Below you will find answers to many frequently asked questions about the ALEKS Placement, Prep, and Learning system (ALEKS PPL) used by SPU for Mathematics Placement.
What is ALEKS PPL?
ALEKS PPL is an online, adaptive math placement, preparation, and learning system used to assess readiness for college-level mathematics and statistics courses. ALEKS PPL covers a broad spectrum of mathematics topics. The length of the Placement Assessment will vary, but can be up to 30 questions. You will see some, but not all, of the math you have learned in high school. After you take your first Placement Assessment, you will have the opportunity to review and master additional topics to reassess and improve your placement.How long will the Placement Assessment take to complete? Is there a time limit?
Most students take between 60 and 90 minutes to complete the Placement Assessment. There is a maximum time limit of 3 hours.What Topics Are Covered?
- Real numbers (including fractions, integers, and percentages)
- Equations and inequalities (including linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations)
- Linear and quadratic functions (including graphs and functions, linear functions, and parabolas)
- Exponents and polynomials (including integer exponents, polynomial arithmetic, factoring, and polynomial equations)
- rational expressions (including rational equations and rational functions
- Radical expressions (including higher roots and rational exponents)
- Exponentials and logarithms (including function compositions and inverse functions, properties of logarithms, and logarithmic equations)
- Geometry and trigonometry (including perimeter, area, and volume, coordinate geometry, trigonometric functions, and identities and equations)
What is the format of the questions on ALEKS?
ALEKS is not a multiple-choice Placement Assessment. It is open-response and requires you to work out solutions with a paper and pencil, then enter them into ALEKS. Be sure to have scratch paper with you.What materials do I need when I take a Placement Assessment?
The only materials that you will need are pencil or pen and scratch paper. Calculators are not permitted. ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator, if you need one to complete a particular problem.Can I use a calculator for the ALEKS Placement Assessment?
No. ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator, if you need one to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator. Be honest about your skill level. There is no benefit to cheating on the placement assessment – the result could be that you are placed into a class that is too difficult for your current level of mathematical knowledge, with a high potential for failure. Therefore, while you are taking the assessment, do not consult any other source for help (friends, family, internet searches, etc.). The purpose of the placement assessment is to give an accurate measure of your current mathematical skills so that you will be successful in your mathematics courses.May I use other resources during a Placement Assessment?
You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided within ALEKS. You should not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any other resource not provided by ALEKS. Using outside resources will lead to improper placement and potentially course failure.Can I practice using the ALEKS input tools before I begin the Placement Assessment?
ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial to make sure you are comfortable with the math palette tools before your Placement Assessment begins. The tutorial shows you how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator, and how to graph. If you aren't sure how to input an answer, or need help while you are taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment, select the Help button below the answer pallet tools. Going to the tutorial during your Placement Assessment will NOT impact your Placement Assessment results.
Is there a fee for using ALEKS PPL?
Use of ALEKS is included in your student fees.Can I review a question or change an answer after I've submitted it?
Because ALEKS is adaptive, once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. Be sure to carefully check your answer before submitting your response.What if I see questions I don't know?
It is likely that you will be asked questions on material you have not yet learned. On such questions it is appropriate to answer, I don't know. On any question that you have familiarity with, however, it is important to do your best. I don't know is interpreted by ALEKS to mean that you do not know how to solve the topic, and this will be reflected in the Placement Assessment results. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the Placement Assessment, it only helps ALEKS understand what you know and don't know.Can I retake the ALEKS PPL Assessment if I don't score high enough the first time?
Yes, you are allowed up to a maximum of five attempts on the Placement Assessments. Your highest score will be used for math placement. ALEKS also provides adaptive Prep and Learning Modules that you can utilize before retaking the Placement Assessment so that you can improve your skills. An individualized study plan will be created based on your performance on the Initial Placement Assessment. ALEKS will identify what you know and what you are ready to learn next so you can brush up on lost knowledge.