Math Placement Chart

This chart covers the mathematics college readiness requirements at Elgin Community College. ECC strongly encourages students to begin their math sequence in their first semester. Please check the catalog for any additional college-readiness requirements that may also be required based on your program of study.

Choosing Your First Math Course at ECC

This chart is designed to help you and your ECC academic advisor determine your math course placement. There are many ways to demonstrate you are college-ready in mathematics, including high school GPA, ACT, SAT, PSAT, AP credit, and transfer credit scores - outlined here. You must also understand the math sequence required for your particular program of study and/or transfer school, so we strongly recommend consulting with your academic advisor before registering.

Geometry Prerequisite

In addition to the criteria outlined in this chart, ECC’s geometry prerequisite is required for MTH 110 transfer-level math courses and higher. Any of the following can demonstrate the geometry prerequisite: 

1. Score of 22 or higher on ACT.
2. Score of 530 or higher on SAT or PSAT.
3. C or better in 2 semesters of high school geometry.
4. Score of 46 or higher on the ALEKS placement assessment.
5. C or better in MTH 097 or equivalent from another regionally accredited college.
6. Score of 56 or higher on the ALEKS geometry assessment.
7. C or better in a High School Transition to college algebra course.
8. C or better in a 4th-year math course with an unweighted high school cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale based on six semesters.

Do Math Placement Scores Expire?

ACT, SAT, PSAT, and ALEKS test scores are valid for two years from the date of the test. Transitional math course eligibility expires 18 months after the course is completed.

If you have not enrolled in your first math course within two years after taking the ALEKS math placement assessment, you must take the ALEKS placement assessment again to enroll in a math course. Once enrolled in a math course at ECC, you will not be eligible to retake the placement assessment unless you earn an A in your first math course. If you return to ECC after several years, you may continue the math sequence started or appeal to take the math placement assessment.

ALEKS Placement Assessment

If you do not meet the above criteria, you must take the ALEKS placement assessment to determine your first math course at ECC.

ALEKS Math Placement Assessment Preparation

Preparing for your ALEKS math assessment is essential. You have several options:

• Check out the free trial before taking the assessment for the first time at aleks.com/free_trial. You will register as a student and choose the math level you studied in high school. You should complete the free ALEKS trial before you take the actual ALEKS placement for the first time.

ALEKS is designed to be taken multiple times to allow you to brush up and provide the best possible placement. However, you must wait at least 24 hours between attempts and complete the required prep and learning modules between attempts. Learn more about ALEKS.

Accessing Your Math Placement Scores

Your ALEKS score will be sent to you after you complete the assessment. Scores are also available on accessECC through the self-service app. The test summary is located within the academic planning section.