UNC Math Placement
The University of Northern Colorado requires that students complete an assessment to determine readiness for mathematics and statistics courses though some students are exempt from this requirement. The web-based assessment element is called ALEKS and should be taken prior to coming to New Student Orientation. The ALEKS Math Placement Assessment covers material from Basic Math through Precalculus and will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. After the assessment, a targeted Prep and Learning Module is available for you to review and learn material, and to improve placement and eventual course outcomes.
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.
Who Has To Take It
All students who wish to take an entry-level mathematics or statistics course that requires the ALEKS Assessment, which includes:
- MATH 120
- MATH 124
- MATH 125
- MATH 127
- MATH 131
- MATH 171
- STAT 150
Certain students are exempt from the ALEKS assessment, depending on your Math ACT/SAT
score or if you have earned mathematics credit in developmental education courses
at a community college or college credit via transfer including AP credit or dual
credit in high school. Please see our Exceptions page for complete details.
Benefits
Your results are reported to you immediately after the assessment so you know what classes will be available to you during registration at your new student orientation session. The mathematics advisor with whom you meet at orientation will then be better able to assist you in determining the appropriate mathematics course to start your college career.
After the assessment, a targeted Prep and Learning Module is available for you to review and learn material, and to improve placement and eventual course outcomes. This module is available for six months after taking the assessment, but we encourage you to begin using the resource right away. You can re-take the assessment up to four times over the next six months after your initial assessment.
If you think you might need accommodations for taking the Placement Assessment please read through our FAQ section.
