ALEKS
Follow these steps
Step 1: Register for ALEKS-PPL non-proctored assessment and learning modules please click here.
Step 2: Complete the non-proctored assessment on ALEKS-PPL
Step 3: Complete a minimum of eight hours in ALEKS-PPL learning modules
Step 4: Register for and take ALEKS-PPL proctored placement. Visit this site for additional information and to register for the proctored placement. For fall placement, you must take your proctored ALEKS placement exam by August 27th.
What is ALEKS-PPL?
ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (ALEKS-PPL) is a computer-adaptive assessment system that uses intelligent software to help determine the best level of math coursework for each student.
Students who require MATH 102M or 103M or a higher math and do not qualify based on SAT or ACT score, transfer credits, or high school GPA should complete ALEKS-PPL. Computer adaptive assessments like ALEKS use input from the student's performance to change the questions each student receives as they go through the test. No two students will see the same questions in the same order. This means there is no "going back" to a question that was tricky earlier. However, the difficulty of the test should adjust to the student's level and ability as long as the student provides an honest demonstration of what they can do.
ALEKS-PPL includes three parts:
- ALEKS Unproctored Pre-Assessment. This test does not determine your class placement; rather, it is an attempt to determine how much college math a student is prepared for in order to help determine what learning modules each student needs. Your ALEKS pre-assessment should be an honest reflection of your current ability so that the ALEKS system can help you improve. Do not use external resources like your phone, textbooks, or assistance from others, as ALEKS will not be able to deliver the best possible modules for you if you inflate your score and it is likely you will not see success on the post-assessment.
- ALEKS Learning Modules. These modules are selected for each student based on their pre-assessment performance. 8 hours minimum of work in the ALEKS Learning Modules are required to take another unproctored assessment to check your progress. Students may continue working on the learning modules until they achieve reach their desired level.
- ALEKS Proctored Placement Exam. After completing a minimum of 8 hours of ALEKS learning modules, students may take a proctored placement exam. The score on their proctored post-assessment determines their math course placement at Old Dominion University. Students who wish to improve their placement after taking the proctored assessment may continue working on the ALEKS Learning Modules and take another placement exam after completing additional 10 hours of the modules.
How can I prepare for ALEKS-PPL?
ALEKS-PPL assesses your skills and designs modules to improve your skills. The initial unproctored pre-assessment taken in ALEKS is designed to determine how to help you improve and succeed. Do your best, but do not use any resources other than your own mind, a few pieces of paper, and a pencil. The following tips are recommended to help you do your best on your pre-assessment:
- Find a quiet place free of distractions to take your assessment.
- Allow at least 2 hours free from interruptions to take the pre-assessment.
- Have paper and a pencil with you to help you solve the problems.
- You can expect between 25 and 35 questions on the preassessment. This number will vary because the software is trying to determine your level. The more consistent you are with your ability, the more likely ALEKS can determine your level quickly.
- All the problems will be open-answer (no multiple-choice). If you cannot solve a problem, typing "I don't know" is okay, but try your best to solve as many problems as you can on your own.
- Review your results at the end of the assessment and use the learning modules you were assigned to help you improve.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a calculator or my phone while working in ALEKS-PPL?
Phone and calculator use is not permitted during either your unproctored or proctored assessment. An on-screen calculator will be available for all students on questions where a calculator is necessary. - I need an accommodation for my ALEKS-PPL assessment. What do I do?
If you have a disability that will impact your ability to demonstrate your level of math preparedness accurately, please contact the Office of Educational Accessibility to register your legal documents and ensure the university is aware of your individualized needs. Once you have registered with the office and had your test accommodation request approved, reasonable accommodations will be provided. - What math course did I place into?
The scores on ALEKS-PPL range from 0 to 100 and a score table will be provided to you at the end of your unproctored pre-assessment. The table will indicate which class you could test into based on your performance on the pre-assessment. - I am happy with my class placement based on the pre-assessment score. Do I have to do the modules and the proctored assessment?
Yes, you still have to do the modules and take the proctored assessment. Your pre-assessment score is not considered valid for class placement. You work on the learning modules for the required number of hours and take the proctored assessment. You are likely to see improvement and better preparation for the rigors of your freshman year math courses if all directions are followed.