General Chemistry Placement Information

2022-2023 Information for General Chemistry Placements (ALEKS Placement)

Please read all the instructions before registering for ALEKS Placement

ALEKS placement 1 is required for all students that want to enroll in General Chemistry 1 lecture and lab (CHEM 1215/1215L). Your score will determine if you are prepared to begin CHEM 1215/1215L or CHEM 1105, Preparation for College Chemistry. The ALEKS placement should be taken before you attend New Student Orientation (NSO) to ensure that you are placed in the appropriate course.  

It is critical that you read through the instructions before starting the placement tool as it will guide you step by step. After you complete the Initial Knowledge Check, refer to page 5, section 9, Test Results, to determine your next steps. Any placement that exceeds 2 hours will be voided, be sure to set up your own alarm/timer to keep track.

Quick links:

Who needs to take the General Chemistry Placements?

Students who plan to take CHEM 1215, 1215L, or 1217 must take ALEKS Placement 1 unless you have completed CHEM 1105.

How will the ALEKS placement scores determine which course I take?

  • CHEM 1215, 1215L or 1217 require a minimum ALEKS Placement 1 score greater than 30%
  • If you do not have a score that is greater than 30% from ALEKS Placement 1, you must take CHEM 1105 and receive a C or better or CR grade before you can take CHEM 1215 and 1215L

Why am I required to take General Chemistry Placement 1?

General chemistry, 1215, 1225, 1217, and 1227, are rigorous science courses which build a foundation for many advanced science courses you need to take in the future. The placement score will give you an important predictor for your chance to succeed in the general chemistry course you will enroll. 

When should I take the placement?

You are advised to take the placement as early as possible. The placement exam is available online. Students attending orientation should take the exam prior to orientation; you will not have time during orientation to take the exam.

Give yourself two hours (or less) for the placement test (which is called knowledge check). You should not be interrupted during the exam time and will need a reliable internet connection. Please note that the time limit for ALEKS placement are 2 hours (120 mins.) Most students spent 60 – 75 minutes to complete the check. 

Do I need to pay for the placement? What does it cost?

The ALEKS placement is free. If you experience any problem about ALEKS, you can contact ALEKS support with the contact information printed in the end of this instruction.

What are other policies I need to know about taking ALEKS placement?

Please read requirements carefully before you start the test. Violations will void the results.

  1. Access the link through the LoboWeb portal.
  2. Your UNM name and ID need to match your UNM records.
  3. All ALEKS knowledge checks (called CHECKS in this document) must be done within 120 minutes without interruption or external help.
  4. You may not use external help including from a person, a note, a book, a webpage, or an internet search while taking the CHECKS.
  5. Use the calculator and periodic table provided by ALEKS if needed. No other calculator or periodic table is allowed.
  6. You must not record or copy assessment questions in any form.
  7. The final CHECKS (which is optional) cannot be taken within 7 days of the initial CHECK. The practice of ALEKS topics is required for taking the final CHECKS. The second final CHECKS may be taken 7 days after the first final CHECKS. All CHECKS must be taken before the end of 21st day after the registration.

How do I register for the General Chemistry Placement?

You need to first complete the registration of ALEKS placement using UNM Student Number (101******) and the Registration code: GXJCH-Q9HKN. For instructions on finding the ALEKS link click on the link below. Your name and ID number must match UNM records for the scores to upload properly

Instructions for Registration for ALEKS Chemistry Placement 

What should I do after I am done with the placement?

Your ALEKS score should be uploaded to LoboWeb to allow your advisor to verify your score and provide the override. You can find your assigned advisor on https://loboachieve.unm.edu. IF your score is not visible in LoboWeb send your report to your advisor for assistance.

What do I do if I need academic accommodations?

Students who qualify for extended time or other accommodations should contact the Academic Resource Center, arcsrvs@unm.edu.