Class Placement

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  Placement Test Instructions

  SAT/ACT scores and/or placement test results will be used by academic advisors to help place new freshmen in appropriate level English, math and chemistry classes. Students who do not have an SAT or ACT score on file in the Admissions Office or those interested in improving their placement need to take a placement test at least two weeks prior to meeting with an academic advisor and attending SOAR. Students interested in taking a foreign language are required to take a placement test.

  Most students are able to take placement tests as soon as they submit an enrollment deposit. 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 either your SAT Evidenced-Based Writing Score or your ACT Composite Score. If you took both tests, we will use the higher of the two scores. If you believe your SAT/ACT score does not accurately reflect your ability, you may choose to take the English placement test. If you do not have a SAT/ACT score on file at the University, you are required to take the English placement test.

  Standardized Test Score	English Class Placement
  ACT Composite: 17 or lower SAT Evidence-Based Writing: 470 or lower	ENL 1300 + 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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  Chemistry

  For students majoring in one of the programs listed below, your SAT Math, ACT Math and/or ALEKS PPL (math placement test) score will be used to place you into the chemistry class appropriate for your skill level and major. A chemistry class placement chart is also provided below. If you believe 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 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-Science
  • Pre-Veterinary 
  • or for students who are interested in taking a chemistry class

  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 SAT Math, ACT Math and/or ALEKS PPL (math placement test) score will be used to place you into a chemistry course. 

  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 SAT Math, ACT Math and/or ALEKS PPL (math placement test) score will be used to place you into a chemistry course. 

  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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  Math

  Your highest SAT Math, ACT Math and/or ALEKS PPL (math placement test) score will be used to place you into the math class appropriate for your skill level and major. If you do not have an SAT/ACT score on file at the University, ALEKS PPL is required for math placement. Below you will find a table of math courses and the corresponding SAT/ACT/ALEKS PPL scores. 

  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 (for students entering Fall 2023 and later)  -Health Services Administration  -Nursing  -Pre-Dental Hygiene  -All majors in the College of   Liberal Arts & Education
  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	Business (for students entering before Fall 2023)
  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 were accepted for admission under the test-optional policy but would like to provide your SAT/ACT score for math placement, log in to your CollegeBoard account (SAT) or MyACT account (ACT) and request to have your Score Report sent to Detroit Mercy. This will not change your admission status or scholarship offer.

  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

  If you believe your SAT/ACT score does not accurately reflect your math ability, you may choose to use the ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for math classes. If you do not have a SAT/ACT score on file at the University, ALEKS PPL is required for math placement.
  
  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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  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 313-993-1102. 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.

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  Special Testing Accommodations

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

  Student Disability & Accessibility Support Services
  313-993-1143
  dss@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.