Calculus Readiness Assessment
Your Path to Mathematics Success at 91̽»¨
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The Calculus Readiness Assessment (CRA) is 91̽»¨'s official placement tool for determining your starting placement in mathematics. It measures your current mathematical knowledge across topics from precalculus through early calculus, and your score determines which math course you enroll in.
91̽»¨ uses ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (PPL) to administer the CRA. This online assessment system adapts to your responses in real-time, creating a personalized experience that accurately measures your mathematical readiness.
Key features of the CRA:
- Open-response format with up to 30 questions (no multiple choice)
- Most students complete it in 60-90 minutes (proctored attempts allow up to three hours)
- Provides immediate feedback on your mathematical strengths and areas for growth
- Includes access to personalized review modules for up to 12 months
- Up to five scored attempts; your highest score determines your final placement
After your first attempt, ALEKS generates a personalized Prep and Learning Module based on your performance. Working in this module before each retake builds the skills needed to improve your score.
The CRA is overseen by the 91̽»¨ Department of Mathematics to ensure you start in the right course for success.
You should take the CRA if you are:
- Pursuing or considering a major that requires calculus
- A participant in the Pre-Med Scholars Program
- Planning to register for calculus or any course that requires calculus readiness
- Expecting AP/IB/Cambridge credit for mathematics (you must still take the CRA, as official scores may not arrive before registration)
Note: Your CRA score does not affect your admission to 91̽»¨. It is used solely to place you into the mathematics course appropriate for your current level of preparation.
Complete your first CRA assessment (not the first attempt) according to the following:
- For a fall registration: Complete your first CRA attempt by June 1 at the latest
- For a spring registration: Complete your first CRA attempt by November 15 at the latest
Earlier completion is strongly recommended. Students who attempt the CRA early have time to use the Prep and Learning Module and retake the assessment before course registration closes.
Allow at least two weeks before your registration window for your results to be processed and reflected in the system. You are responsible for completing the CRA in time for your results to be reviewed and applied to your schedule.
Before starting the CRA, ensure you have:
- A reliable computer with stable internet connection
- A functioning webcam and microphone for proctored attempts
- Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox (recommended browsers)
- A quiet, well-lit environment where you can work uninterrupted
- Blank paper for scratch work (electronic devices are not permitted for calculations)
- Your 91̽»¨ login credentials
Note: If a calculator is needed, ALEKS will provide one on-screen. Personal calculators are not allowed.
Taking the Assessment
Your academic advisor will provide instructions to access the CRA through the ALEKS platform, including a link to the CRA's landing page. Log in with your 91̽»¨ credentials. No class code is required.
All five CRA attempts follow the same format:
- Up to 30 open-response questions (no multiple choice); questions adapt based on your responses
- 3-hour time limit (most students finish in 60–90 minutes)
- Remotely proctored via Respondus Monitoring. This requires a webcam, a quiet space, and your 91̽»¨ ID
- Password required: MATH91̽»¨314
- Your highest score out of 100 determines your placement
Your first attempt is a real placement attempt. Treat it as you would an important exam and prepare accordingly.
Respondus Monitoring: An automated proctoring system that records your session and flags potential academic integrity concerns. You will be required to show your ID and workspace before beginning.
Improving Your Placement
Personalized Prep and Learning Modules
After your first CRA attempt, ALEKS creates a customized Prep and Learning Module based on your results. These interactive modules help you review concepts and strengthen areas you haven't yet mastered.
Key benefits:
- Targeted review of precisely the topics you need to improve
- Interactive lessons with practice problems and explanations
- Self-paced learning that fits your schedule
- Potential to improve your placement and skip a prerequisite course
Requirements for retesting: Before each retake, you must complete at least 3 hours in your Prep and Learning Module and wait a minimum of 48 hours since your last attempt. These requirements apply between every pair of consecutive attempts.
All work must be completed through your official 91̽»¨ ALEKS account. You have up to 12 months from the time you activate your ALEKS account to complete your CRA attempts and Prep and Learning Module.
Course Placement Guide
| ALEKS Score | Placement Options |
|---|---|
| 0-59 | MATH 130 |
| 60-64 | MATH 130 or 132 |
| 65-74 | MATH 132 or 135 |
| 75-79 | MATH 135 or 140 |
| 80-100 | MATH 135, 140, or 148 |
Note: When your score falls in a range that allows more than one placement option, you and your academic advisor will determine the most appropriate course based on your intended major, academic goals, and prior mathematics coursework.
CRA scores are valid for one academic year.
Course Descriptions
- MATH 130: Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry
Fundamental algebraic and trigonometric concepts for students planning to take calculus. - MATH 132: Concepts for Calculus
A precalculus preparation course for students planning to take MATH 140 or MATH 148. Covers functions, trigonometry, exponentials, and logarithms with emphasis on combining and analyzing function types. - MATH 135: Calculus for Business and Social Sciences
Introduces differential and integral calculus through applications in business and the social sciences. Covers exponential and logarithmic models with an emphasis on mathematical modeling. - MATH 140: Calculus and Analytic Geometry
Comprehensive calculus course for science, mathematics, and engineering majors. - MATH 148: Accelerated Calculus
Intensive calculus course covering material at an accelerated pace for well-prepared students.
Topics Covered
The CRA evaluates your understanding of mathematics concepts typically covered in high school and early college-level courses, including:
- Real numbers (fractions, integers, percentages)
- Equations and inequalities (linear, systems, quadratic)
- Linear and quadratic functions (graphs, parabolas)
- Rational expressions and functions
- Exponentials and logarithms (inverse functions, properties, equations)
- Exponents and polynomials (arithmetic, factoring, equations)
- Radical expressions (roots, rational exponents)
- Perimeter, area, and volume
- Coordinate geometry
- Trigonometric functions and identities
Need to refresh these topics? Consider reviewing your high school mathematics textbooks or using free online resources before your first attempt.
Honesty and Academic Integrity
Take the CRA seriously and give your best effort. Using outside help can place you in the wrong course, costing you time, tuition, and confidence. Accurate placement sets you up for success from day one.
Cost and Credit Information
- No Fee. There is no charge for students to take the CRA. 91̽»¨ fully covers the cost of ALEKS access.
- What's Included: Your ALEKS access includes up to five assessment attempts and 12 months of access to personalized learning modules.
- AP/IB/Dual Enrollment Credit: If you expect to receive AP, IB, or dual enrollment credit for mathematics, you should still take the CRA now. Once your official scores or transcripts are processed, 91̽»¨ will use the higher of your CRA placement or your transfer credit to determine your appropriate mathematics course.
Accommodations
Students requiring testing accommodations should contact the Office of Student Affairs as soon as possible upon admission – do not wait until you have scheduled your assessment. Requests submitted at least two weeks before your planned attempt are most likely to be accommodated.
Contact and Support
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Most students complete the assessment in 60–90 minutes, though the time limit per attempt is three hours.
ALEKS provides an on-screen calculator when one is needed. Personal calculators are not permitted.
Complete at least 3 hours in your Prep and Learning Module, wait 48 hours, and retake the assessment. You have up to four additional attempts (five total), and your highest score determines your placement.
Yes. Your first attempt is a scored placement attempt, not a practice run. Reviewing precalculus topics – especially algebra, functions, and trigonometry – before your first attempt can meaningfully affect your placement. The Topics Covered section of this page lists the full content scope of the assessment.
If your browser stalls or your computer crashes, close the browser and log back in. ALEKS will resume exactly where you left off with no loss of your previous answers. For additional technical support, contact .
Yes. Complete the CRA even if you expect to receive AP, IB, or dual enrollment credit. Once your official scores or transcripts are processed, 91̽»¨ will use whichever placement is higher — your CRA score or your transfer credit. Taking the CRA now ensures your placement is not delayed while transcripts are under review.