Math Diagnostic Exam

Students who want to register for MATH 101, MATH 111, or MATH 112 at Rice must take a diagnostic exam prior to registration. This is so that the Math Department can give students better advice as to which course(s) to enroll in, and to better provide resources as you take calculus.

The exam is designed to take 60 minutes, but you have been allotted 90 minutes in which to take it. Please take the exam at a time when you will be able to concentrate for 75-90 minutes without interruption.

Students who are entering Rice in Fall 2026 do not need to register for the exam. You may take the diagnostic exam on the “Math Diagnostic Exam” Canvas page. You must accept the invitation to the course through your Rice University email before you are able to complete the diagnostic. You should take the diagnostic before you arrive on campus for O-Week. Failure to do so may delay your registration in Math 101, Math 111, or Math 112.

Students who are returning to Rice do need to register for the exam. You may sign up for the diagnostic exam at this link. After you sign up, you will be invited to the “Math Diagnostic Exam” Canvas page. You must accept the invitation to the course before you are able to complete the diagnostic. You should take the diagnostic at least a week before your registration deadline. Failure to do so may delay your registration in Math 101, Math 111, or Math 112.

For more information about calculus courses at Rice, see this page. For information about math courses beyond calculus, see this page.

Frequently asked questions:

How long does the diagnostic exam take?

We expect most students will be able to complete the exam in an hour, but some students might take longer. Please take the exam at a time when you will be able to concentrate for 75-90 minutes without interruption.

If I score poorly, will I be prevented from enrolling in calculus?

No. You can enroll in either MATH 101 or 111. However, you should still try to do your best on the exam so that the Math Department can give you appropriate advice about supplementary resources to help you as you take calculus.

Will I need to take calculus at Rice?

Many majors at Rice require calculus, not just science and engineering majors. For instance, the Business major, the Economics major, and the Sport Management major all require calculus (or courses that have a calculus pre-requisite). Check the General Announcements for your major's requirements.

I don't plan on taking calculus next semester, but I might in the future. Should I take this diagnostic exam now?

Sure, if you have time! The credit for having taken the diagnostic exam will carry over to future semesters, and you may as well take it when you aren't pressed for time.

If you don't take the diagnostic exam now, though, you will still have an opportunity to take it when you do eventually want to register for MATH 101 or 111.

I already know calculus. Should I take this diagnostic exam?

If you are not planning on taking MATH 101 or 111, you do not need to take this diagnostic exam, though there isn't any harm in doing so. (Exception: If you think you will be enrolling in MATH 102 initially, but that there is a chance you could drop back to MATH 101, you should take this exam so that the drop back procedure goes smoothly if it is necessary.)

If you have AP credit for calculus, have your score sent to the Office of the Registrar. This also holds for students with a sufficiently high score on an appropriate A-Level or IB exam.

If you do not have an appropriate standardized test score for calculus, but have not taken one of those exams, you may still receive Rice credit for calculus by taking an exam during Orientation Week. See this page for more details. If you are planning on doing this, it might still be worthwhile to take this Diagnostic Exam as well, however.

What topics are covered on the diagnostic exam?

Pre-calculus topics such as algebra, graphing, word problems, and trigonometry. There will be no calculus questions on the diagnostic exam.

Should I use a calculator on the exam?

No calculators are allowed.

How can I sign up for the Math Diagnostic exam?

Incoming first-year students do not need to sign up. Other students may sign up for the diagnostic exam at this link. After you sign up, you will be invited to the “Math Diagnostic Exam” Canvas page. You must accept the invitation to the course then you are able to complete the diagnostic.

Additional questions?
Any questions about registering for MATH 101/111, transfer credit, or AP/IB/A-Level exams should be sent to registrar@rice.edu. Questions specifically about this diagnostic exam should be sent to ih21@rice.edu.