Math Placement Testing

Initial placement into mathematics courses at CBU is based on the Math ACT score.

Initial placement into mathematics courses at CBU is based on the Math ACT score. The following list indicates the minimum Math ACT score needed to take a particular math course.

  • Math 103 Fundamentals of Algebra: Math ACT 0-22; or SAT Math 0-540
  • Math 105 Finite Math: Math ACT 22 or above; or SAT Math 560 or above
  • Math 107/110 Functions and Trigonometry: Math ACT 23; or above or SAT Math 540 or above
  • Math 117 Precalculus: Math ACT 24 or above; or SAT Math 590 or above
  • Math 131 Calculus 1: Math ACT 26 or above; or SAT Math 610or above

Most majors in the School of Sciences and the School of Engineering require Calculus I. Some students may need to take a course in algebra and trigonometry in preparation for their calculus courses. Others may need to review basic algebra before taking the precalculus course.

Majors in the School of Arts and the School of Business do not require calculus with trigonometric functions. Students with these majors usually start with a course called Finite Math, but may take a course in precalculus. Students who qualify for Calculus I are encouraged to take that course.

ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning

CBU offers ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (PPL) for students who wish to place into a course beyond their initial placement. ALEKS PPL combines a research-based, accurate placement assessment with personalized learning tools. It allows students to test their mathematical ability and then refresh and strengthen these skills. The assessment has an open format that does not use multiple choice questions. The test covers a broad spectrum of mathematics and is fully automated and adaptive to the student’s knowledge and ability. The exact number of questions will vary from 20 to 35 due to its adaptive mechanism. Most students need between 60 and 90 minutes to complete it. Most students find the experience substantially different from many standardized examinations. ALEKS is a tool to help students find math courses where they will have the best chance to succeed.

CBU pays the $25 ALEKS fee, which includes four assessments and self-paced tutorials. The fee allows access to ALEKS for six months.

The ALEKS package consists of 4 parts:

1. Initial assessment
2. Review and instruction based on that initial assessment
3. Three retests prior to when classes begin
4. Use of the instruction module to further strengthen skills for six months from the initial assessment.

Accessing ALEKS

Students should access ALEKS through BannerWeb, under Student Services / Student Records / ALEKS Testing Link.

BannerWeb

Initial ALEKS Assessment

Students will take the initial assessment at the beginning of their ALEKS usage. This assessment will provide a valid score that may be used for placement.

Students should do as well as possible on their initial assessment. ALEKS uses artificial intelligence to determine which questions to ask based on previous responses. The responses on the initial assessment will determine what Learning Module will be included with their ALEKS package. That module will prepare students for the next level based on their initial score. If students do not try their best on the initial assessment, the Learning Module may instruct them on topics that they know well.

Additionally, students may derive a great deal of benefit from the knowledge profile that the initial assessment generates. If a student did not receive the minimum score for the desired mathematics course, the student may use the knowledge profile to identify areas of needed review.

Cut-off Scores

The ALEKS scores necessary for placement in CBU courses is as follows. Students may take any course with a cut-off score lower than their score.

  • Math 103 Fundamentals of Algebra: ALEKS Score 0-45
  • Math 105 Finite Math: ALEKS Score 46-60
  • Math 107/110 Functions and Trigonometry: ALEKS Score 46-60
  • Math 117 Precalculus: ALEKS Score 61-75
  • Math 131 Calculus 1: ALEKS Score 76-100

Retesting with the ALEKS Assessment

Retesting with the ALEKS Assessment is included in the package. Each student may take the ALEKS Assessment Exam up to four times. After an attempt, a student must complete some of the self-paced ALEKS tutorials, included in the ALEKS package prior to the next assessment. Students can see their progress during instruction and review topics that the software recommends.

Continuing ALEKS Review and Instruction

Even when a student receives the desired minimum score, that student may find it helpful to review materials which the assessment identified as a knowledge weakness. This preparation can prove valuable in the student’s first math course at CBU.

Proctored vs. Unproctored

ALEKS has both proctored and unproctored tests. Students may use an unproctored test for practice. The practice test is unproctored to allow students to see the format of the tests. A test must be proctored to change placement. The remaining 3 tests are proctored to use for placement. These designations can be changed for individuals. Special consideration for online proctoring may be given with the permission of the Mathematics Department Chair.