Overview
Success in college begins with appropriate course placement. A student's first math course is critical to that success. The Academic Advising Office will review placement assessment scores and major math requirements to determine the appropriate math course for each student. Not all students will be required to take the Math Placement Assessment. Only those students who received an email invitation must complete the assessment.
Please note that not all students take a math course in their first semester.
ALEKS Placement
With a unique combination of adaptive assessment and personalized learning, ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) accurately measures each student's math foundation and creates a personalized learning module to review and refresh lost knowledge. This allows students to be placed and successful in the right course, expediting students’ paths to completing their degrees.
- No outside assistance is permitted. Each student has a unique knowledge state that consists of the math topics he/she knows, does not know and is ready to learn. The ALEKS placement assessment determines the unique knowledge state of each student. The system can then properly place students into a course based on their math abilities. Outside assistance includes getting help from others and from other materials. Other individuals are not to be in the room while you are taking the test.
- The webcam and lockdown browser are how students are proctored so the webcam lens must not be covered up or otherwise obscured. It should always show the student’s face.
- No outside calculators are permitted. A calculator icon will appear on the screen when it is allowed to be used. Blank paper and a pen/pencil are allowed for students to work out problems, however.
- No use of cell phones or other electronic devices are permitted.
Once students have begun the Math Placement Assessment, the assessment will take anywhere from 90–120 minutes. Students can have up to three (3) hours to complete the assessment. Students cannot save their place and come back to the test at a later time.
Getting Started (Please read ALL steps)
Tips
- Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats that extend beyond the forehead.
- If using a notebook computer, place it on a firm surface like a desk or table, not your lap.
- If the webcam is built into the screen, avoid making screen adjustments after the exam starts. A common mistake is to push the screen back, resulting in only the top portion of the face being recorded.
- Do not lie down on a couch or bed while taking an exam. There is a greater chance you will move out of the video frame or change your relative position to the webcam.
- Do not take an exam in a dark room. If the details of your face do not show clearly during the webcam check, the automated video analysis is more likely to flag you as missing.
- Avoid backlighting situations, such as sitting with your back to a window. The general rule is to have light in front of your face, not behind your head.
- Select a distraction-free environment for the exam. Televisions and other people in the room can draw your attention away from the screen. Other people that come into view of the webcam may also trigger flags by the automated system.
Steps
- Visit www.aleks.com and click on "Sign Up". Enter the class code provided to you in the email.
- Before getting started, you will be asked to fill out a very brief survey regarding your last math class. Please fill out the survey to the best of your ability.
- ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial to make sure you are comfortable with the math palette tools before your Placement Assessment begins. The tutorial shows you how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator and how to graph. If you aren't sure how to input an answer or need help while you are taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment, select the Help button below the answer pallet tools. Going to the tutorial during your Placement Assessment will NOT impact your Placement Assessment results.
- The ALEKS placement assessment uses Lockdown Browser. After you finish the tutorial, ALEKS will ask you to download Lockdown Browser. Even if you have previously downloaded Lockdown Browser for a course or assignment, you will still need to download this version as it is unique to ALEKS Placement Assessment. If you have any issues, please refer to our FAQs below.
- This placement assessment also uses Respondus Monitor. This system requires a working webcam. Again, if you have any questions in regard to this please see our FAQs.
- ALEKS will ask you for a proctor password: UTAMPA2023 .
- You will have three hours to take the assessment. Good luck!
Review your score.
After completing the Placement Assessment, you will see your score. You will then be able to see what class you placed into and view cut score information.
If you are not happy with your placement, we strongly urge you to work on the ALEKS prep module. After 72 hours you can take the ALEKS Mathematics Placement Assessment again. You will likely score higher than you just did and hopefully place into the course you need. For Fall 2023 admits, to make sure your advisor has the most accurate placement information to build your schedule please complete your first attempt and any reassessments by June 19, 2023. Students who take reassessments after June 19, 2023, will be able to make changes to their schedule after July 10, 2023, but seat availability will not be guaranteed.
Please note that not all first-year students take math courses in their first semester.
The following table can be used to determine which class you are eligible to take based on your Math Placement Assessment score.
| Score on Mathematics Placement Assessment | Math Course Placement |
| 0-45 | MAT 150: Introductory Algebra |
| 46-60 | Depends on Major: MAT 155: Finite Mathematics MAT 160: College Algebra Some majors will only require students to take MAT 160 or MAT 155 to satisfy graduation requirements. Students who score higher on their ALEKS Test are not required to take MAT courses higher than required by their major. |
| 61-75 | MAT 170: Pre-Calculus MAT 225: Calculus for Business (Business Majors Only) |
| 76-100 | MAT 260: Calculus I (1) |
Retaking the Math Placement Assessment
It is
highly
encouraged to retake the assessment at least one other time if you are not happy with your results. You have up to
five
attempts on the Placement Assessment. Before retaking the assessment, however, you will need to review and spend some time in the learning modules.
To access your learning modules, you will need to log back into your ALEKS account as if you are going to take the assessment again. After you log in, select START MY PATH from the Primary Guidance Menu to start your module work. Please note you will only be able to choose one of the offered paths. Once you choose one, you will not be able to change it. There is a cool-off period of 72 hours before you can access your second attempt. You will also not be able to access your second attempt until you log 5 hours or more of prep and learning module work.
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Tampa may require an ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses if SAT/ACT scores are not available. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student's strengths and weaknesses. The Placement Assessment is up to 30 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the Placement Assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics. Students then have the opportunity to reassess and improve their placement. ALEKS consists of three parts:
- An Initial Placement Assessment
- The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review
- Access to two additional Placement Assessments
The University of Tampa encourages each student to spend time in the Prep and Learning Module, even if the desired score is achieved because time spent in ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades.
The University of Tampa may require an ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses if SAT/ACT scores are not available. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student's strengths and weaknesses. The Placement Assessment is up to 30 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the Placement Assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics. Students then have the opportunity to reassess and improve their placement. ALEKS consists of three parts:
- An Initial Placement Assessment
- The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review
- Access to two additional Placement Assessments
The University of Tampa encourages each student to spend time in the Prep and Learning Module, even if the desired score is achieved because time spent in ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades.
Students who have already submitted their SAT or ACT scores will be placed in courses per the table below.
| SAT Scores | ACT Scores | Course Placement |
| Less than or equal to 510 | Less than or equal 20 | MAT 150: Introductory Algebra |
| 520-560 | 21-23 |
Depends on Major:
MAT 155: Finite Mathematics MAT 160: College Algebra Some majors will only require students to take MAT 160 or MAT 155 to satisfy graduation requirements. Students who score higher on their SAT/ACT scores are not required to take MAT courses higher than required by their major. |
| 570-620 | 24-26 |
MAT 170: Pre-Calculus
MAT 225: Calculus for Business (Business Majors Only) |
| 630 or higher | 27 or higher | MAT 260: Calculus I (1) |
Students who have already submitted their SAT or ACT scores will be placed in courses per the table below.
| SAT Scores | ACT Scores | Course Placement |
| Less than or equal to 510 | Less than or equal 20 | MAT 150: Introductory Algebra |
| 520-560 | 21-23 |
Depends on Major:
MAT 155: Finite Mathematics MAT 160: College Algebra Some majors will only require students to take MAT 160 or MAT 155 to satisfy graduation requirements. Students who score higher on their SAT/ACT scores are not required to take MAT courses higher than required by their major. |
| 570-620 | 24-26 |
MAT 170: Pre-Calculus
MAT 225: Calculus for Business (Business Majors Only) |
| 630 or higher | 27 or higher | MAT 260: Calculus I (1) |
Incoming first-year students may be required to take the Mathematics Placement Assessment. Students who have already submitted their SAT or ACT scores or received transfer credit for a math course from another institution, Advanced Placement Exam or Dual Enrollment will not need to take the assessment.
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. Students then have a chance to brush up on topics that may have been forgotten or have not been practiced for some time.
Incoming first-year students may be required to take the Mathematics Placement Assessment. Students who have already submitted their SAT or ACT scores or received transfer credit for a math course from another institution, Advanced Placement Exam or Dual Enrollment will not need to take the assessment.
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. Students then have a chance to brush up on topics that may have been forgotten or have not been practiced for some time.
ALEKS PPL is an online, adaptive system that covers a broad spectrum of mathematics topics. The length of the Placement Assessment will vary but can be up to 30 questions. 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 The University of Tampa. 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.
Topics covered:
- 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)
ALEKS PPL is an online, adaptive system that covers a broad spectrum of mathematics topics. The length of the Placement Assessment will vary but can be up to 30 questions. 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 The University of Tampa. 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.
Topics covered:
- 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)
No, ALEKS provides you the tools necessary to complete the assessment. The idea of the assessment is simply to show where you place, and we want to make sure you are placed into the appropriate math course based off of your current knowledge. Blank scratch paper and a pencil or pen can be used to work out problems. Please show both sides of the paper to the camera during the environment check.
No, ALEKS provides you the tools necessary to complete the assessment. The idea of the assessment is simply to show where you place, and we want to make sure you are placed into the appropriate math course based off of your current knowledge. Blank scratch paper and a pencil or pen can be used to work out problems. Please show both sides of the paper to the camera during the environment check.
It is just asking you to show identification to prove it is you taking the test. You can use a school ID, state ID, driver's license, passport, etc., just something with your picture and name on it to prove it is you.
It is just asking you to show identification to prove it is you taking the test. You can use a school ID, state ID, driver's license, passport, etc., just something with your picture and name on it to prove it is you.
You can view it through ALEKS immediately by logging in to your ALEKS account and going to Reports/Placement Results.
You can view it through ALEKS immediately by logging in to your ALEKS account and going to Reports/Placement Results.
You may take the placement assessment again for a better score. Before retaking the assessment, you will be required to work on at least five hours' worth of modules. You have a total of five attempts.
You may take the placement assessment again for a better score. Before retaking the assessment, you will be required to work on at least five hours' worth of modules. You have a total of five attempts.
You will not be able to access your second attempt until you log five hours or more of Prep and Learning module work between the first and second attempts. Learning modules are designed to help you study and re-learn material you may have forgotten since your last math course. After you log in, select START MY PATH from the Primary Guidance Menu to start your module work, or CONTINUE MY PATH if you have started it previously. If it's your first time accessing the modules, please note you will only be able to choose one of the offered paths. Once you choose one, you will not be able to go back and change it. After you meet the requirement to unlock the Placement Assessment, the lock icon will be replaced with a START button.
You will not be able to access your second attempt until you log five hours or more of Prep and Learning module work between the first and second attempts. Learning modules are designed to help you study and re-learn material you may have forgotten since your last math course. After you log in, select START MY PATH from the Primary Guidance Menu to start your module work, or CONTINUE MY PATH if you have started it previously. If it's your first time accessing the modules, please note you will only be able to choose one of the offered paths. Once you choose one, you will not be able to go back and change it. After you meet the requirement to unlock the Placement Assessment, the lock icon will be replaced with a START button.
If you are having technical issues, such as trouble downloading the lockdown browser, pages freezing or staying frozen on one page for an extended amount of time, pages crashing, etc., please call ALEKS technical support at (800) 258-2374, or you can submit a ticket with them at https://support.aleks.com/assess_placement . General support questions can be asked at advising@ut.edu .
If you are having technical issues, such as trouble downloading the lockdown browser, pages freezing or staying frozen on one page for an extended amount of time, pages crashing, etc., please call ALEKS technical support at (800) 258-2374, or you can submit a ticket with them at https://support.aleks.com/assess_placement . General support questions can be asked at advising@ut.edu .
The expectation is that you begin and end the exam in one sitting.
The expectation is that you begin and end the exam in one sitting.
ALEKS currently supports ALEKS PPL using Lockdown Browser on the following setups:
| System Requirements | Windows | Macintosh | iPad App |
| Operating System | 10, 8, 7 | OS X 10.10 or higher | iOS 9 |
| Memory | 75 MB | 120 MB | 106 MB |
If you are not using one of these, you'll need to find one to be able to take the test. You could check with friends or family members perhaps, or a local university or library to see if their computers are equipped with the requirements needed to take the math placement test, such as a webcam and ability to download Lockdown Browser.
ALEKS currently supports ALEKS PPL using Lockdown Browser on the following setups:
| System Requirements | Windows | Macintosh | iPad App |
| Operating System | 10, 8, 7 | OS X 10.10 or higher | iOS 9 |
| Memory | 75 MB | 120 MB | 106 MB |
If you are not using one of these, you'll need to find one to be able to take the test. You could check with friends or family members perhaps, or a local university or library to see if their computers are equipped with the requirements needed to take the math placement test, such as a webcam and ability to download Lockdown Browser.
I have a question that was not answered from the FAQs.
Please contact advising@ut.edu for any unanswered questions.
Please contact advising@ut.edu for any unanswered questions.
