ALEKS Math Placement Assessment
One way you can find the right math placement is the ALEKS Placement Assessment. ALEKS covers material from Basic Math through Precalculus and will take approximately 90 minutes to complete.
After you do the assessment, you'll receive a score, that will relate to a level of math placement.
A few tips on using ALEKS
Relax. This is an "assessment," NOT A TEST. ALEKS will NOT assign you a grade, and you can't fail. At the end of the ALEKS Placement Assessment, you will have a much better sense of your strengths and growth areas in math. You will then have a chance to grow where you're willing to work.
Give yourself the best chance. Take the assessment seriously and give it an honest effort. That way, the assessment truly reflects your level of knowledge and math preparedness. Set aside a couple of hours, find a quiet space, and have paper and pencil or pen. Ask others to give you space and time to do your best.
Be honest about where you currently are. There is no benefit to "cheating" on the placement assessment. The only reward will be that you will be registered into a class that is too difficult for you right now. So, don't get help from others (friends, family, internet searches, chats or AI, etc.). The purpose of the placement assessment is to give an accurate measure of your current math skills so that you will be the most successful you can be in your math courses.
After the Assessment: Prep and Learning Modules
These modules provide a personalized learning path and opportunity to refresh, remediate, and learn new topics to achieve a higher course placement.
After the Assessment, a targeted Prep and Learning Module is available for you to review concepts that you might have missed and to assist you in mastering this material. There are five possible Prep and Learning Modules that students can use to prepare for future Placement Assessments and for their courses:
1. Prep for Beginning Algebra
2. Prep for Intermediate Algebra
3. Prep for College Algebra
4. Prep for PreCalculus
5. Prep for Calculus
You will have the opportunity to enter one of these Modules. ALEKS will inform you as to which one would be the right match for you.
ALEKS is a valuable tool for students to improve their readiness for college mathematics and improve their course outcomes: Time spent in ALEKS will better prepare you for your upcoming course and ultimately lead to better grades in your mathematics course work. The time and energy spent with the Module will pay off with greater mastery of concepts and skills, and increased confidence in your abilities.
You will have access to the Prep and Learning Modules for 12 months after your initial Assessment.
Improving your placement
If you think you can do better after doing the ALEKS assessment, you have the opportunity. You can also use ALEKS to improve the placement you may have from transfer, ACT, SAT or AP scores.
After the assessment, some Prep and Learning modules will be suggested for you. These modules are adapted to your assessment results. You can work on the concepts where you need to review and practice. After 3 hours of practice in ALEKS, and a 48 hour break from your first time doing ALEKS, you can try again.
We'll always accept your highest placement, so there's no risk to trying again. You can't place lower than you did the first time or from other placement info.
ALEKS Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for using ALEKS?
As an incoming student, there is no additional cost to using ALEKS. You have access to ALEKS for 12 months. If you want to re-take ALEKS after 12 months, there is a fee for using it later. As of 2024, the fee is $15.
Must I use the ALEKS Placement Assessment?
It depends. If you have not provided Xavier with other math placement info (transfer of college-level credit, ACT, SAT, or AP test), then you will need to use ALEKS to find your right math placement.
If you have provided Xavier with any of these other data points, then you do not have to use ALEKS. But you may opt in if you want to improve the placement or practice your math skills.
Can I retake the ALEKS Placement Assessment?
Yes, you may take up to 5 placement assessments in 12 months. You will need at least a 48-hour break between uses of the ALEKS placement assessment, and you'll need to spend at least 3 hours working on the Prep and Learning Modules to unlock a new opportunity to use the assessment.
Are placement assessments timed?
No, you are free to complete the assessment at your own pace.
How long will a placement assessment take to complete?
Placement assessments require approximately 90 minutes to complete, but the amount of time will vary by student. There will be a maximum of 30 questions.
May I use a calculator while using ALEKS?
ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator.
May I use any other resources during a placement assessment?
You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided by ALEKS. You may not receive help from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any other resource not provided by ALEKS. Using outside resources may lead to your improper placement and ultimately, a low chance of success in math.
What is my placement result?
Your placement result is your percentage mastery on the best one of the assessments you complete. See here for placement information.
How long is my placement result valid?
Your placement result is valid for 12 months.
Can I practice using ALEKS before I begin placement?
ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial before your placement begins.
How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module?
You will have 12 months of access from the time that you start using your Prep and Learning module.
Is there an additional fee for my Prep and Learning Module?
No. Access to a Prep and Learning Module is included along with up to 5 placement assessments.
What are ALEKS Progress Assessments?
While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete progress assessments to solidify your gains in knowledge.
Does progress in an ALEKS Prep and Learning Module count toward placement?
No, you must complete a new placement assessment to change your placement result. Click on the placement tab on the upper right of the page from within ALEKS. Only your placement assessment results will be used for course placement.
Can I change to a different Prep and Learning Module later?
No, you may only use the Prep and Learning Module assigned to you. It is chosen for you in order that you may review your algebraic and graphical skills at a level appropriate for the one you have demonstrated in your initial assessment. However, it also provides you the opportunity, should you master the material in this module, to be reassessed and raise your placement level. In this way, you may begin your college mathematics education with a more advanced course than the one you initially were placed into.
What if I do not place into the course I wanted?
You can use your Prep and Learning Module to review and learn, and you may take another placement assessment to improve your placement result.
I did not place into the class I wanted. Can I take it anyway?
No, you must achieve the minimum placement result to take each corresponding class. Alternatively, you can successfully complete the prerequisite mathematics course or courses at XU established by the curriculum for your major or program of study.
What if I placed into the class I wanted?
Congratulations! Continue to use your Prep and Learning Module to improve your chances for success. The placement result you receive is the minimum preparation required for your course! Take advantage of the targeted review and learning features in ALEKS to get a better grade in your class.
Where can I get help with ALEKS?