Math Placement for New Students

This is a “Placement Assessment,” not a test. The difference is that a Placement Assessment is designed to determine what a student knows and what a student needs to work on. At the end of the ALEKS PPL Assessment, a student will have a much better sense of their strengths and weaknesses in math. Students then have a chance to brush up on topics that may have been forgotten or haven’t been practiced for some time.

Be honest. It is important that the Placement Assessment is taken seriously and each student gives it an honest effort so that the Placement Assessment truly reflects their current level of knowledge and math preparedness. There is no benefit to cheating on the Placement Assessment – the only result will be that a student enrolls in a class that is too difficult, or not challenging enough, potentially costing time and money. Therefore, while taking the Placement Assessment, students should not consult any outside sources for help (friends/family, internet searches, textbooks, notes, calculators, etc...). The purpose of the Placement Assessment is to give an accurate measure of a student’s current mathematical knowledge state so that they will be successful in mathematics courses. Grand View’s Academic Honesty Statement is available for review in myGVU.

You may use scratch paper to work through problems, but no calculators are allowed. If you need a calculator, ALEKS will provide one on the screen for you.

You will be able to use your Grand View SSO (Single Sign-On) through the following link. You will need to download the LockDown Browser in the instructions before starting.

Start Aleks Placement

Have a Question? I can help!

Luke Bennett
Professor of Mathematics & Department Chair
515-263-2875
lbennett @ grandview.edu

 

ALEKS Math Placement FAQ

Who has to take the ALEKS PPL Assessment?

All students who wish to take any Math course except Math 096 or Math 105. Note: Taking ALEKS PPL will only help us determine the proper course for you to take. There is no penalty to take ALEKS.

If you have taken ALEKS Math Placement from another institution, you may send those results to us and we will accept that score and place you into our courses using our chart.
When do I take the ALEKS PPL Assessment?
It is most beneficial to take ALEKS PPL Assessment by May 15. You should for sure take it before your Orientation day.
Where can I take my Placement Assessment?
  • You may take your first ALEKS PPL anywhere with an internet connection and using a device that has a keyboard.
  • If you choose retake the ALEKS PPL, then you will contact the Math Department Chair, Luke Bennett (lbennett@grandview.edu) to set up a time to take it in a proctored environment.
  • We reserve the right to require a student to take a Placement Assessment in a proctored environment.
Why must I take the ALEKS PPL Assessment?
The Placement Assessment is used to determine the mathematics course in which you will have the greatest success. Upon completion of the Placement Assessments, your scores will be available to your academic advisor. Your advisor will review your scores and help make appropriate recommendations for course registration.
What topics are covered during the ALEKS PPL Assessment?
ALEKS PPL is an online, adaptive system that covers a broad spectrum of mathematics topics. The length of the Placement Assessment will vary, but is usually 25 questions. 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 Grand View University. It is designed to identify if you are prepared for a particular course. After you take your first Placement Assessment, you will have the opportunity to review and master additional topics to reassess and improve your placement. To see a list of all possible topics covered, visit the ALEKS website.
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.
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. The questions are adaptive to fit your skill level based on correctness of previous questions.
May I use a calculator while using ALEKS?
You may not use a calculator on ALEKS. If there is a problem where a calculator is necessary, ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator that you may use.
May I use any 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. It is also a violation of Grand View University’s academic honesty policy.
Can I review a question after I've answered 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.
Are Placement Assessments timed?
No, you are free to complete the Placement Assessment at your own pace. The system will allow you to access your Placement Assessment for 24 hours. If you need to exit the Placement Assessment for any reason, you will be able to log back in and pick up where you left off.
What happens if I do not complete a Placement Assessment in the allotted time?
If the Placement Assessment is unproctored, you will have to restart the Placement Assessment. If the incomplete Placement Assessment is proctored and timed, you will be given a placement result, but it will not be a true reflection of your abilities.

Placement Result

What is my placement result?

Your placement result (overall score) is a number between 0 and 100. It represents the percentage of topics ALEKS has identified you have mastered.

Course placement is determined as follows:

Course # Course Name ALEKS Score Range
Math 096 Introductory & Intermediate Algebra 0-30
Math 105 Contemporary Mathematical Literacy
Math 095 Intermediate Algebra 31-45
Stat/BSAD/PSYC 239 Statistics for Social Sciences
Stat 241 Principles of Statistics
Math 1116 Finite Mathematics 46-60
Math 121 College Algebra
Math 145 Mathematics for the Elementary Teacher I
CPSC 241 Computer Science I
Math 122 Trigonometry 61-75
Math 212 Applied Calculus
Stat 261 Applied Statistics
Math 231 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I 76-100
Where can I see my score?
  • You will receive your score immediately upon completion of your Placement Assessment.
  • Your ALEKS score can be viewed by re-entering ALEKS using the same access link for which you took the Placement Assessment.
What if I do not place into the course I wanted?
This is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Prep and Learning Modules offered within ALEKS PPL. 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.
I did not place into the class I wanted. Can I take it anyway?
Your academic advisor can help with this. You may also find this information in the catalog.
Which math course is required for my program?
Your academic advisor can help with this. You may also find this information in the catalog.
What if I placed into the class I wanted?
Congratulations! There is nothing else you need to do.
Can I retake the ALEKS PPL Assessment?

Yes, you may take up to 5 Placement Assessments. However, to make each attempt worthwhile, it is important that you spend time working in your ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between Placement Assessments so that you can improve your skills. After each attempt, you will need to spend a minimum of 5 hours in the Prep and Learning Modules before you can retake. Each retake will be in a proctored environment, so contact the Math Department Chair, Luke Bennett (lbennett@grandview.edu) to set this up.
Can I retake the ALEKS Placement Assessment immediately?
You must wait 48 hours between Placement Assessments. You must also spend at least 5 hours in the ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules. Retaking the ALEKS placement must be done on Grand View’s campus and will be in a proctored setting. You can set this up by contacting the Math Department Chair, Luke Bennett (lbennett@grandview.edu).

Prep and Learning Materials

How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module?
You will have six months of access to your Prep and Learning module. Access to the prep course will not begin until you select start on the top of your screen. DO NOT select into the Prep and Learning Module until you are ready to start working.
Is there an additional fee for my Prep and Learning Module?
Access to a Prep and Learning Module is included along with the additional Placement Assessments.
Must I work in my ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between Placement Assessments?
You can retake the Placement assessment up to four additional times to improve your score. (The highest score will be used for math placement). Students are required to work in the Prep and Learning Modules for a minimum of 5 hours prior to each retake of the Placement Assessment to increase success.
What are ALEKS Knowledge Checks?
While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete a Knowledge Check to make sure you have mastered the topics you gained in Learning Mode. If you do not show mastery during the Knowledge Check, the topics will be added back into your Learning Pie so you can review them again.
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. Select the placement tab in the upper right corner of the ALEKS page to start a new Placement Assessment.
Can I change to a different Prep and Learning Module later?
No. You may only use one Prep and Learning Module. If you are unsure which module to select, use the module recommended by ALEKS or consult with your advisor.

Technical Support

What do I do if my web browser gets stuck or my computer crashes while I'm taking the Placement Assessment?
Simply close the browser, or log out and log back in. ALEKS will resume the Placement Assessment exactly where you left off, with no loss of your previous answers.
Where can I get help with ALEKS?

http://www.aleks.com/faqs/technical

http://support.aleks.com/assess_placement