FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I am NOT required to take a math course at SHU, do I still need to take the Placement Assessment?

• All incoming freshmen students are required to take the ALEKS PPL Placement Assessment.  

• All incoming freshmen students with AP, CHS, or dual-enrollment credits complete the ALEKS Placement Assessment.  Students will be scheduled according to credit transfer.  

• College Physics (PH 106) and Statistics (SS 250) require a minimum ALEKS score.

I plan to register for a mathematics and/or statistics course, do I have to take the Placement Assessment?

• All students planning to register for a mathematics course must take the Placement Assessment, unless the prerequisite course, as specified in the SHU course catalog, was taken at Seton Hill University.   

• SS 250, MA 100, MA 127, MA 129, and MA 117 have no prerequisite course requirements at SHU - the Placement is mandatory.  

How long is an ALEKS score valid?

• ALEKS scores are valid for ONE academic year or two semesters.  If you took ALEKS in Spring/Summer 2024, it is valid for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 registration only.

To prepare, allot the proper time to take the assessment, find an undisturbed environment, and spend some time in the tutorial to learn how the software works.Do I need to study for the Placement Assessment?

• No, the assessment is used to determine current strengths and weaknesses.  

• To prepare, allot the proper time to take the assessment, find an undisturbed environment, and spend some time in the tutorial to learn how the software works.  

I had accommodations or received services in high school, will I receive the same on this assessment?

If you are a student with a disability, and if you require accommodations to complete this placement assessment, please contact Seton Hill's Office of Disability Services and establish eligibility for accommodations as soon as possible.  Disability Services can be reached at disabilityservices@setonhill.edu or 724-830-4606.

Why should I do any work in the Prep and Learning Modules after the Placement Assessment?

• A minimum level of prerequisite knowledge is required for successful completion of any SHU mathematical coursework.

• The Prep & Learning Modules provide a path to improve current weaknesses in prerequisite skills.

• Students that do not achieve the required cut score must work in the Learning Modules before retaking the assessment.  Registration for a course can not take place until the cut score is achieved.  

What happens if I don't take the Placement Assessment by registration? 

• You will not be permitted to register for your coursework in Mathematics or Statistics.  

• Please contact Amy Beninati at abeninati@setonhill.edu if you have any concerns.  

What if I score below the cut score range for my class?  Can I still schedule the course?

•  Students must meet the requirements specified in the SHU Course Catalog before scheduling by:

  • Obtaining the minimum ALEKS Placement score required for that course, or

  • Completing the prerequisite coursework at SHU.

• Students must work in the Prep & Learning Modules, retake the assessment, and achieve the desired cut score.

I didn't do as well as I had hoped, can I retake the assessment?

• Students may retake the assessment after working for 5 hours in the Prep & Learning Modules and waiting for a 48-hour cool-off period

• Student may retake the assessment a third time after working 5 hours in the Prep & Learning Modules and waiting for a 48-hour cool-off period.  An appointment with the Math Center is required before the third attempt at the Placement Assessment can be unlocked.  

I didn't take advanced mathematics in high school.  It has been several years since I took a mathematics course.  Will this impact my score?

• Scores reflect current strengths and weakness.  

• The individualized and adaptive Prep & Learning Modules provide a pathway to refresh and relearn forgotten topics. 

• Cut scores are course-specific and based on the prerequisite skills needed for that course.

I did not receive my score immediately following my assessment. What now?

• You may have run out of time before completing the 30 questions, you will need to retake the assessment

• You may contact Amy Beninati to determine if a score was recorded.

• You may have sat idle for too long and the assessment was not completed.