Mathematics

Taking the Math Placement Assessment

With very few exceptions, all students must take the ALEKS math placement assessment before they are allowed to register for their math course.

1

Pay for the Assessment

Pay your Math Placement Assessment fee on CashNet.

Students who use the ALEKS software without paying will be charged $40 directly by EWU.

CashNet
2

Complete the Practice Assessment

Log into ALEKS to complete the practice assessment. Complete the assessment without help to make sure you are placed in the correct class.

ALEKS Login
3

Complete a Minimum of Three Hours of Practice in the Prep and Learning Module

After you have completed the practice assessment, ALEKS will assign you a prep and learning module based on your practice assessment to help you review for the proctored assessment. You must complete a minimum of three hours before you are eligible to take the proctored assessment.

4

Take the Proctored Assessment

The proctored assessment can be taken at EWU in Monroe 113 for no extra charge. You will need to bring photo ID, your EWU ID#, something to write with and a scientific calculator is optional. Please arrive 30 minutes early.  Check-in is in Monroe 111; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The test has a time limit of three hours.

Current Proctored Assessment Schedule:

DateTimeLocation
Friday, Sept. 202 p.m.Monroe 113
Thursday, Sept. 262 p.m.Monroe 113

Online Assessment Option:  ProctorU (additional $9 fee)

Test Taker Walk Through Video

ProctorU is a live online proctoring service that allows you to take your exam from the comfort of your home. ProctorU is available 24/7, however, you will need to schedule your proctoring session at least 72 hours in advance to avoid any on-demand scheduling fees. Creating a ProctorU account simple. You can do so by visiting go.proctoru.com.

In order to use ProctorU, you will need a high-speed internet connection, a webcam (internal or external), a Windows or Apple Operating System, and a government-issued photo ID.  ProctorU recommends that you visit the equipment test page prior to your proctoring session to test your equipment.  We recommend you click on the button that says “connect to a live person” to fully test out your equipment. Please make sure that you are using the current version of your browser and have downloaded the Chrome ProctorU extension or the Firefox ProctorU extension.

Additionally, please visit and review the test-taker resource center. You should expect the startup process with the proctor to take about 10-15 minutes. However, this time will not affect your exam time. Please feel free to direct any questions to the student support team via the live chat within your account.

Additional Information:
ProctorU Live Student One-Pager
ProctorU – How it Works: Test-Taker

Math Placement Scores

MATH Pathways

Exception Policy

Freshmen Math Placement

Frequently Asked Questions

Math Placement Scores

If you find that you are unsatisfied with your score, and you still have access to your Prep and Learning Module, you may retake the assessment at no extra charge. Visit the FAQs below for more information on the reassessment policy.

Percent Given by ALEKSCourse Placement
29 or belowMTHD 103
30-40MTHD 104, 106
41-55MATH 107, 114, 121, 200, 208
56-65MATH 107, 121, 141, 200, 208, 311
66-75MATH 107, 121, 142, 200, 211, 311, 380
76 or higherMATH 161, 200, 208, 301, 311, 380 or math reasoning requirement met;
however, your degree may require additional math courses

MATH Pathways

What is MATH Pathways?

MATH Pathways is a national initiative started by the Dana Center of the University of Texas-Austin aimed at aligning math courses more closely to students’ intended majors and future careers, and to accelerate students’ successful completion of their first college-level math course.

How do I know which path is right for me?

The following chart shows five different paths each leading to a different course that satisfies mathematics proficiency. Generally speaking, paths from left to right represent pathways from least to most challenging, but students should always consult with an advisor to make sure the appropriate path is chosen.

What if my major is undecided?

Students who are undecided and unable to select a path that best describes their educational goals should always consult with an advisor before enrolling in any math course. Referring back to the chart, the paths to the far right give students more choices for their major without having to complete additional math courses. But, consulting with an advisor will ensure the appropriate path is chosen for each individual student.

What if I change major?

Students who change their major in such a way that a different path is required should consult with an advisor before enrolling in any additional math courses. In general, MTHD 104 will substitute for MTHD 106, but the reverse is not the case.

What is the EWU Math Proficiency requirement?

Math proficiency is a general university graduation requirement implemented to ensure that all EWU graduates have acquired a minimum level of quantitative skills that allows them to be successful in the workforce regardless of the chosen program of study. It can be satisfied through Math Placement (score of 76 or higher) or by completion of one of five college math courses: MATH 107, 121, 141, 200 or 208.

Can I count courses from high school toward meeting the EWU Math Proficiency requirement?

High school mathematics courses are not counted towards meeting the mathematics proficiency requirement unless approved as College in High School courses.

Can I count a course from another institution toward meeting the EWU Math Proficiency requirement?

A transferable course taken at another institution may count towards the Mathematics Proficiency requirement or as a prerequisite course. Consult the EWU transfer guide or a Records and Registration credentials evaluator for more information.

Math 142 and Math 161 Enrollment Exception Policy

Any student who wishes to enroll in Math 161:

1. Places into Math 141 or Math 142, according to the MPA
and
2. Has earned an A or B (3.0 or better) in both semesters of a high school pre-calculus course, or has earned an A, B, or C (2.0 or better) in a high school calculus course may enroll in Math 161, Calculus I. If Calculus I is not attempted within one year of high school graduation, the student will be required to enroll in a course based on his/her MPA score. If the student attempts Calculus I, but does not complete the course with a C or better, the student will be required to enroll in a course based on the MPA score.

Any student who wishes to enroll in Math 142:

1. Places into Math 141 according to the MPA
and
2. Has earned an A or B (3.0 or better) in the first semester of a high school pre-calculus course, may enroll in Math 142, Pre-Calculus II. If Math 142 is not attempted within one year of high school graduation, the student will be required to enroll in a course based on his/her MPA score. If the student attempts Pre-Calculus II, but does not complete the course with a C or better, the student will be required to enroll in a course based on the MPA score.

If you qualify for this policy, contact the Mathematics Department at 509.359.6225, with proof of your high school grade(s) to request permission to enroll in the appropriate math course.

Math Placement for Freshmen

Do You Qualify for a Math Placement Assessment Exemption?
New students at EWU are strongly encouraged to take the math placement assessment. It is the most accurate way to make sure you take classes appropriate for your abilities. However, students who meet at least one of the following criteria may opt out of the assessment:

  • A College Level Math Course. A student’s official transcript indicates a minimum grade of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, or C or higher, in a math course equivalent to a EWU math course taken at a post-secondary institution. Refer to the Transfer Guide for more information;
  • 3 or Better on AP Calculus or AP Statistics Test. A student has officially reported to EWU a minimum score of 3 on the College Board Advanced Placement Test for AB or BC Calculus and/or Statistics. Visit the Transfer Credit page for more information;
  • CLEP Scores in Math. A student has officially reported to EWU a qualifying CLEP Math Course score. Visit the Transfer Credit page for more information;
  • Register for MTHD 103. A student plans to enroll in MTHD 103, Basic Algebra for College Students.

Students who believe they have an exemption from the math placement assessment should discuss this with their advisor during orientation.
Math Placement without an Exemption A student will work with their academic advisor to identify the correct math course to take. To determine the course that matches the student’s skill level, a math placement assessment using online software, ALEKS, will be administered.

Frequently Asked Questions

We highly recommend you take the math placement assessment. It’s how we make sure you aren’t put in a math class that is too hard or too easy. However, you can opt out of the assessment if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • A College Level Math Course. A student’s official transcript indicates a minimum grade of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in Intermediate Algebra or higher-level math course from a post-secondary institution. Refer to the Transfer Guide for more information;
  • 3 or Better on AP Calculus or AP Statistics. A student has officially reported to EWU a minimum score of 3 on the College Board Advanced Placement Test for AB or BC Calculus and/or Statistics. Visit the Transfer Credit page for more information;
  • Level 4 Smarter Balance Score. An officially reported level 4 score on the Smarter Balance test allows for placement into Math 107, Math 114, or Math 121;
  • Level 3 Smarter Balance Score. An officially reported level 3 score on the Smarter Balance test and a passing grade in a quantitative course during senior year of high school allows for placement into Math 107, Math 114, or Math 121;
  • Level 2 Smarter Balance Score. An officially reported level 2 score on the Smarter Balance test and a grade of B or better in the Bridge to College Mathematics course offered by a qualified teacher allows for placement into Math 107, Math 114, or Math 121;
  • CLEP Scores in Math. A student has officially reported to EWU a qualifying CLEP Math Course score. Visit the Transfer Credit page for more information;
  • Register for MTHD 103. A student plans to enroll in a pre-university basic skills math course, such as MTHD 103.

Note:  Students with a testing exception may be required to take the math placement assessment when an appropriate score is required to fulfill their “Lack of Course Prerequisite Hold” for registration in a specific course.

You can take the assessment up to four times: twice during the Summer/Fall registration session and twice during the Winter/Spring registration session.

If you would like to retake the placement assessment, you must work for an additional 10 hours in the Learning and Prep Module within the six months you have access to it. If your six months expires, you will need to pay the $40 fee again. So, if you think you may need to take the placement assessment twice, you should take the first assessment at least a week before your access has expired to ensure you have enough time to complete your additional hours.

Once you have completed all of your hours, you may show up for any available proctoring session. You will be given the password to retake the assessment when you arrive.

No. Once the assessment session is over, you will have to purchase a new assessment package. The work done in the previous package will not count towards time spent in the new one.

If you score lower on the second placement assessment, we will use the higher of the two scores.

ALEKS is an adaptive assessment tool. Generally, assessments are 30 questions and take 90 minutes. However, students may be done before or after that. You will have three hours to complete the assessment.

A calculator will be provided by ALEKS when it’s okay for you to use it. You may not use any other calculator during an ALEKS placement assessment.

No. Working in the Prep and Learning Module will help prepare you for the placement assessments, but it does not count towards actual placement.

Typically, you should expect about a 1-point gain for every two hours’ worth of work in the prep and learning module. For example, if you assess at 35, you should expect to spend 12 hours to receive a 41. However, your individual needs may require more time in the prep module.

Currently, we require that students work a minimum of three hours in the Prep and Learning Module before they are allowed to take the proctored assessment. The strength of this placement program is in a student’s mastery work following the initial assessment, students should plan to take advantage of the Prep and Learning Module to fully prepare for the placement assessment.  (Research shows that even 5 hours spent in the learning module can improve a student’s placement one entire class.)

ALEKS gives frequent assessments to gauge how much of the material the student has mastered over the course of the learning and prep module. These assessments do not count towards your placement, but they track your progress in the learning and prep module.

Please refer to Academic Advising for more information on your degree requirements.

ALEKS should run in any browser with java enabled, and the ALEKS plug-in should install automatically.

For more information visit the ALEKS Technical Support page.

Your score will be available the following day after completion of your proctored assessment.

No. No other scores are valid for registration at EWU. You will be required to take the ALEKS placement assessment.

If you are receiving an unauthorized user message when trying to log into ALEKS, this means that you have not paid for the math placement assessment for the current assessment session. If you think that you have received this message in error, please contact the placement administrator or math department.

If you have any other questions that we did not answer here, feel free to contact the math department directly:

Elizabeth Nehring
E: enehring@ewu.edu
P: 509.359.2281