• 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.
 

Regardless of your major, all UWM students need to satisfy general education requirements (GERs) for those seeking a bachelor’s degree and core requirements for those seeking an associate’s degree , including in mathematics. The competency requirements for GERs and core requirements are designed to assure basic proficiency in oral and written communication, quantitative literacy, and foreign language. You may also have specific math course(s) required by your particular major to attain your degree.

Math placement is designed to place you into a course(s) that will satisfy the Quantitative Literacy Competency Part A (QLA) of your required GERs or the core requirement in mathematics. Completion of this requirement can be demonstrated by satisfying one of the following options:

• Earning at least three credits with a grade of C or higher in Math 103, 105, 116, 175 or equivalent courses (102, 108), or Math/Philos 111
• Achieving a placement code level of at least 30 on the mathematics placement test

Keep in mind that your particular major may require you to complete additional math courses above and beyond the general math requirement.

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.

Once you have determined your math placement level, you can assess which math course(s) you will need. The math pathways listed here are general recommendations grouped by areas of study. Undecided majors and those who are unsure where their intended area of study would be classified should speak with their academic advisor listed in their PAWS account about the best pathway for their specific academic plans. Questions about which math course is appropriate for your major should be directed to the academic advisor listed in your PAWS account. If you have not yet been assigned an academic advisor, you can email us at panthermathprep@uwm.edu.

NOTE: Students should consider each academic program they intend to pursue when identifying a math pathway, including all majors and minors.

Math Course Recommendations by Intended Major/Minor/Area of Study

Math Placement Level	STEM Pathway (Natural Sciences, Engineering, Architecture)	Professional Pathway (Business, Health Sciences/Nursing)	Math Literacy Pathway (Arts & Humanities)	Education Pathway (Education)
0	94 or 92+102+75 (grade of at least C then advance to level 20 courses)	94 or 92+102+75 (grade of at least C then advance to level 20 courses)	92 + 102 (grade of at least C = QLA satisfied then eligible for 175)	92 + 102 (grade of at least C = QLA satisfied then eligible for 175)
10	98 + 108 (grade of at least C = QLA satisfied then advance to level 30 course Math 115)	98 + 108 (grade of at least C = QLA satisfied then advance to level 30 courses)	103 (grade of at least C = QLA satisfied then eligible for 175)	103 (grade of at least C = QLA satisfied then eligible for 175)
20 or 26	105 (grade of at least C=QLA satisfied then advance to level 30 course Math 115)	105 (grade of at least C = QLA satisfied then advance to level 30 courses)	103 (grade of at least C = QLA satisfied)	175 (grade of at least C = QLA satisfied)
NOTE: Placement levels of 30 or higher satisfy the math GER QLA requirement. Some majors/minors/areas of study require additional math coursework beyond level 30.
30, 35, or 36	115	211 (or 208 for Lubar students)	No additional QLA math course required	175
40	231 (or 213, bio)	211 (or 208 for Lubar students)	No additional QLA math course required	175
45	221 (or 231)	211 (or 208 for Lubar students)	No additional QLA math course required	175

Be sure you are considering all factors, including your Panther Math Prep and/or ACT/SAT scores along with your intended major/minor, when determining your appropriate math placement.

If you received a placement level of 0 or 10, you may need to successfully complete a semester long noncredit math course during your first year at UWM. After successfully completing the noncredit math course, you will be eligible to enroll in the credit bearing math course(s) required for your degree. In some cases special sections of credit-bearing math courses are offered in conjunction with the noncredit math course, so you could do both courses in the same semester but you would need space in your schedule for two math courses. In either case, don’t worry – you will still be able to enroll in all of your other courses.

If you have a math placement test level of 10, you qualify for a credit bearing math course (Math 103) that is appropriate for some majors. If your major does not require math coursework beyond Math 103 then you will not need to take the noncredit math class, you will be able to enroll in Math 103. Please see the list of majors below whose math requirement is satisfied by successfully completing Math 103. If your major requires math courses other than Math 103, if you are undecided about your major or if you want to try and test higher in your math placement regardless of your major, you should strongly consider retesting in math.

Depending on your intended major, if you have placed into a noncredit math course, you may be paying for an extra math course that will not count as credit toward your college graduation. If you retest and place into a college level math course, you will earn college math credit more quickly, progress faster toward graduation and save tuition costs of more than $1,000 which is why completing the Panther Math Prep could be very beneficial.

For questions about UWM math placement, please email PantherMathPrep@uwm.edu

For questions about tech/IT issues relating to the ALEKS platform, please follow this link to ALEKS tech support. There are options for chat, email, or calling.