Math Placement Assessment & Pathways Support

Schedule an Appointment for the Math Placement Assessment

Math Placement Assessment is available on-campus or via Zoom! Schedule an appointment for math placement assessment by clicking on the button below. For further assistance, please email [email protected].

IMPORTANT: If you were instructed to login to ALEKS PPL, login here. You will be prompted to enter your EMU NetID and password.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR MATH PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT

FAQ

  • ALEKS Math Placement Assessment (for all admitted first-year students, transfer students, and current students)

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    • What exactly is the math placement assessment? Expand dropdown

      The EMU Math Placement Assessment is used as a tool to determine readiness for mathematics courses. The Placement Assessment results will be used to determine the most appropriate courses for each student as they move forward with college coursework.

      Remember, this is a “Placement Assessment,” not a test. The difference is that a Placement Assessment is designed to determine what a student knows and what a student needs to work on. At the end of the ALEKS PPL Assessment, a student will have a much better sense of their strengths and weaknesses in math.

      For incoming Freshmen, the ALEKS PPL Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment is used. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student’s strengths and weaknesses. The ALEKS PPL Placement Assessment is up to 30 questions.

      After taking a Placement Assessment, students will meet with a Math Pathways advisor to determine the appropriate mathematics course and next steps.  

    • Do I need to take the math placement assessment? Expand dropdown
      If your math SAT score is less than 520, or your math ACT score is less than 19, or your ACT or SAT testing date is more than 3 years old, then you need to take the math placement assessment to determine the appropriate mathematics course for you.
    • Should I study? Expand dropdown

      During your math placement assessment you will see some, but not all, of the math you have learned in high school. It is a placement assessment, not a preview of math courses at EMU. It is designed to identify if you are prepared for a particular course.

      After you take your first Placement Assessment, you will have the opportunity to review and master additional topics to reassess and improve your placement. 

      In general, the following topics will be covered on the assessment. 

      You can also download and print this pdf version that contains the same information.
      • Real numbers (including fractions, integers, and percentages) 
      • Equations and inequalities (including linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations)
      • Linear and quadratic functions (including graphs and functions, linear functions, and parabolas), exponents and polynomials (including integer exponents, polynomial arithmetic, factoring, and polynomial equations), rational expressions (including rational equations and rational functions 
      • Radical expressions (including higher roots and rational exponents) 
      • Exponentials and logarithms (including function compositions and inverse functions, properties of logarithms, and logarithmic equations) 
      • Geometry and trigonometry (including perimeter, area, and volume, coordinate geometry, trigonometric functions, and identities and equations).
    • Are there math placement advisors available? Expand dropdown

      Yes, after taking a Placement Assessment, students will meet with a Math Pathways advisor to determine the appropriate mathematics course and next steps.  

      After your appointment, if you have any questions about the math placement assessment or your placement into a course, email the Math Pathways Support Team at [email protected].

    • How do I go about scheduling and taking the math placement assessment? Expand dropdown

      We are administering the math placement assessment both on-campus and remotely via Zoom. 

      You can take the math placement assessment Monday - Thursday, either on-campus or remotely.  Use the Schedule Your Appointment Today! button on the right hand side of this web page or navigate to https://bookedin.com/book/emu-math-placement.

      If you plan to take the math placement assessment remotely via Zoom, you will need a computer (desktop or laptop) with a webcam. Other devices such as cell phones, iPads, Surface, and other tablets, are not allowed.

    • What should I have with me to take the assessment? Expand dropdown

      If you are taking the assessment on-campus, please arrive at 509 Pray-Harrold at the time of your appointment.  You will need to bring a photo ID.  All other materials will be provided for you. 

      If you are taking the assessment via Zoom, when it’s time for your math placement assessment appointment:

      1. Sit in a quiet place where you will be undisturbed.
      2. You will need blank scratch paper and a regular pencil.  
      3. Be sure to have your photo ID ready.  You will need to show it to your proctor.
      4. Join your math placement assessment appointment via Zoom by following the instructions contained in the appointment confirmation message.

      Please note that no calculators are allowed on the Math Placement Assessment.  The ALEKS PPL assessment will have a built-in calculator tool that will be provided when needed for specific problems. A brief calculator tutorial is provided prior to beginning the assessment.

    • What should I expect when taking the math placement assessment and how long will it take? Expand dropdown

      This is not a timed assessment, so you can feel comfortable to take your time. The math placement assessment typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes depending on your level of anxiety and skill. You should not take the math placement assessment if you have less than one hour of time available.

      Most importantly, when taking the Math Placement Assessment, be honest. It is important that the Placement Assessment is taken seriously and each student gives it an honest effort so that the Placement Assessment truly reflects their current level of knowledge and math preparedness. There is no benefit to cheating on the Placement Assessment – the only result will be that a student enrolls in a class that is too difficult, or not challenging enough, potentially costing time and money. Therefore, while taking the Placement Assessment, students should not consult any outside sources for help (friends/family, internet searches, textbooks, notes etc...). The purpose of the Placement Assessment is to give an accurate measure of a student’s current mathematical knowledge state so that they will be successful in mathematics courses. 

    • What happens if I'm not satisfied with my score or would like to retake the math placement assessment? Expand dropdown

      If you are not happy with your score, you can discuss options with your Math Pathways Support advisor. You may retake the ALEKS PPL math placement assessment up to four additional times.  Five hours of work in your ALEKS Prep and Learning modules are required between each attempt of the math placement assessment.  Access your ALEKS Prep and Learning modules by signing in using your EMU NetID.

    • What if my math SAT score is 520 or higher or my math ACT score is 19 or higher? Expand dropdown

      Your math SAT score (or math ACT score) provides an initial placement into a math course. You are always welcome to take the math placement assessment to place into a higher level math course.

    • I still have questions, where can I get more information? Expand dropdown

      This document has a detailed explanation of ALEKS PPL and will answer many of the questions you may have.  

      You can also feel free to contact the Math Pathways Support team with any questions that you may have via email at: [email protected] or via phone: 734.487.4474.

     

  • Accuplacer Math Placement Assessment (phased out effective August 29, 2022)

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Support

Math Pathways Support Program

Campus Location: 508 Pray-Harrold
Phone: 734.487.4474
Email: [email protected]

Math Pathways Support Team

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