Orientation

Transfer Student 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 optional math placement assessment for incoming transfer students. The due date for this assessment is July 29th, 2022. Please review the following scenarios and make sure you understand your major requirements when considering the online ALEKS Math Placement Assessment:  

If you took a math course at a previous institution, please check the Transfer Equivalency Database here: https://www3.newpaltz.edu/transferequivalencies/ to determine the equivalency and corresponding Math Placement Level (MPL). 

If you are SATISFIED with the equivalency (i.e. it meets your MATH GE or assigns the MPL you need to begin additional math/science/engineering/business coursework at New Paltz), then you do not need to complete the online ALEKS Math Assessment. You may still complete the assessment if you would like, and the results will not lower your MPL.  Once your Math Placement Level has been determined, the ONLY way to change it is through successful completion of appropriate additional college courses.   

If you are NOT SATISFIED with the equivalency (i.e. it does NOT meet your MATH GE requirement and/or it does NOT assign the placement level you need to move forward with your STEM or business major), then you should complete the online ALEKS Assessment.  This assessment is strictly for placement purposes. 

  • 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 CALCULATORS!! 
  • It is recommended that you log in and complete your initial assessment as soon as possible because now through July 29th, 2022 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 take advantage of this.  
  • 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 ALEKS score.  The list can also be found by clicking the link below. If you are pleased with your score, no further action is required.  Your highest score will determine your MPL, which will then be used to select appropriate courses for your Fall 2021 schedule. 

If you did not take a math course at a previous institution: 

  • 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 HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you complete the ALEKS PPL assessment.  This assessment is used for placement purposes only.  
  • 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 CALCULATORS! 
  • It is recommended that you log in and complete your initial assessment as soon as possible because now through July 29th, 2022 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 take advantage of this.  
  • When you have finished, please look at the list of courses that are available to you based on your ALEKS score.  The list can also be found by clicking the link below. If you are pleased with your score, no further action is required.  Your highest score will determine your MPL, which will then be used to select appropriate courses for your Fall 2022 schedule. 

Transfer students who do not bring in an equivalent math course and who do not complete the online ALEKS assessment by July 29th, 2022, may be assigned the lowest MPL. 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.   

Sincerely, 
Rachel Lilley,  
Math Placement Coordinator