Placement Testing for Entering Students

All entering freshmen, as well as transferring students, are required to demonstrate competence in mathematics. Language placement testing is also required for placement into certain language courses. 

Mathematics

TU requires all entering freshmen and most transfer students to take the online ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to ensure the best chance of success in an appropriate mathematics course with the following exceptions:  

  • If a chosen major has no specific mathematics requirement and the AP/transferred college level mathematics course work satisfies Core 3 of TU's Core Curriculum, the student is exempt from taking ALEKS.
  • If a chosen major requires only MATH 231 or MATH 237 and AP/transferred college level mathematics course work was completed with a C or better, satisfying a Core 3 course of TU's Core Curriculum, the student is exempt from ALEKS.

  • If AP/transferred course work either satisfies the specific mathematics course required of the major, or it satisfies the prerequisite course for mathematics requirements, the student is exempt from ALEKS.

  • If none of the above applies, the student must take ALEKS.

  • Even if exempt from taking ALEKS, the student may choose to take the assessment for their own advisement and at no risk.

After taking ALEKS for the first time, the system generates a Prep and Learning Module tailored to the student’s needs, having identified gaps in the learner’s knowledge base during initial testing. Below is additional information about the Prep and Learning Module.

  • The student retains access to the learning module for up to a year and can use it to brush up on skills at any time.
  • Once the student spends at least 5 hours in the learning module, they may take a second unproctored placement test within one year of the enrollment date.

For more information and access, go to the Mathematics Placement Test website.

Languages

Students wishing to enroll in Spanish courses including SPAN 101, who do not already have college credit for the language must take the online placement test administered by the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. The link to the placement test can be found on the department website.

Language placement testing is also recommended for placement into French, German, Italian, and Russian courses. All students wishing to begin American Sign Language (ASL) courses above the ASL I level must contact the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures for the ASL screening.

All students with previous knowledge of the language they intend to study should contact the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures to obtain appropriate course placement.