Math placement at the University of Montana

Math placement at the University of Montana (UM) is based on a combination of these criteria:

  • ACT or SAT Math scores
  • Pre-requisite courses (e.g. dual enrollment, AP/IB/etc., transfer courses, other college-level equivalents)
  • High school GPA and senior year math courses 

Students who do not place into math courses will utilize EdReady Montana to determine placement level.

Math placement chart

The Math Placement Chart provides an overview of math placement and course sequencing at UM based on a variety of measures (ACT, SAT, GPA, current and previous math placement exams).

You can also enter your scores in the Math Placement Checker to view your placement level and course.

Our goal is to place you in a course to meet your educational needs and that you can be successful in. In order for the placement tests to be a good indicator, you must take the placement test seriously and honestly. Do not use any outside resources and make sure you have an environment that will not interfere with your best work.

NOTE: Enrollment in EdReady for spring 2024 courses is closed. See below for enrollment in EdReady for summer/fall 2024 courses.

I need to take the math placement exam. How do I enroll?

Undergraduate students new to UM (including transfers)

  • All admitted undergraduate students who need to complete the EdReady placement in order to register for math courses at UM will be automatically enrolled in EdReady when they submit the "Plan your course options" form in the Admitted Student Checklist. This enrollment is a bulk enrollment that occurs 1-2 times a week depending on volume.
  • Watch for an email from EdReady Montana with detailed instructions on how to complete math placement requirements.

Dates for Summer/Fall 2024 automatic EdReady enrollment of freshman/transfer admits.

  • March 1 (Friday) - First day incoming freshmen/transfer admits can sign up for the EdReady math placement while completing the placement section of the "Plan your course options" in the Admitted Student Checklist.
  • March 4 (Monday) - First day of EdReady math bulk enrollment for freshmen/transfers based on answers provided in the placement section of the "Plan your course options" in the Admitted Student Checklist. Automatic bulk enrollment will continue to be Mondays/Thursdays during March and then just Thursdays from April until the start of fall semester.
  • September 3 (Tuesday) at 11:59 pm - Last day freshman/transfer spring admits to complete the "Plan your course options" in the Admitted Student Checklist in order to be enrolled in EdReady.
  • September 6 (Friday) at 5 pm - Last day to take the placement exam in EdReady for your initial score or to improve your initial score using the study path for fall 2024 classes.

Continuing students already attending UM

Complete the EdReady form.

  • Enter your name, date of birth, demographic information, email, grade level, and 790#.
  • For "Why are you choosing to take the EdReady Montana program", choose "To take the math placement"
  • Complete the rest of the form (major, last math course taken, etc.) and submit.

You will receive an email with detailed instructions within a few days.

Dates for Summer/Fall 2024 EdReady enrollment of continuing students:

  • February 15 (Thursday)- First day EdReady will be available for fall enrollment for continuing students.
  • September 3 (Tuesday) at 5 pm - Last day of manual enrollments using the form above in EdReady. 
  • September 6 (Friday) at 5 pm - Last day to take the placement exam in EdReady for your initial score or to improve your initial score using the study path.

Did you complete the initial placement exam but missed the September 6, 2024 deadline to improve your initial EdReady score?  If you are a continuing student who missed this deadline, you will have the opportunity to work towards a spring 2025 placement in the EdReady system during the fall 2024 semester. Although you will have to retake the initial diagnostic placement exam, this will only serve to give you a more up-to-date gauge on your math skills and will allow you the semester to reinforce those skills while simultaneously increasing your placement level.

After you complete the EdReady placement

Once you complete the initial placement diagnostic, EdReady Montana generates a customized study plan to provide an opportunity for you to learn, fill in any gaps, and improve your placement level.

You can either take that opportunity to raise your math placement up a level or two in order to be able to register for a higher math course, or you can accept your initial score if you feel that accurately reflects your current knowledge.

If your intended major requires M 171 (Calculus I), you will need to complete the EdReady placement first with a minimum score of 70.  If you earn a score of at least 70 on the EdReady placement, you will receive an email with additional instructions at that time.  Please keep a close eye on your UMontana email account for this message.

Go to the EdReady Score Breakdown webpage to view what scores are necessary for which math courses, and what your next steps are after taking the initial diagnostic.

Learn more about EdReady Montana.