University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

• 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.
• After you register, please be sure to update your preferred email address in your ALEKS account under “Settings”. Directions on updating your email address can be found in the registration instructions.
• 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.
• Because the program is online, you can begin the program when it is convenient for you but we recommend starting the program prior to mid July (or prior to mid December for spring admits) to allow enough time to prepare before retesting.
• It is important that you follow the correct link below for registration instructions.
  • Instructions for Milwaukee main campus students
  • Instructions for branch campus Waukesha and Washington County students

PLEASE NOTE: 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 of at least 30 on the mathematics placement test.

Again, keep in mind that your particular major may require you to complete additional math courses above and beyond this requirement.

Math placement is determined based on either your ACT/SAT math score 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

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.