Panther Math Prep

Three Easy Steps

Instructions for logging in & completing math placement

• Instructions to Log In & Complete Math Placement – Use this link to access the math placement test.
• Once you have read the instructions, you will be able to proceed to the ALEKS platform and follow the prompts to register using your UWM ePanther ID and password, the same one you use to log into your PAWS account.
• It is very important that you bookmark the login page for ALEKS as only this link will work to log into your prep program. You will need this link every time you wish to log back into ALEKS.
• All test sessions are recorded and reviewed by a member of our math department.*
  • Results are only sent to your UWM PAWS account once they are validated by the math department. It takes 1-2 weeks to review and validate results.
  • If the math department finds any issues with your test session that indicate testing guidelines were not followed, your test attempt will be recorded with a score of zero; and you will be emailed a notification to retest.
• Because the program is online, you can begin the program when it is convenient for you but you should complete your initial testing at least two weeks prior to your orientation/course registration.
  • At the latest, we recommend testing by mid July (or prior to mid December for spring admits) to allow enough time to enroll in courses and prepare before any possible retesting.
• You can take the test up to total of 5 times.
  • There is a minimum 48 hour waiting period between test attempts. After your first two test attempts, you are required to complete a minimum of 5 hours of learning/practice in the platform before testing again.
  • How much time you spend prepping is up to you, but we recommend you work at least 8 hours and complete at least 80% of your prep course before retesting for the first time.

*Please note that in cases of more severe test guideline violation issues (including but not limited to: the sight or sound of another individual in the room with the test taker, use of other electronic devices i.e. cell phone, computer, etc.) the score will be recorded as a zero, and a case will be filed with the UWM Dean of Students Office for review. After that, if a student would like to request future placement test attempts they will be required to take the test with a live/in-person and approved proctor at the main Milwaukee campus or get approval from the chair of the UWM math department to test at another proctored test site at the expense of the tester. To arrange a time to come to UWM to test under these circumstances or to get approval for the offsite testing location email panthermathprep@uwm.edu.

NOTICE: By registering for Panther Math Prep your name, UWM email address, and UWM ID number will be received by the owner of the ALEKS software, McGraw Hill. This information is only shared for the purposes of facilitating your use of the software. McGraw Hill is obligated to maintain the same level of confidentiality as UWM with regard to your information.

If you have any questions regarding registration, please email panthermathprep@uwm.edu.

How do I determine my math placement?

Math placement is determined based on either your ACT/SAT math score plus high school GPA or your score on the ALEKS test in the Panther Math Prep program. If you have multiple sets of scores in your PAWS account, you will be allowed to use your highest scores to determine your math placement.

If you have multiple placement scores, you can utilize whichever method gives you the highest placement level.

Each placement level includes eligibility for multiple courses. The course you take is dependent on your major. Please consult with an academic advisor to determine which course is appropriate for your major.

*3.0 (or better) HS GPA must be on a 4.0 scale

**L&S NS 100: Math & Quantitative Reasoning Success – This course has a highly interactive format providing individualized mathematics instruction and instilling study skills and strategies for succeeding in mathematics courses.