Placement Exams

The Math and English placement exams are designed to analyze academic preparedness and ensure you are enrolled in the appropriate course according to skill set. Each test takes no more than one hour to complete and is free to all students intending to enroll in MWSU courses.

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Math Placement Exam

The Mathematics Placement Exam (MPE) is an exam created by Missouri Western faculty using institutional data to more accurately place students into courses that they will have a higher opportunity to succeed in.

Students will be placed in a Math course based on ACT Math subscores (see table below). Students with no ACT score, or with a math subscore below 22, will be placed in MAT110E* or MAT111E*. The “E” indicates a required lab course that you will take alongside the lecture to assist in your success in the course. If you wish to challenge this placement, you can take the MPE to test into MAT110*, MAT111*, MAT112*, or MAT116*.  Higher-level math courses may be required for some majors.

ACT Math Subscore SAT Math Subscore Math Course
No score No score MAT 110E/111E
0-21 0-530 MAT 110E/111E
22-36 540-800 MAT110/111/112/116

Visit the Math Placement Website for details on taking the MPE.

*Indicates fulfillment of general studies math requirements.

Writing Placement Exam

All students will be placed in a composition course based on ACT English subscore (see table below). If you wish to challenge this placement, you can take the WPE, Writing Placement Exam to test into ENG104. ENG 104 and ENG108 are graduation requirements for all four-year degrees. Introduction to College Writing will help prepare students for College Writing and Rhetoric.

Please note: ENG 100 does not count toward fulfillment of general studies English requirements.

ACT* English Subscore High School GPA Course Course Description
No score 2.6 or lower ENG 100 Introduction to College Writing
17 or lower 2.6 or lower ENG 100 Introduction to College Writing
18 or higher 2.6 or lower ENG 104 College Writing and Rhetoric
17 or lower 2.7 or higher ENG 104 College Writing and Rhetoric
18 or higher 2.7 or higher ENG 104 College Writing and Rhetoric
No score 2.7 or higher ENG 104 College Writing and Rhetoric


*SAT scores are also accepted, contact the department if you have questions regarding your SAT scores and how they impact English placement.

Visit the Writing Placement Exam Website for details on taking the WPE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Placement exams are designed to give you the opportunity to test your skills and have the opportunity to take some higher-level courses. For some majors, this can assist you with graduating on track.

  • Math: Students without an ACT score or students with a Math ACT subscore of 21 and below will be placed into MAT110E or MAT111E. Students wishing to enroll in a non-E course (MAT 110, MAT 111, MAT 112, or MAT 116 and above) will be required to successfully pass the Math Placement Exam (MPE). Please note: certain majors may require higher level math courses in order to graduate.
  • Writing: Students without an ACT score or students with an English ACT subscore of 17 and below combined with a high school GPA of 2.99 and below will be placed into ENG 100. Students wishing to enroll in ENG 104 will be required to successfully pass the Writing Placement Exam (WPE). Please note: ENG 100 does not count toward General Studies requirements.

The Writing Placement Exam will be administered exclusively online. If your scores indicate you might benefit from the exam, you will automatically be added to the course on Canvas. You will need to keep an eye on your Missouri Western email where an invitation to the course will appear.

All Math Placement exams are proctored on campus at MWSU. Remote proctored exams are available for those with extenuating circumstances, and require department approval. Please call the Computer Science, Math, and Physics department office at (816) 271-4288 for remote approval, or if you have additional questions.

You will need to take the Writing Placement Exam  BEFORE your scheduled Griffon Orientation date. A link for the online exam will be sent to your email. The Math Placement Exam will be taken in person at 7:30 a.m. the morning of your GO session.

At orientation, we help you register for classes. In order to do so, it is essential we understand your skill levels. If you haven’t taken the exams you want to take, you might leave with an unfinished schedule, which may impact your ability to get into the classes you want.