Frequently Asked Questions

If you are looking for more resources about some of our campus partners, visit our More Resources section at the bottom of the page. If you have a question that isn't listed here, please contact Student Orientation and Transition Programs at orientation@psu.edu or 814-865-4178.


Where do I find my nine-digit Penn State ID number?

Your student ID number is included in all letters you receive from Penn State's Undergraduate Admissions Office. Please visit your MyPennState account to view your offer of admission and find your ID number. Your nine-digit Penn State ID number begins with a nine (9).

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How do I access the ALEKS Math Assessment?

The ALEKS Math Assessment is accessed through your LionPATH Student Center. To access your LionPATH Student Center, you'll need your Penn State Account user id and password. It is a combination of letters and numbers: abc5123. If you need to update your account or reset your password, please visit accounts.psu.edu.

Here are step-by-step instructions to access the assessment:

  1. Log-in to LionPATH using your Penn State Account user ID and password
  2. Click on “Academic Records” from the top right menu
  3. Then, select ALEKS Math Assessment from the menu and click the ALEKS Math Assessment button
  4. Click on the words "Incoming student Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024 / Higher Education Math Placement"

This will give you access to the ALEKS Math Assessment.

Each student has three attempts at ALEKS. After your initial attempt, you must complete 10 hours of prep and learning in between assessments.

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I’m a student who needs a special accommodation to fully participate in NSO. How can I get special accommodations during my orientation program at Penn State?

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. Students who would like to request an accommodation to fully participate in New Student Orientation will have an opportunity to submit their request during the reservation process. Before you’re able to select your NSO program, you will be asked if you need an accommodation to participate in NSO. Please enter the information into that form and be as specific as possible.

If your needs change after you make your reservation and before your NSO Program, you can return to your NSO Tasklist and update your information. Note: If you were admitted late to Penn State or recently changed your NSO date and, therefore, cannot contact our office two weeks in advance of your program, please contact us immediately to see if arrangements for special accommodations can be made.

If you have additional questions about the access provided, please contact us at orientation@psu.edu or 814-865-4178 at least two weeks before your orientation program.

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I have a parent or family member attending NSO that needs a special modification. How can they get special accommodations during my orientation program at Penn State?

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. When your student makes their reservation to attend NSO, they may have the option to make a reservation for a guest to attend with them (not all programs offer a guest option). If your student’s NSO offers a guest option, they should make a reservation for you and on that screen, they will have the opportunity to describe your request in detail. Please provide this information at least 2 weeks in advance of your student’s NSO program so that we have sufficient time to effectively meet your access needs.

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I deferred my admission from a previous semester. Do I still have to attend orientation?

Yes. If you are a student who deferred their admission from a previous semester, you are required to complete orientation again, even if you completed any or all of orientation for your previous admit semester. Orientation will provide new students and their families with the latest updates relevant to the upcoming semester and set them up for a successful start. It’s also a necessity from a process-side of things, as students who defer are reset back to a paid status and move through our system to be matriculated and term activated (i.e. the process by which you become able to schedule classes and gain access to many Penn State systems).

Please visit your NSO Tasklist today to make your reservation.

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More Resources:

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