ALEKS Math Placement
At UNC, you’ll complete an assessment to determine your readiness for mathematics and statistics courses (some students may be exempt). This web-based assessment, called ALEKS, should be taken before you come to New Student Orientation.
The ALEKS Placement Assessment covers material from Basic Math through Precalculus and usually takes about 90 minutes to complete. The only materials you need are a pencil and paper; ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if a problem requires it.
During the assessment, you may only use the resources provided by ALEKS. Do not consult friends, family, textbooks, other websites, or any outside source—using outside resources can result in improper placement and may make your courses harder than necessary.
If you have a disability that may require accommodations, please review all information about taking the UNC Math Placement Assessment first. If you still believe you need testing accommodations, contact the Disability Resource Center at 970-351-2289 or by email DRC@unco.edu. UNC will work with you to determine the best way to meet your math placement needs and ensure you have the support you need during the assessment.
Who Has to Take It
You’ll need to complete ALEKS if you plan to take an entry-level math, statistics, or chemistry course that requires placement, including:
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MATH 120 – Mathematics and Liberal Arts
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MATH 124 – College Algebra
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MATH 125 – Plane Trigonometry
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MATH 127 – Elementary Functions
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MATH 131 – Calculus I
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MATH 171 – Calculus I for Life Sciences
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STAT 150 – Introduction to Statistical Analysis
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STAT 160 – Introduction to Data Science and Statistics
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CHEM 111 – Principles of Chemistry I
Unsure which math course (or chemistry) is required for your major? Check out the Degree Requirements for your major.
Who’s Exempt?
Some students do not need to take ALEKS. You may be exempt if:
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Your ACT or SAT math score meets the requirement
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You have earned math credit through a community college or developmental education course
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You have transfer credit, AP credit, or dual-credit math from high school
Exemptions and Registering
You may be exempt from ALEKS if you meet one of these criteria:
- Completed UNC courses: If you’ve passed MATH 125 or 127 with a C or higher (not C-), you may enroll in MATH 131 or 171 without ALEKS.
- Transfer credit:
- Passed MATH 124 with a C or higher → may enroll in MATH 125, MATH 127, or STAT 150 without ALEKS.
- Passed MAT 050, 090, or 092 (C- or higher) at a Colorado community college → may enroll directly in MATH 120 or STAT 150.
- Passed MAT 055, 093, or 099 (C- or higher) → may enroll directly in MATH 124.
- Test scores:
- SAT Math 500+ (within 3 years) → enroll in MATH 120 or STAT 150 without ALEKS.
If you meet one of these exemptions but need help enrolling, email math.placement@unco.edu with:
- The course and section you want to register for
- A brief note on how you qualify for the exemption
Benefits of Taking ALEKS
With ALEKS, you’ll see your results right away and know which courses you can register for at New Student Orientation. Your advisor will use these results to help place you in the right starting course.
After your first assessment, you’ll also unlock a personalized Prep and Learning Module to review skills, improve your placement, and strengthen future course outcomes. The module is available for six months, and you can retake the assessment up to four times during that period.
Preparing for ALEKS
The ALEKS Placement Assessment is not a test; it’s an assessment. That means it’s designed to measure what you already know, not to trick you. When you finish, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your math strengths and areas to improve. From there, ALEKS gives you the chance to practice and strengthen your skills. There’s no penalty for wrong answers, but it’s important to give your best effort so the results accurately reflect your preparedness. The goal of ALEKS is to set you up for success by finding the course level where you’ll have the best chance to thrive.
How much does the assessment cost?
Good news—ALEKS is included in your student fees, so it won’t cost you anything extra! This covers your initial assessment, the 6-week online Prep and Learning Module, and up to 4 retakes if you want to improve your placement.
What Does Your Score Mean?
These guidelines explain which math and statistics courses you can take at UNC, based on your ALEKS placement score and course prerequisites. At Orientation, you’ll meet with an advisor in your math placement session to figure out the best course for you. If you’re a returning or transfer student, you’ll work with your academic advisor to choose the right course. Please note that if there’s ever a difference between these guidelines and the official UNC catalog, the catalog requirements are the ones that apply. Your placement score is valid for 18 months
Retaking the ALEKS Assessment
You must wait 48 hours between placement assessments. Retaking the assessment immediately usually does not improve your score. Before attempting a second or third retake, you are required to complete at least 3 hours in the ALEKS Prep and Learning Module to strengthen your skills. You can take up to three retakes within six months of your initial assessment.
If your ALEKS score is 0-24 or if you have questions, please contact the Math Placement Team at math.placement@unco.edu.
ALEKS Math and Chemistry Placement Guidelines
To find the required courses for your major, check out the Degree Requirements for your Major in the Undergraduate Catalog.
If you have questions, please contact the Math Placement Team at math.placement@unco.edu.
| Required Course for Major | ALEKS Score and Pathway to the Course |
| MATH 181: Number and Operations | This course is restricted to Elementary Education, Special Education, and Early Childhood majors only. It does not require an ALEKS score. |
| MATH 120: Mathematics
and Liberal Arts |
This course is intended for liberal arts majors only: English, . It does not require an ALEKS score. |
| MATH 124:
College Algebra
Note: you can take MATH 127 as an alternative that includes Trigonometry (which is needed for Calculus) |
51 or higher: register for MATH 124
41-50: it is recommended that you co-register for the one-credit MATH 123: Supplemental Algebra to support you in MATH 124 25-40: it is required that you co-register for the one-credit MATH 123: Supplemental Algebra to support you in MATH 124. 0-25: Spend time in the Prep & Learn Module and retake the ALEKS Assessment |
| MATH 127: Elementary Functions (Precalculus) Note: you can take Math 124 with Math 115 (Trigonometry workshop) as an alternative |
51 or higher: register for MATH 127
41-50: Spend time in the Prep & Learn Module and retake the ALEKS Assessment 25 – 40: Spend time in the Prep & Learn Module and retake the ALEKS Assessment 0 – 24: Spend time in the Prep & Learn Module and retake the ALEKS Assessment |
| MATH 131: Calculus I
MATH 171: Calculus for Life Sciences (for Biological Sciences majors only)
Continued: MATH 171: Calculus for Life Sciences (for Biological Sciences majors only) |
If you already have college math credit:
If you don’t have college math credit: 75-100: register for MATH 131 or 171 60-74: it is recommended that you co-register for MATH 130: Supplemental Calculus to support you in MATH 131 or 171. If your trigonometry background is the main weakness, then you can take MATH 115 Trigonometry Workshop with MATH 131 or 171. (continued on next page) 51-59: it is required that you co-register for MATH 130: Supplemental Calculus to support you. 25-44: Spend time in the Prep & Learn Module and retake the ALEKS Assessment then Option 2. You do not have high school mathematics classes up to and including trigonometry with a grade of B or better, then: |
| STAT 150: Introduction to Statistical Analysis
*Mutually Exclusive Course*
|
30 or higher: register for STAT 150
0-29: co-register for STAT 149 and STAT 150 (required unless one of the following exceptions is met)
Exceptions:
|
| STAT 160: Introduction to Data Science and Statistics
*Mutually Exclusive Course* |
This course is restricted to Computer Science, Data Science & Statistics and Mathematics majors or minors
45 or higher: register for STAT 160
30 – 44: Spend time in the Prep & Learn Module and retake the ALEKS Assessment
Exception: If a student has received a C or higher in MATH 124 or MATH 127 or MATH 131 or MATH 171, then they can register for STAT 160 without an ALEKS score. |
| STAT 250: Statistics for Life Sciences
*Mutually Exclusive Course* |
Recommended for Biological Sciences majors as well as Statistics minors.
30 or higher: register for STAT 250
0-29: Spend time in the Prep & Learn Module and retake the ALEKS Assessment
Exception: If a student has received a C or higher in MATH 124 or MATH 127 or MATH 131 or MATH 171, then they can register for STAT 250 without an ALEKS score. |
| CHEM 111: Principles of Chemistry I | 40 or higher: register for CHEM 111 (with the CHEM 111L lab)
30-39: co-register for MATH 124/127 along with CHEM 111 (see exception below)
0-29: Spend time in the Prep & Learn Module and retake the ALEKS Assessment (see exception below)
Exception: ACT Math with a minimum score of 19 or SAT Math Section with a minimum score of 500 or SAT Mathematics with a minimum score of 460. |
Supplemental Math Courses
If your ALEKS placement score is below the minimum requirement for a gateway math course, you may be able to take a supplemental course. These courses are taken alongside your gateway math class to give you additional support, review key foundational skills, and strengthen your success in the course. Supplemental courses are not replacements for tutoring or homework help, but instead provide structured instruction and strategies designed to help you meet the demands of the gateway course.
MATH 123 – Supplemental Algebra
Course Purpose
The purpose of this course is to provide academic support for students enrolled in College Algebra (MATH 124), but whose math placement score does not meet the pre-requisite level for College Algebra. This course will provide the opportunity for students to review foundational skills needed for College Algebra content, deepen their understanding of current topics in College Algebra, and develop productive strategies for studying the College Algebra content.
Placement
MATH 123 is a co-requisite course for students who enroll in MATH 124 (which requires an ALEKS score of at least 25), but whose ALEKS score is less than 41. MATH 123 is optional for students who enroll in MATH 124 and who have an ALEKS score greater than or equal to 41.
Logistics
MATH 123 is a 1-credit course that meets once a week on Thursday for 75 minutes.
Evaluation
MATH 123 is an S/U course meaning that a student receives a score of S (satisfactory) for meeting the course requirements and a score of U (unsatisfactory) if the course requirements are not met. The course requirements include attendance, participation, and some outside of class activities.
Drop / Withdrawal Policy
Dropping or withdrawing from MATH 124 will result in being dropped or withdrawn from MATH 123. If MATH 123 is required, in most cases dropping or withdrawing from the course will result in being dropped or withdrawn from MATH 124.
Course Content
MATH 123 is intended to provide students with instruction that supports success in MATH 124. However, it is not intended to be for individualized homework assistance or to replace tutoring services or assistance from the course instructor.
Registration
If you are required to take MATH 123, you must register for MATH 123 and MATH 124 at the same time by entering both CRNs in the boxes on the course registration page. For registration questions, contact the Registrar’s Office at 970-351-4862.
MATH 130 – Supplemental Calculus
Course Purpose
The purpose of this course is to provide academic support for students enrolled in Calculus I (MATH 131 or MATH 171). This course will provide the opportunity for students to review foundational skills needed for Calculus content, deepen their understanding of current topics in Calculus, and develop productive strategies for studying the Calculus content.
Placement
MATH 130 is a recommended course for students who enroll in MATH 131 or MATH 171 but whose ALEKS score is less than 75. Note that if your ALEKS score is less than 51 or high school GPA is less than 3.0, you should take Trigonometry (MATH 125) or Pre-Calculus (MATH 127) instead.
Logistics
MATH 130 is a 1-credit course that meets once a week on Thursday for 75 minutes.
Evaluation
MATH 130 is an S/U course meaning that a student receives a score of S (satisfactory) for meeting the course requirements and a score of U (unsatisfactory) if the course requirements are not met. The course requirements include attendance, participation, weekly quizzes and homework.
Course Content
MATH 130 is intended to provide students with instruction that supports success in Calculus I. However, it is not intended to be for individualized homework assistance or to replace tutoring services or assistance from the course instructor.
Registration
If you are required to take MATH 130, you must register for MATH 130 and MATH 131, or MATH 130 and MATH 171, at the same time by entering both CRNs in the boxes on the course registration page. For registration questions, contact the Registrar’s Office at 970-351-4862.