NOTICE: NEW INCOMING STUDENTS for Fall 2026. Effective May 1, 2026 - Students with SAT/ACT/AP scores will be placed on the basis of those scores and will not take ALEKS. If you do not have SAT/ACT/AP scores, you will be required to take ALEKS. For full details, see our webpage. Remotely proctored ALEKS will be available from May 6 to July 31. Be sure to check your Road-to-UM checklist in your application portal for relevant deadlines.
CONTINUING and TRANSFER STUDENTS - Effective May 1, 2026 - If you are a continuing student or a transfer student who has not taken ALEKS and you have not completed any college-level math course, you may take only ON-CAMPUS proctored ALEKS by appointment. ON-CAMPUS ALEKS will be available from August 10 to August 22. Dates, times and appointment instructions will be posted soon.
New Incoming Students
How Your Math Placement Works
Your initial math placement is determined by the highest available academic credential on file with the University. For most students, placement is automatic — no additional testing is required.
Placement Pathways
| If you have... |
Your placement is based on... |
Higher placement option |
| SAT or ACT scores |
Your official math section scores. |
By invitation only — for students near the threshold for a higher course. |
| AP Precalculus |
A score of 4 places you into MTH 107. A score of 5 grants credit for MTH 108. |
Highest placement between SAT/ACT scores and AP placement. |
| AP Calculus (AB or BC) |
Scores of 3 or 4 are used for placement into MTH 108, MTH 140, or MTH 161 depending on exam and major. |
Highest placement between SAT/ACT scores and AP placement. |
| No test scores (Test-Optional) |
No SAT/ACT, AP, or transfer credits due to admission criteria. |
Required: Take the ALEKS Assessment. |
Understanding Your Placement
If you have SAT or ACT scores
Your official math- section scores will be used to place you in the appropriate course. No action is needed — your placement scores will be reflected in your student portal.
If you took AP Precalculus
- A score of 4 places you into MTH 107.
- A score of 5 grants you credit for MTH 108. If you are required to take MTH151 or MTH161, you will meet the prerequisite for either course.
If you took AP Calculus (AB or BC)
- Scores of 3 or 4 may place you into MTH 108, MTH 140, or MTH 161, depending on your specific exam and your intended major.
If you don't have test scores (Test-Optional or students who have graduated from a high school outside the US, and who have not received credit in any college level math course)
Students admitted without SAT/ACT scores and without AP or approved transfer math credits are required to complete the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment to determine their math level. Your ALEKS subscription is for 1 year and the validity of your ALEKS score is for 1 year.
Music students (Bachelor of Music programs)
If you are a performance major in a Bachelor of Music program, and you have been admitted as Test Optional, you must take remotely proctored ALEKS to place into MTH101. If you wish to be exempt from the MTH 101 requirement, you must place into MTH 108 or higher. This can be done on the basis of AP Calculus scores, SAT/ACT math scores, or an on-campus proctored ALEKS assessment. Your ALEKS subscription is for 1 year and the validity of your ALEKS score is for 1 year.
Eligibility for Higher Math Placement
Math placement at the University of Miami is determined using verified academic credentials already on file, such as SAT or ACT scores, AP or IB results, or approved college-level math credit.
In limited cases, students whose academic record places them near the threshold for a higher-level math course may be invited to complete the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment for further review.
Important – ALEKS is not an open option. It should only be taken by students who have received an explicit invitation with instructions. Accessing ALEKS without permission will not affect your placement.
Your Math Placement Checklist
- Check your student portal to confirm which official scores the University has on file.
- If you were admitted without SAT/ACT scores and have no AP or transfer math credits, complete the required ALEKS Assessment. The assessment must be completed independently and in full compliance with the UM Honor Code.
- If you receive an invitation to take ALEKS, follow the instructions in the email carefully. The assessment must be completed independently and in full compliance with the UM Honor Code.
- Before finalizing your schedule, speak with your Transitional Guide to ensure your math course aligns with your major and degree requirements.
Questions?
For questions about your math placement, contact Dr. Leticia Oropesa .
For advising support, connect with your Transitional Guide or Cane Navigator.
Transfer Students and Students with Dual Enrollment Credit
Transfer students who have not earned college credit in a mathematics course, MUST either present SAT/ACT scores (completed within two years of admission) or take on-campus, proctored ALEKS to determine their math placement. ALEKS scores are valid for 12 months .
Students who have completed a math course for college credit must submit the course for evaluation. Please visit the Transfer Equivalencies page for more information.
Note that ALEKS is intended for initial placement only. Students are not permitted to take ALEKS to skip out of any math course after they have begun a college-level math sequence at UM or at any other college or university.
Math Course Placement and Equivalency Guide
The recommended course will depend on a student's major and degree program. Please see the Math Placement Guide for the course in which you are able to enroll.
Below is a list of Credit Equivalencies for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate examinations. These guidelines are subject to change at any point in time.
| Examination/Score |
Equivalent Credit at the University of Miami |
| AP Precalculus score of 5 |
MTH 108 – 3 credits |
| Calculus AB score of 5 |
MTH 171 – 4 credits |
| Calculus BC score of 4 |
MTH 171 – 4 credits |
| Calculus BC score of 5 |
MTH 171 – 4 credits and
MTH 172 – 4 credits |
IB Mathematics Higher Level Score of 5 or 6
(taken prior to December 2020) |
MTH 171 – 4 credits |
IB Mathematics Higher Level Score of 7
(taken prior to December 2020) |
MTH 171 – 4 credits and
MTH 172 – 4 credits |
IB Math Analysis and Approaches Higher Level Score of 5 or 6
(taken in 2021 or later) |
MTH 171 – 4 credits |
IB Math Analysis and Approaches Higher Level Score of 7
(taken in 2021 or later) |
MTH 171 – 4 credits and
MTH 172 – 4 credits |
Students with AP Credit in both Calculus I and Calculus II (5 on Calculus BC exam) may enroll in MTH 210 (Introduction to Linear Algebra) or MTH 211 (Calculus III) or certain other more-advanced courses. If you are interested in taking a higher-level math course, please contact your Cane Navigator or Dr. Subramanian Ramakrishnan .
Continuing Students
ALEKS is intended only for initial math placement. Students may not take ALEKS to skip out of any math course after they have begun a math sequence.
Continuing students who did not take ALEKS in their first semester and have not taken any math courses at UM or any other college or university, may take on-campus, proctored ALEKS to determine their initial math placement. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility for taking ALEKS, please contact Dr. Leticia Oropesa . For advising support, connect with your Cane Navigator.
