Class Placement

Academic advisors use placement test results to determine the appropriate level of English, math, and chemistry classes for new students. Students who wish to take a foreign language beyond the first level must also take a placement test.

It is important to complete placement tests at least two weeks before meeting with an academic advisor, which usually takes place during SOAR for freshmen. There is no additional charge for taking these tests. More information on each subject area can be found below.

Alternatively, you can submit your SAT/ACT score for class placement. To do so, log in to your CollegeBoard account (SAT) or MyACT account (ACT) and request to have your score report sent to Detroit Mercy. Your test score will not affect your admission status or scholarship offer.

If you have earned college credits or taken an AP/IB exam, it is recommended that you have the official transcript or score report sent to Detroit Mercy as soon as possible, before meeting with an academic advisor and attending freshman orientation. Official college transcripts should be sent directly from the college you attended to admissions@udmercy.edu. You can request AP exam results from the CollegeBoard and IB exam results from the International Baccalaureate Organization.

TAKE PLACEMENT TESTS

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    Placement Test Instructions

    You can take placement tests when you submit an enrollment deposit or complete the reply form in your admission portal. Placement tests are administered through Blackboard, Detroit Mercy’s course management software. You can access Blackboard at blackboard.udmercy.edu. You'll need to use your Microsoft 365 log in credentials. Directions for your Microsoft 365 account were sent in an earlier email. For assistance logging in, contact the Office of Admissions by calling 313-993-1245, emailing admissions@udmercy.edu or texting 313-429-0110.

    A Blackboard video tutorial is available.

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    English

    The writing class you take will be determined by your English placement test results. Alternatively, you can submit your SAT/ACT score for class placement, but if you believe that your SAT/ACT score does not reflect your actual writing skill level, we recommend that you take the English placement test as well. This may result in a higher placement than your SAT/ACT score. In any case, we will use your highest placement from any source. 

    Standardized Test Score

    English Class Placement
    ACT Composite: 17 or lower
    SAT Evidence-Based Writing: 470 or lower    		 ENL 1300 + ENL 1000
    ACT Composite: 18-22
    SAT Evidence-Based Writing: 480-540    		 ENL 1300
    ACT Composite: 23+
    SAT Evidence-Based Writing:  550+    		 ENL 1310

     

    Note:
    If you have a 3, 4 or 5 on the AP Language and Composition test, you do not need to take a placement test. Please consult with your academic advisor.

    English Placement Test

    For more information or to begin the placement test, log in to Blackboard. Instructions for Blackboard can be found in the Placement Test Instructions section above. Remember, placement tests must be completed at least two weeks before your advising and registration session.

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    Math

    Your score in ALEKS PPL, the math placement test, will determine the math class that is appropriate for your skill level. Alternatively, you can submit your SAT/ACT score for class placement, but if you believe that your SAT/ACT score does not reflect your actual math skill level, we encourage you to to also engage in ALEKS PPL. This may result in a higher placement than your SAT/ACT score. In any case, we will use your highest placement from any source.

    Score Needed to Place in Your First Math Course

    Math Course

    ACT Math

    SAT Math

    ALEKS PPL

    Degree Program Minimum
    Math Requirement

    UAS 0800*
    Basic Mathematics

    		 16 or lower

     
    430 or lower

     


    0-13

     

     

    UAS 0950*
    Elementary Algebra

    		 17-19 440-500 14-29
    MTH 1020/1030/1040
    Algebra A/B/C Modules or MTH 1010 - Algebra

    		 20-23


    510-570


    30-50

     -Business
     -Healthcare Operations Management
     -Nursing
     -Pre-Dental Hygiene
     -All majors in the College of   Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
    MTH 1400
    Elementary Functions
    (Pre-Calculus)

    		 24-26 580-630  51-75  -Architecture
     -Biology

    MTH 1110
    Mathematical Analysis I

    		 24-26 580-630 51-60

    MTH 1120
    Mathematical Analysis II

    		 27 and higher 640 and higher 61 and higher  

    MTH 1410
    Analytic Geometry and 
    Calculus I

    		 27 and higher 640 and higher 76-100  -Biochemistry
     -Chemistry
     -Computer Science
     -Engineering (all majors)

    *This course does not generate earned credits toward graduation requirements.

    If you completed math classes at another university or community college or have AP/IB exam scores, have official transcripts/reports sent to Detroit Mercy from the granting institution.

    Math Placement Through ALEKS PPL

    The ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment will be used to determine readiness for math classes. 

    ALEKS PPL is an online program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student's strengths and weaknesses. The placement assessment is up to 30 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the placement assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics. Students then have the opportunity to reassess and improve their placement.

    Note: The ALEKS PPL assessment is open through the first week of classes. After this, once a student is enrolled in a math course, any subsequent ALEKS placement scores will be invalid and will not be considered a replacement for course prerequisites. 

    For more information or to begin ALEKS PPL, log in to Blackboard. Instructions for Blackboard can be found in the Placement Test Instructions section above. Remember, placement tests must be completed at least two weeks before your advising and registration session.

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    Chemistry

    For students majoring in one of the programs listed below, your ALEKS PPL (math placement test) score will be used to place you into the chemistry class appropriate for your skill level and major. Your SAT/ACT math score may be submitted in lieu of ALEKS PPL results. A chemistry class placement chart is also provided below. If you believe your placement from your SAT/ACT/ALEKS PPL score does not accurately reflect your ability, you may choose to complete an online chemistry module.    

    • 5-Year Physician Assistant
    • 6-Year Law - Biology
    • 6-Year Law - Chemistry
    • 6-Year Pharmacy
    • 7-Year Pharmacy
    • 7-Year Dental
    • Biochemistry
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Computer Science (optional)
    • Engineering (all majors)
    • Mathematics (optional)
    • Pre-Dental
    • Pre-Medical
    • Pre-Occupational Therapy
    • Pre-Optometry
    • Pre-Pharmacy
    • Pre-Physical Therapy
    • Pre-Physician Assistant
    • Pre-Podiatry
    • Pre-Veterinary
    • Science - Undeclared 
    • Students interested in taking a chemistry class beyond the first level

    Standardized Test or ALEKS PPL (Math) Score 

    Math Class Placement

    Chemistry Class Placement

    Chemistry Placement Options for CHM 1070

    ACT MATH: 16 or lower
    SAT MATH: 430 or lower
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 0-13

    		 UAS 0800

     

    Initially none

     

    ACT MATH: 17-19
    SAT MATH: 440-500
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 14-29

    		 UAS 0950

     

    Initially none
    ACT MATH: 20-23
    SAT MATH: 510-570
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 30-50    		 MTH 1020/1030/1040
    or MTH 1010 
    Algebra    		 Initially none
    ACT MATH: 24-26
    SAT MATH: 580-630
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 51-75

    MTH 1400
    Elementary Functions

    		 CHM 1050
    Intro to Chemistry

    Four semesters of high school chemistry (3.0+)  or successful completion of ALEKS chemistry placement assessment

    ACT MATH: 27+
    SAT MATH: 640+
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 76-100

    		 MTH 1410
    Analytic Geom & Calculus I    		 CHM 1070
    General Chemistry I

     

    Nursing students should follow the chart listed below. Your ALEKS PPL (math placement test) score will be used to place you into a chemistry course. Your SAT/ACT math score may be submitted in lieu of ALEKS PPL results.

    Standardized Test or
    ALEKS PPL (Math) Score

    Math Class Placement

    Chemistry Class Placement
    ACT MATH: 16 or lower
    SAT MATH: 430 or lower
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 0-13    		 UAS 0800 Initially none
    ACT MATH: 17-19
    SAT MATH: 440-500
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 14-29    		 UAS 0950 Initially none

    ACT MATH: 20-23
    SAT MATH: 510-570
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 30-50

    MTH 1020/1030/1040
    or MTH 1010
    Algebra

    CHM 1040
    General, Organic & Biological Chem for Health Sciences
    ACT MATH: 24-26
    SAT MATH: 580-630
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 51-75    		 MTH 1400 CHM 1040
    ACT MATH: 27+
    SAT MATH: 640+
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 76-100    		 MTH 1410 CHM 1040

     

    Pre-Dental Hygiene students should follow the chart listed below. Your ALEKS PPL (math placement test) score will be used to place you into a chemistry course. Your SAT/ACT math score may be submitted in lieu of ALEKS PPL results.

    Standardized Test or
    ALEKS PPL (Math) Score

    Math Class Placement

    Chemistry Class Placement
    ACT MATH: 16 or lower
    SAT MATH: 430 or lower
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 0-13    		 UAS 0800


    Initially none
    ACT MATH: 17-19
    SAT MATH: 440-500
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 14-29    		 UAS 0950


    Initially none
    ACT MATH: 20-23
    SAT MATH: 510-570
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 30-50

    MTH 1020/1030/1040
    or MTH 1010
    Algebra 

    CHM 1040
    General, Organic & Biological Chem for Health Sciences
    ACT MATH: 24-26
    SAT MATH: 580-630
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 51-75    		 MTH 1400 CHM 1040 or CHM 1050 Intro to Chemistry
    ACT MATH: 27+
    SAT MATH: 640+
    ALEKS PPL (Math): 76-100    		 MTH 1410 CHM 1040 or CHM 1050

      

    ALEKS Chemistry Modules

    This is an online set of modules that assesses a student's consistency of understanding of chemistry topics. After an initial assessment, each student will work on an individualized knowledge path. For more information or to begin ALEKS Chemistry Modules, log in to Blackboard. Instructions for Blackboard can be found in the Placement Test Instructions section above.  Remember, placement tests must be completed at least two weeks before your advising and registration session.

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    Foreign Language

    Placement test are available for Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish. The online tests are multiple choice and/or fill-in-the-blank and take approximately one hour. Students who wish to earn credit in or to take a placement test in a language other than those mentioned above should contact the Language Cultural Training Department at 313-993-1191. For more information or to access a foreign language placement exam, log in to Blackboard. Instructions for Blackboard can be found in the Placement Test Instructions section above. Remember, placement tests must be completed at least two weeks before your advising and registration session. Testing is not required for entry into level 1100 courses.

    If you missed the opportunity to test during SOAR or when you transferred, please contact Lara Wasner at wasnerle@udmercy.edu with a request to reopen the test you need in Blackboard. 

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    Special Testing Accommodations

    If you require special testing accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility Services at least one week prior to testing.

    Student Accessibility Services
    313-993-1158
    sdas@udmercy.edu

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    Questions

    For questions about placement tests, please contact:

    Erica Harris-Graze
    Assistant Director
    Student Success Center
    313-993-1811
    grazeem@udmercy.edu