Math Placement

Getting Started @ EWU

Step 1: Placement Survey

Every student admitted to Eastern should take this survey before they start classes. The survey will ask questions about your previous math background to determine your placement score.

To complete the math placement survey, you will need:

  • Your Single Sign On (SSO) information
    • username
    • password
  • Your 8-digit EWU ID number
  • Access to your high school transcripts (recommended)
    • Note that any errors in reporting due to not using your transcript may result in an inaccurate math placement score that may delay your registration or cause schedule changes.

Step 2: Contact Advisor

After you complete the survey, you will be emailed a placement score. If you do not receive this email, please check your spam folder and follow up with Cory Ulrich at culrich6@ewu.edu.

Bring a copy of that email when you meet with your advisor to discuss your results and make a plan for your math classes at Eastern. Your advisor can help you decide what math class is best for you and your interests.

(Optional) Step 3: Placement Test

If you are unhappy with the placement score you receive from the survey, you can take a test to try to earn a higher score.

Read more about the placement test.


Eastern Math Proficiency Requirement

Every student at EWU needs to meet their math proficiency requirement before graduating – but the question is, which class should you take?

Placement finds the level of class that’s “just right”

It’s best to take a class that builds off of what you’ve learned before in high school – but sometimes it’s been a while and you can’t really remember what you used to know. On the other hand, people who don’t get placed can take classes that feel too easy. Your score will tell you what level is right for you. 

Math anxiety?

Remember, the placement score results are just a recommendation based on your inputs.  If you think your placement is too high, talk with your advisor to start a level lower.

Be honest with yourself and your advisor about math:

~ Are you someone who asks for help when they are stuck?

~Are you someone who makes sure they do the work even if they don’t get graded for it?

~Are you someone who works hard to study for tests?

If these answers are no – think about going one step lower for your first college math class.