Class Placement

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.

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. 

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.

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

*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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

For questions about placement tests, please contact:

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