UMass Boston

Assessment Testing

New undergraduate students are required to complete assessment testing prior to registering for their first semester classes.  Assessment testing includes the ALEKS Math Placement Exam and a self-guided writing placement. 

Below is an overview of the testing requirements for new first-year and transfer students.  All students should review this information carefully.  Questions about assessment testing can be sent via email to the Testing Services.

First-Year Assessment Testing

ALEKS Math Placement

Placement into mathematics courses is based on an analysis of your academic record and the ALEKS math placement exam.  Students without SAT or ACT scores on file with the University, and those who want to place into a higher level course or gain access to the ALEKS Learning Modules, may take the ALEKS math placement exam.  

To access the ALEKS math placement exam, log into WISER→My Academics→Placement Testing→ALEKS Math Place, Prep, Learn.

Placement results will be available during your registration timeslot at New Student Orientation.

Self-Guided Writing Placement

All new students will participate in a guided writing assessment, which will result in recommended placements for both composition and first-year seminar courses.

Please expect an invitation in your UMass Boston email account, with the subject line: “Guided Writing Placement – Complete Before Orientation.” This process will help you determine which writing courses you should take in your first year at UMass Boston and should be completed before attending orientation.

Transfer Assessment Testing

ALEKS Math Placement

The ALEKS math placement exam is required of ALL incoming undergraduate transfer students EXCEPT:

  • Liberal arts students receiving math transfer credit who do not intend to take more math courses.
  • Science students receiving transfer credit for college algebra or pre-calculus with a grade of B or better in the most recent semester, and students transferring in calculus or higher mathematics courses.
  • Management students receiving transfer credit for college algebra with a grade of B or better in the most recent semester, and students transferring in pre-calculus or higher mathematics courses. 
  • Liberal arts and nursing students receiving transfer credit for statistics.

To access the ALEKS math placement exam, log into WISER→My Academics→Placement Testing→ALEKS Math Place, Prep, Learn.

Placement results will be available during your registration timeslot at New Student Orientation. 

Self-Guided Writing Placement

All new students will participate in a self-guided writing assessment, which will result in recommended placements for both composition and first-year seminar courses.

Please expect an invitation in your UMass Boston email account, with the subject line: “Guided Writing Placement – Complete Before Orientation” or you can take it by clicking here. This process will help you determine which writing courses you should take in your first year at UMass Boston and should be completed before attending orientation.