Mathematics Placement
About the math placement exam
All students are required to take the math placement exam (ALEKS) for general education and major-related requirements. Incoming students need to complete their math placement exam before their advising appointment. It is recommended that a student's math placement exam is taken as soon as possible so there is an opportunity to retest if needed. This is particularly true for students enrolled in Pre-Nursing and Science related majors.
Visit the ALEKS websiteThe ALEKS® Mathematics Placement Assessment is taken by incoming Holy Names University students. Students are assessed in topics ranging from arithmetic through precalculus and assessment results are used for placement into mathematics workshops or coursework for which there is a placement prerequisite. After the assessment, an optional ALEKS® Prep and Learning Module is available for students who wish to expand their knowledge or self-remediate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
ALEKS provides an assessment, not a “test.” This assessment is designed to provide you and your academic advisor with a snapshot of your strengths and weaknesses in math. You will have a chance to work on these areas of weakness through self-remediation. You may even opt to retake the assessment if you meet the criteria described below. The most important thing is that you take the assessment seriously. Take your time and give it your best effort so that it truly reflects your knowledge and math preparedness.
As discussed above, the primary goal of this assessment is to determine your level of knowledge and preparedness in mathematics. With this information in hand, you and your advisor will be able to make appropriate course selections. In addition, there are a number of courses at HNU for which enrollment is dependent on placement. In order to enroll in such courses, you must either place at the appropriate level or complete the necessary preparatory coursework here at HNU.
Placement is required for all mathematics workshops (MATH A, C and R) and is used for: MATH 1 (Precalculus), MATH 7 (Mathematical Reasoning), MATH 11 (Calculus I), MATH 60 (Probability and Statistics), CHEM 1A (General Chemistry), CHEM 7 (Introductory Chemistry), PHSC 15 (Fundamentals of Physical Science), PHYS 8A (General Physics), PSYC 63/ECON 15 (Statistics), and Statway 1.
Use of ALEKS is included in your student fees.
Even if you are transferring coursework, you may have additional requirements within your major that require placement. Please consult with your academic advisor to avoid unnecessary delays in your progress at HNU.
You must complete an assessment at HNU.