Math Placement
What is the purpose of the Math Placement Assessment?
The purpose of the Math Placement Assessment is to accurately evaluate your math skills so that you take the math or statistics course for which you are best prepared.
Should I be anxious about the Math Placement Assessment?
Absolutely not! It is not graded. You cannot “fail” it. Your math placement will not change your acceptance to Youngstown State. While it is important, it is simply a diagnostic tool YSU uses to get an accurate measure of your current math skills so that you will be successful in your math course(s).
Who needs to take the Math Placement Assessment?
- Students who do not have an ACT Math or an SAT Math score are required to take the Math Placement Assessment.
- Students who have an ACT Math score or SAT Math score that is more than two years old, regardless of the actual score, are required to take the Math Placement Assessment.
- Students who have a math-intensive major listed in the table below and who have an ACT Math score below 27 or an SAT Math score below 630 are required to take the Math Placement Assessment.
- Students in a major not listed in the table below and who have an ACT Math score below 22 or an SAT Math Score below 530 are required to complete the Math Placement Assessment.
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Biological Sciences Chemistry Computer Science Environmental Science Forensic Science Geology Information Technology Mathematics Physics Physics & Astronomy STEM Natural Science STEM Physical Science STEM Technology STEM Math Undetermined STEM |
Civil Engineering Industrial Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil & Construction Engineering Technology Electrical Engineering Technology Mechanical Engineering Technology First Year Engineering STEM First Year Engineering STEM Engineering
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Exercise Science Medical Lab Science Integrated Sciences Education Integrated Math Education Middle Childhood Math & Language Arts Middle Childhood Math & Science Middle Childhood Math & Social Studies
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How will my math skills be assessed?
YSU uses a placement assessment called ALEKS PPL. The ALEKS Placement Assessment covers material from Basic Math through Pre-calculus and will take approximately 90 minutes to complete.
Can I use a calculator?
For some questions, ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator. Otherwise, you may not use a personal calculator.
How can I prepare to take the Math Placement Assessment?
Where do I take the Math Placement Assessment?
All local students (students who reside within one hour from campus) are required to complete the Math Placement Assessment at the Testing Center at YSU.
Students who live more than an hour away from YSU are allowed take the assessment at a different location as long as they can provide proof that the assessment will be proctored. Allowed proctors include guidance counselor or teachers from the student’s high school. Students may also arrange to take the test at a local community college or university that provides proctoring services. If you are able to find a site closer to you to complete your exam, we would be happy to work with the proctor to send them the information they need to administer the exam. Please email us the proctor's name, telephone number, and email address and we will send instructions to you and your proctor.
How do I schedule the Math Placement Assessment?
Students may select "Schedule Placement Testing" to make an appointment to take placement tests at YSU. Note: students who also need to take the Composition Placement Assessment may schedule both assessments on the same day.
When will I get my assessment results?
Your results will be available immediately after you complete the assessment.
Can I retake the Math Placement Assessment?
Yes, you may take the assessment up to three times. Depending on your score and your major, an academic advisor may contact you to discuss retaking the assessment. Your advisor may also encourage you to sign up for Math Review Advantage See LINK for more information
How do I arrange for testing accommodations?
If you require accommodations for placement assessments under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services at 330-941-1372.