math class to be MATH-1000 College Mathematics, MATH-1500 Precalculus, MATH-1600 Intro to Calculus, or MATH-1776 Calculus 1A.

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Your MP results will help us understand the skills you bring to your first math course of MATH-1000.

Your MP results will help us understand the skills you bring to your first math course of MATH-1020.

Your MP results will help us understand the skills you bring to your first math course of MATH-1040.

MP results indicate whether it is best for your first math class to be MATH-1000 College Mathematics, MATH-1500 Precalculus, or MATH-1750 Engineering Calculus 1. 

Because AP scores will not be processed until later in the summer, you should still complete the MP as another indicator of your math readiness. If you performed better on the AP exams than you did on the MP, your AP scores will be accepted instead. We will give course credit, depending on what makes sense for your major (see catalog for details) for Advanced Placement Calculus AB and Advanced Placement Calculus BC exams with a score of 4 or better. For additional information, review the policies and procedures in Wentworth’s academic catalog: AP, IB, College Level Examination Program, Project Lead the Way

Because IB credit will not be processed until later in the summer, you should still complete the MP as another indicator of your math readiness. If you performed better on the IB exams than you did on the MP, your IB scores will be accepted instead. We will give course credit (see catalog for details) for the Mathematics Standard Level IB Exam. Students who receive a score of 5, 6 or 7 will receive credit for Calculus 1A and 1B or Engineering Calculus 1. For additional information, review the policies and procedures in Wentworth’s academic catalog: AP, IB, College Level Examination Program, Project Lead the Way

We invite you to complete the MP as another indicator of your math readiness, but you only need to complete the MP if you are planning on taking your first-year math courses at Wentworth. If you are transferring math courses as part of your transfer credits, you do not need to complete the MP.

The MP includes questions on algebra, geometry, trigonometry, exponentials, logarithms, and other topics.

The MP includes questions on algebra, geometry, trigonometry, exponentials, logarithms, and other topics.

Yes, you have up to sixty (60) minutes per part. We recommend setting aside two hours for your attempt and taking Part 1 and Part 2 in the same sitting, but if needed, you can take a break after Part 1 and complete Part 2 later.

The MP is administered in Brightspace, the Learning Management System (LMS) used at Wentworth. You will need access to Brightspace and a reliable internet connection. We do not recommend using a mobile device.

Access Brightspace here: https://wentworth.brightspace.com/d2l/home 

You do not need to study for the MP because your score is meant to be an indicator of your current math skills and abilities. However, review materials are available within Brightspace, which you have the option to access before starting your attempts.

To prepare for the MP, watch the MP instructions video so you know what to expect. Then, complete the “Start Here” activity in the course, which serves as an orientation to the MP structure and navigation.

You can have up to two (2) attempts on each MP part. The higher score is used to determine your placement.

The MP opens on May 1. You have until June 1 to complete all attempts.

No. Your MP attempt is an individual effort. The MP process only works if your score indicates a genuine, authentic reflection of your own current math skills and knowledge. You'll have plenty of time in your courses to collaborate with others!

No. The MP is not just measuring whether you got the right answer – it’s measuring how your mind interprets the mathematical problem and arrives at an answer. So, we want to know how your mind approaches the questions without any resources influencing it.

Yes, you may use a blank piece of scratch paper during your MP attempt.

If you have a diagnosis that could impact you while completing your MP attempt, you may consider requesting accommodations. Please contact accessibilityservices@wit.edu as soon as possible to start the approval process. Accessibility Services’ responses typically occur within 48 business hours, but implementing your request may require additional time and documentation. Because requests must be manually approved and implemented, we thank you for your patience.

Contact techspot@wit.edu for technical support. You can also access 24/7 support using the Brightspace “Help” menu.

Your MP score will appear immediately after you complete your MP attempt. You will receive an email within a day or two with your individualized math plan.

Yes, you can have up to two (2) attempts on each part of the MP. The highest score is accepted.

Part 2 only appears if you earn at least 75 points on Part 1.

If it was your first attempt, you can attempt the MP a second time. If, after your second attempt, you are still not satisfied with your score and results, please sign up for a math booster course.

We will send you a new one! Reach out to admissions@wit.edu to start the process.

Math booster courses are our commitment to you realizing your potential at Wentworth. During the summer, we will offer math booster courses to students interested in improving their math skills and abilities, so they are fully prepared to start the first-year math course required for their intended major. 

All math booster courses as follows. These offering are subject to change based on interest and enrollment.

Booster Level 1 ( June 29 to August 10):

• Online Asynchronous with an optional live problem session on Zoom on Fridays from 9 - 10am 

Booster Level 2 ( June 29 to August 10):

• Online Synchronous section Mondays and Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:50 pm 
• Online Asynchronous ( no schedule meeting times)

Booster Level 3 ( June 29 to August 10):

• Online Synchronous section Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 - 8:50 pm 
• Online Asynchronous ( no schedule meeting times)

No, you may only take one math booster course.

Booster Level 1 ( June 29 to August 10):

• Online Asynchronous with an optional live problem session on Zoom on Fridays from 9 - 10am 

Booster Level 2 ( June 29 to August 10):

• Online Synchronous section Mondays and Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:50 pm 
• Online Asynchronous ( no schedule meeting times)

Booster Level 3 ( June 29 to August 10):

• Online Synchronous section Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 - 8:50 pm 
• Online Asynchronous ( no schedule meeting times)

Synchronous courses mean that the courses will include meetings at a specific date and time, so they typically contain more scheduled opportunities to connect with your instructor and classmates. Asynchronous courses do not require regular meetings, but your instructor may schedule optional meetings or opportunities to connect. Asynchronous does NOT mean self-paced; you will still have a course schedule and due dates.

Three (3) math booster courses are available:

• Math Booster Level 1 will prepare students for MATH-1500 Precalculus.
• Math Booster Level 2 will prepare students for MATH-1600 Intro to Calculus.
• Math Booster Level 3 will prepare students for MATH-1776 Calculus 1A.

You may request to change your booster modality via math@wit.edu for approval.