Get ready. Get placed. Get ahead.
If you’re on this page, you likely received an email asking you to complete the Math Stampede placement diagnostic. This diagnostic must be finished before you attend orientation or register for fall classes.
This is not a test – it’s not about passing or failing. This diagnostic is about finding the math course that fits where you are right now. It helps place you into the right math course — one that matches your current skills and gives you the strongest chance for success in your first semester.
When students are placed correctly, they are more likely to:
- Earn higher grades
- Avoid repeating courses
- Stay on track for their major and graduation
Remember, this diagnostic is not for a grade. It’s designed to help you start in the right math course. Taking it seriously can help you save time, reduce stress, and keep you on track for graduation.
Complete the diagnostic before orientation
Timing is critical.
Students who complete their math placement diagnostic early have the best chance of enrolling in the course they need — before sections fill up. If you wait until orientation or later, your course options may be limited.
Take the diagnostic as soon as possible so advisors can help you build the right schedule from the start.
What to expect
- The diagnostic is taken online
- It requires installation of the LockDown Browser and a webcam
- It is adaptive, meaning questions and topics adjust based on your responses
- It will consist of up to 30 questions
- It may take up to two hours, but most students complete it in 60-90 minutes
- It focuses on identifying what you know and where review may help
Your results are used only for course placement.
They do not affect admission, GPA, or academic standing.
A lower placement score does not mean failure — it simply tells us which course best supports your success.
After you finish the diagnostic, you’ll unlock personalized review tools and additional chances to improve your score.
Take it honestly
For the most accurate placement:
- Work on your own — no one should be in the room with you and you should receive no assistance
- Do not use notes, calculators, apps, or outside help — the diagnostic system provides the necessary tools
- Blank scratch paper and a pencil or pen can be used to work out problems
Inflating your score can place you into a class that moves faster than your preparation, making the semester much harder than it needs to be.
An honest attempt puts you where you’re most likely to succeed.
Getting ready
- You will have two hours to complete the diagnostic — you cannot save your place and return later
- You are required to install LockDown Browser and need a working webcam to access the diagnostic
- If you’re unsure of how to input an answer, or need help while taking the diagnostic, click the Help button — using this will not impact your results
- Once complete, your math diagnostic score will be displayed in the diagnostic system
- Please allow 24–48 hours after taking the diagnostic for your score to be usable for registration
Getting started
- When you are ready, follow the link in your email to take the diagnostic
- Enter your Marshall email address & password to login and confirm your contact information
- Answer the survey questions about your last math class
- Complete the tutorial about math palette tools
- Position your webcam to show your face, hands, and working area — an external camera is ideal to raise the camera and move it further away
Start your math placement now
Complete the Math Placement Diagnostic as soon as possible to ensure your strongest start this fall.
Get placed right. Start strong.
At Marshall, students don’t walk… they Stampede!
Review, preparation, and retakes
After your first attempt, you’ll receive access to personalized review and preparation tools based on your results. You focus only on the topics that matter most for you — no wasted time reviewing what you already know.
Students may retake the placement diagnostic up to four times.
Targeted review over the summer can make a real difference, especially if you’re close to qualifying for a higher‑level math course required for your major.
Marshall University math faculty are available throughout the summer to answer questions and support your preparation.
Review your score
The diagnostic helps identify the math course that best matches your current skill level. Use the table below to see how your placement score aligns with recommended courses at Marshall University.
Math course placements by score
| Score | Available Courses |
|---|---|
| 0 |
MTH 102: Prep for College Math B MTH 121B: Concepts & Applications (Expanded) STA 150B: Foundations of Statistics (Expanded) |
| 41 |
MTH 121: Concepts & Applications MTH 127: College Algebra (Expanded) MTH 160: Applied Math Reasoning STA 150: Foundations of Statistics |
| 51 |
MTH 122: Plane Trigonometry MTH 130: College Algebra STA 225: Introductory Statistics |
| 61 |
MTH 132: Pre-calculus with Scientific Applications MTH 140: Applied Calculus |
| 76 |
MTH 229: Calculus & Analytic Geometry I |
These scores let you know which course best fits your current skill level.
Even if you’re satisfied with your score and placement, working in the Prep & Learn module can boost your skills, reduce stress, and improve your performance in your upcoming class.
Changing courses is not required. Your diagnostic score gives you more information about where you’re ready to succeed, but the decision is yours.
If you’re not sure which course to take, your academic advisor is here to help! They can guide you in selecting the course that fits your major, academic goals, and future plans. Find your advisor here.
You have a total of five attempts to complete the math placement diagnostic.
Before retaking the diagnostic
- Access the prep modules in your account by selecting “Start My Path” from the menu — you will only be able to choose one of the offered paths and cannot change it
- The is a cool-off period of 48 hours before you can make another attempt
- You must complete at least three hours in the Prep & Learn module between attempts — many students spend more time and see even better results
To retake the diagnostic, follow the link in your original Math Stampede email.
Taking the Diagnostic
Q: What topics are covered in the diagnostic?
A: The length and content of the placement diagnostic will vary, but can be up to 20 questions. You will see some, but not all, of the math topics you learned in high school. It is a placement diagnostic, not a preview of math courses at Marshall University.
Q: What if I see questions I don’t know how to answer?
A: It is likely that you will be asked questions on material you have not yet learned. On such questions, it is best to answer “I don’t know“. However, on any question that you have familiarity with, it is important to do your best. “I don’t know” is interpreted to mean that you do not know how to solve the topic, and this will be reflected in your Prep and Learning Modules and later in the Placement Assessment results. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the Placement Assessment, it only helps understand what you know and don’t know.
Q: Once I start the diagnostic, can I pause to take a break or leave and come back to it later?
A: No. You are to complete the diagnostic without stopping within the two-hour time limit.
Q: Are notes and calculators allowed to be used?
A: No. The diagnostic system provides you the tools necessary to complete the diagnostic. The idea of the diagnostic is simply to show where you place, and we want to make sure you are placed into the appropriate math course based on your current knowledge. Blank scratch paper and a pencil or pen can be used to work out problems. Please show both sides of the paper to the camera during the environment check.
Time and Access
Q: How much time will it take?
A: Each diagnostic takes 60–90 minutes. After that, you’ll use the Prep & Learn module at your own pace.
Q: Can I retake the placement diagnostic?
A: Yes! You can reassess up to four more times.
Q: How long do I have to wait until I can take another diagnostic?
A: You’ll need to complete at least 3 hours in the Prep & Learn module and wait 48 hours between diagnostics. Many students spend more time and see even better results!
Q: Is this just a summer thing?
A: No — you’ll have access to ALEKS PPL for a full 12 months. Use it anytime during the Fall or Spring to refresh your skills or prepare for your next math course.
Who is MATH STAMPEDE for?
Q: I don’t like math and just want to get it over with. Is MATH STAMPEDE for me?
A: Absolutely. MATH STAMPEDE is designed to help you succeed—even if math isn’t your favorite subject. You’ll get tools to make your first math class easier, less stressful, and more successful. The best way to succeed in college math is to go straight through and MATH STAMPEDE helps you do just that.
Q: I took math my senior year—do I really need this?
A: If math is fresh in your mind, that’s great! But MATH STAMPEDE can still help you sharpen specific skills and possibly place into a higher-level course, saving you time and money.
Q: Is this only for math majors?
A: No! All students who take math courses at Marshall can benefit from better placement and stronger skills.
Support
Q: What if I need help with math?
A: The Herd’s got your back! MATH STAMPEDE faculty mentors will check in regularly throughout the summer.
Q: What if I need help with the diagnostic?
A: Technical support is ready if you need help accessing or using the diagnostic. Visit the Support Home Page or call 800-258-2374 (Hours: Sun. 4pm-1am, Mon.-Thur. 7am-1am, Fri. 7am-9pm; all times Eastern)
Reach out anytime – we’re here to help!
