Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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- All incoming first-year students are encouraged to complete the ALEKS placement assessment,
if they would like to start in a higher level math course (up to MATH 1190 Calculus
I).
- All incoming transfer students with no prior college-level coursework in math are
encouraged to take the ALEKS assessment.
If the score on the assessment indicates a lack of preparedness for the desired course,
the student may take another ALEKS assessment. However, it is highly recommended that
students use the free Prep and Learning Module to build their math knowledge before
taking the proctored assessment.
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Entering freshmen should try to complete the proctored ALEKS assessment at least two
days before attending new student orientation, to allow their advisors to plan for
their courses. But, if you are unable to complete your unproctored assessment, learning
modules, and proctored attempt in a timely manner before your orientation, please
still attend your orientation session as scheduled. You will be able to continue in
ALEKS after your orientation day.
Continuing students who need to enroll in a math course must complete the ALEKS assessment
prior to being advised.
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It is currently FREE for students to complete math placement testing (up to three attempts at a proctored assessment). |
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Where do I take the ALEKS Assessment?
All assessments can be taken online. The first is an unproctored practice test. The
second, third, and fourth exams are proctored using your webcam and the Respondus
monitoring system. |
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What Math can you start in based off of your high school information?
MATH 1111 College Algebra: Anyone can start here, but you might be able to start higher!
MATH 1113 Precalculus: You can start here if you have a SAT MATH score of 570 or above (ACT MATH 23 or above)
AND a high school GPA of 2.8 or above
MATH 1160 Elementary Applied Calculus: You can start here if you have a SAT MATH score of 620 or above (ACT MATH 26 or above)
AND a high school GPA of 3.2 or above
MATH 1190 Calculus I: You can start here if you have a SAT MATH score of 620 or above (ACT MATH 26 or above)
AND a high school GPA of 3.2 or above
Please ensure that you register for the appropriate math class for your major. This is not the only way that you can get into a specific Math course. You might have a college credit from dual enrollment or AP scores. Please consult your major’s advisor on enrolling in the next appropriate math course for your major, if you already have a math credit.
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Are Placement Assessments timed?
The initial unproctored assessment has a time limit of 48 hours. Proctored assessments
have a time limit of 3 hours. |
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ALEKS is an online, adaptive system that covers a broad spectrum of mathematics topics.
You will see some, but not all, of the math you have learned in high school. It is
a Placement Assessment, not a preview of math courses at Kennesaw State University
(KSU). It is designed to identify if you are prepared for a particular course.
Topics 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).
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How long will it take to complete?
Be sure you are ready to take your assessment prior to logging on. Set aside at least
a 3-hour block of time in which to complete the assessment. The length of the assessment
varies by student, but there will be a maximum of 30 questions. |
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What happens if I do not complete a placement assessment in the allotted time?
If you do not complete the placement assessment within the allotted time, your exam
will be submitted and will be given a score that is approximately the same as if you
had chosen "I don't know" for the remaining questions. |
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How many questions will there be?
Students complete a maximum of 30 questions. Questions are predominantly short-answer. |
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Is there a practice test?
The initial unproctored test is essentially a practice test. While working in the
Prep and Learning Modules, you may also be asked to complete a Knowledge Check. These
can also be considered a sort of practice test. However, they are based more heavily
on your recent activity rather than a comprehensive check of your knowledge. |
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Once I answer a question, can I go back and change my answer?
No. Once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. |
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How long is my ALEKS assessment score valid?
Your placement result is valid for 6 months. Math is a discipline that requires practice. After 6 months, students who have not taken a college-level math course need to retake the ALEKS assessment so that they can be sure to take the math course that is best for their skills and knowledge. |
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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. |
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May I use other resources during a placement assessment?
No. You may only use a pen/pencil, paper and the resources provided by ALEKS. You
may not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any
other resource not provided by ALEKS. Using outside resources may lead to improper
placement and ultimately course failure. |
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How is my score calculated?
Your placement result (overall score) is a number between 0 and 100. It represents
the percentage of topics ALEKS has identified you have mastered.
ALEKS chooses each question on the basis of a student's answers to all the previous
questions. Each student, and therefore each set of assessment questions, is unique.
It is impossible to predict the questions that will be asked. By the time a student
has completed the assessment, ALEKS has developed a precise picture of his or her
knowledge of the course, and has identified which topics in the course the student
has and has not mastered.
More information about ALEKS »
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How can I find my ALEKS score after taking the assessment?
You will receive your score immediately upon completion of your Placement Assessment.
Your ALEKS score can be viewed by re-entering ALEKS and using the three-bar menu in
the upper left to open the Reports menu. |
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Will my ALEKS assessment score be posted to my academic transcript?
No, your ALEKS score will not appear on your academic transcript. |
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If I take the ALEKS assessment more than once, which score will be used for placement
in a math course?
The highest ALEKS score will be used for math placement. |
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What if I do not place into the course I wanted?
After 48 hours, you can take another ALEKS assessment. However, it is recommended
that you use the Prep and Learning Module to review and learn, and then take another
placement assessment to improve your placement result. |
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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. |
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What can I do if I am not satisfied with my score?
If you did not achieve your desired score on your first or second proctored assessment,
you are eligible to try again after working in the Prep and Learning Modules for at least 5 hours during the minimum 48-hour cooling off period. |
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What if I placed into the class I wanted?
Congratulations! Continue to use your Prep and Learning Module to improve your chances
for success. Take advantage of the targeted review and learning features in ALEKS
to get a better grade in your class. |
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What if my computer crashes while taking the assessment?
If you have computer problems, you should be able to log back into the ALEKS assessment
and resume testing. When you log on again, ALEKS will bring you to the point at which
you left off. |
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Do I need to install any software or plug-ins?
There are no plug-ins or applets required to take the initial unproctored assessment
or to work in the Prep and Learning Modules. Proctored assessments require a webcam
and installation of the Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor software. For a list
of preferred browsers, please review the ALEKS system requirements and the Respondus LockDown browser requirements. |
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