Mathematics Placement

Kutztown University requires incoming students to take an ALEKS Mathematics Placement Assessment to determine readiness for various mathematics courses. After reading the instructions, click the red button below to begin.

The ALEKS Placement Assessment will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. After the assessment, a targeted Preparation and Learning Module is available for you to review and learn material, and to improve placement and eventual course outcomes. This module is of particular importance for those who wish to take the assessment and need additional time to potentially place in a different course.

All students are strongly encouraged to spend several hours using the ALEKS Prep and Learning Module. Even if you have achieved placement in your desired course, time spent in ALEKS will better prepare you for your upcoming course and ultimately lead to better grades. 

First of all, RELAX. This is an "assessment," NOT A TEST. The difference is that an assessment is designed to determine what you know. At the end of the ALEKS Placement Assessment, you will have a much better sense of your strengths and weaknesses in mathematics. You will then have a chance to work on those weaknesses. There is really no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the assessment. The most important thing is that you take the assessment seriously and give it an honest effort so that the assessment truly reflects your level of knowledge and math preparedness.

  • What should I expect from ALEKS?

    This is a free response assessment; there are no multiple choice questions. Before you take the assessment, ALEKS will present a short tutorial on how to enter answers, how to use the graphing utilities and how to use the built in calculator that will be offered when appropriate. TAKE YOUR TIME WITH THIS TUTORIAL AND BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND HOW THESE FEATURES WORK.

  • Are there any important deadlines?

    This assessment must be completed before attending your New Student Orientation session. This information is used to place you into the appropriate level of math required for your degree.

    If you are dissatisfied with your score, you may work in the ALEKS Prep and Learning Module and then retake the assessment (see below for details); please do so as soon as possible to avoid being closed out of the most desirable mathematics classes.

  • I'm a transfer student, do I need to take the ALEKS Placement Assessment?

    Students whose transfer credits have been evaluated and transferred to Kutztown as MAT 017 Introduction to Mathematics, or higher, are not required to take the mathematics assessment. However, if your major requires more than introductory math, you must take the assessment.  If you have any questions about your program of study and the mathematics requirement, please contact the department of your major.

  • Can I retake the ALEKS Placement Assessment?

    Yes, you may take up to 5 placement assessments. However, to make each attempt worthwhile, it is important that you spend time working in your ALEKS Prep and Learning Module in between placement assessments so that you can improve your skills.

  • Can I retake the ALEKS Placement Assessment immediately?

    You must wait 48 hours between placement assessments. There is generally no benefit to re-taking the assessment immediately after completing a prior attempt. Unlike the SAT or ACT, you cannot improve your results by simply re-taking the assessment without spending time in the ALEKS Prep and Learning Module to refresh material that you may have forgotten or to learn new material.

  • Must I work in my ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between placement assessments?

    Yes, for at least 5 hours between each placement assessment.

  • How long will a placement assessment take to complete?

    Placement assessments require approximately 90 minutes to complete, but the amount of time will vary by student. There will be a maximum of 30 questions. You should plan to complete the assessment in one 2-3 hour sitting.

  • Are placement assessments timed?

    You will have 48 hours to complete before the assessment is reset.

  • May I use a calculator while using ALEKS?

    ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator.

  • May I use any other resources during a placement assessment?

    You may only use a pen or pencil, paper and the resources provided by ALEKS. You may not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks or any other resource not provided by ALEKS. Using outside resources may lead to improper placement and ultimately course failure.

  • I use a screen reader; what should I do?

    If you use a screen reader for a visual impairment, please contact the Kutztown University Department of Mathematics at 610-683-4410 (math@kutztown.edu) for accommodations in order to take the assessment.

  • Where can I get technical help with ALEKS?

    Visit the ALEKS FAQs page or support page.

Begin your math placement now!
  • I have my placement result; what courses can I take?

    Your placement in certain math courses is determined by your best score on the assessment and the course requirements of your major. Please check your major requirements before enrolling in a math course.

    Regardless of your score, you are eligible to take the following courses:

    MAT 17: Introduction to Mathematics

    MAT 40: Geometry

    MAT 45: Women in Mathematics

    MAT 103: Fundamentals of Mathematics (for education majors only)

    If your placement score is not high enough to take your target course, you have several options:

    1. Use the Prep and Learning Module to improve your score.  Then when you are eligible to enroll, you may sign up for your target course (please note that it may take 24 hours for your score to be uploaded from ALEKS to MyKU). This should be done as soon as possible to avoid being closed out of the most desirable mathematics classes.  Feel free to e-mail the Department of Mathematics for assistance.
    2. Take the course in parentheses next to your desired course. For example, if you scored 65 but want to take MAT 181, you could enroll in MAT 106 and then take MAT 181 next semester.      

      

    Score Course Placement
    Up to 45 Consider spending time in the Prep and Learning Module. If your major does not require a particular math course, you may wish to take one of the courses listed above.
    46 - 60 MAT 105: College Algebra 

    Note: The only way to enroll in MAT 105 is by scoring at least 46 on ALEKS; none of the courses listed above prepare you for MAT 105.
    61 - 75

    MAT 106: Trigonometry (MAT 105)

    MAT 115: Precalculus (MAT 105)

    MAT 121: Math for Business and Information Sciences (MAT 105)

    MAT 122: Applied Calculus (MAT 105)

    MAT 140QL: Applied Statistics (MAT 105)
    Greater than 75 MAT 181: Calculus I (MAT 106 or MAT 115)

      

  • Can I earn free math credits?

    Yes, depending on your best ALEKS score and what math class you take.

    • If you score 61-75 on ALEKS and earn a "C" or better at KU in MAT 106: Trigonometry, MAT 115: Precalculus, or MAT 122: Applied Calculus, you can earn free credits for MAT 105: College Algebra.
    • If you score at least 76 on ALEKS and earn a "C" or better at KU in MAT 181: Calculus 1, you can earn free credits for MAT 105: College Algebra and MAT 106: Trigonometry.

    Please note:

    • The "course placement" course must be completed with a grade of "C" or better at Kutztown University.
    • This policy does not apply to transfer mathematics credits, nor math test credits such as AP, CLEP, or IB credits.  Duplicate credits will not be awarded.
    • This policy will apply to all eligible students no matter when they choose to take the appropriate mathematics class. 
    • The "course placement" course can only be taken one time to earn credit for prior learning.  If students to not earn a "C" or better the first time, credits will not be awarded if repeating this course.
    • This policy is effective Fall 2023.  Retroactive credits will not be awarded.
  • How long is my placement result valid?

    Your placement result is valid for 12 months.

  • Can I practice using ALEKS before I begin placement?

    ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial before your placement begins.

  • How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module?

    You will have at least six months of access from the time that you start using your ALEKS Prep and Learning Module.

  • Are there any fees for ALEKS Placement Assessment and my Prep and Learning Module?

    No, you won't be asked to pay any fees to take ALEKS.

  • Does progress in an ALEKS Prep and Learning Module count toward placement?

    No, you must complete a new placement assessment to change your placement result. Click on the placement tab on the upper right of the page from within ALEKS. Only your placement assessment results will be used for course placement.

  • What if I do not place into the course I wanted?

    You can use a Prep and Learning Module to review and learn, and you may take another placement assessment to improve your placement result.  If you qualify for a higher-level class after you already have a schedule, simply e-mail the Department of Mathematics (as soon as possible).

  • I did not place into the class I wanted. Can I take it anyway?

    No, you must achieve the minimum placement result to take each corresponding class.

  • What if I placed into the class I wanted?

    Congratulations! Continue to use your Prep and Learning Module to improve your chances for success. The placement result above is the minimum preparation required for your course! Take advantage of the targeted review and learning features in ALEKS to get a better grade in your class.