Orientation

Freshmen Information About Math Placement

Welcome to SUNY-New Paltz!  On behalf of the Department of Mathematics at SUNY New Paltz, congratulations on choosing a great institution. This letter contains important information regarding the required math placement assessment that all incoming first-year students should take before registering for classes. The due date for this online assessment is July 29th. 

Why the ALEKS Assessment: 

  • All students at SUNY-New Paltz are required to have college credit for at least one math course regardless of their intended major. The course(s) you take will depend largely on your major and your skill level. In order to place each student in a mathematics course at an appropriate skill level, we REQUIRE all incoming first-year students to complete the ALEKS PPL assessment.   
  • This assessment is strictly for placement purposes. It is used to assign each student a Math Placement Level (MPL).  It does not count for a grade and should not be something you stress about.  An accurate assessment of your mathematical skills and abilities will help to ensure your success here at New Paltz.  
  • You should still complete the online ALEKS assessment even if you took AP courses or college courses for credit while you were in high school.  If you are bringing in math credits through AP courses or University in High School, those credits my potentially override your ALEKS score.  We will not know until you have them sent to us and we can assess them.  You must still complete the online ALEKS math assessment. 

Completing the ALEKS Assessment: 

  • You can access the ALEKS PPL through your my.newpaltz.edu account.  Simply click on the “Announcements” tab, select the link that says “Math Placement/ALEKS PPL” and follow the instructions.  The assessments are to be done without using any outside resources or assistance. This includes NO CALCULATOR! 
  • It is recommended that you log in and complete your initial assessment as soon as possible because now through July 29th is the only time the ALEKS assessment will be available to you.  This is especially important if you are a STEM or BUSINESS major. If you would like to improve your ALEKS score, you may complete the assessment again for a second and even third time if you’d like. There is a Prep & Learning Module that will help you to improve your skills in between assessments. You should definitely take advantage of this.  

After Completing the ALEKS Assessment: 

  • When you have finished, please look at the list of courses that are available to you based on your ALEKS score.  The list will appear along with your score.  The list can also be found by clicking the link below. If you are pleased with your score, no further action is required.  If you would like to improve your ALEKS score, you may complete the assessment again for a second and even third time if you’d like (prior to July 29th). Please read the directions regarding the “Cool Off” period. 
  • Your highest score will determine your MPL, which will then be used to select appropriate courses for your Fall 2022 schedule. If you are bringing in AP credit or University in High School credit, those courses may override your ALEKS score and give you an even higher MPL.   
  • Students who do not complete the ALEKS assessment by July 29, 2022, may be assigned the lowest Math Placement Level. Once your Math Placement Level has been determined, the ONLY way to change it is through successful completion of appropriate college courses.   

More information about ALEKS PPL can be found at:  http://www.newpaltz.edu/math/placement.html.    

If you have any questions, I can be reached at lilleyr@newpaltz.edu.  Again, congratulations on choosing SUNY-New Paltz!  We look forward to celebrating your many successes over the next four years.   

Sincerely, 
Rachel Lilley,  
Math Placement Coordinator