ALEKS Program
Correct mathematics placement and preparation are essential for your success, plus it can save you time and money. While ACT or Accuplacer test scores are useful, both have limitations that may cause you to be placed in a math class above or below your current abilities.
The College of Science and Engineering offers ALEKS, a web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system that:
- Quickly and accurately determines exactly what mathematics you know
- Provides a tailor-made learning module to strengthen identified weaknesses
- Prepares you for your upcoming math class
All students in the College of Science and Engineering who are taking their first college math class at WSU are encouraged to use the ALEKS program to verify their math placement.
Create an Account
Here’s how to get started:
- Go to the ALEKS website
- Select the option to “Sign Up | New Student?”
- Enter the course code: 9RTL6-DLYLX
- Set up your ALEKS account using your full legal name and Star ID number
- Follow the remaining instructions
There is a $25 fee that you will pay online with a credit card.
Take the Assessment
When you begin the program, you take an initial assessment to determine your strengths and weaknesses. This assessment will not determine your grade in any way.
It is important to take the assessment seriously and give it your best effort, so the assessment truly reflects your level of knowledge and math preparedness.
There is no benefit to cheating on the assessment. If you do cheat, you will likely register for a math class that is too difficult which could result in a failing grade, lost time, and wasted money.
You can take the assessment anywhere you have a computer and an Internet connection. This is not a proctored test. You take it on your own.
Find a place where you can concentrate and won’t be interrupted.
There are a maximum of 30 questions and most students finish the assessment in about 90 minutes.
Do not rush. Give the assessment your best effort. Once you start the assessment you will have 48 hours to finish the assessment.
If you don’t finish the assessment in the time allowed, you will have to restart the assessment from the beginning.
ALEKS will provide an online calculator for problems requiring a calculator.
Do not use any other calculator while taking the assessment. You may use scratch paper and a pen or pencil.
Do not consult any other source for help including friends, family, notes, textbooks, and Internet searchers.
Start Class Modules
A beginning class will be suggested and an appropriate learning module will become available to you.
You will be given a chance to work on any weaknesses before you begin class.
The learning module will be available for 6 months once you begin work in the module.
After your initial assessment you will be given a score that indicates which WSU course is best for your current skills.
| ALEKS Assessment Score | Suggested Course |
|---|---|
| 0-45 | Math 050 - Intermediate Algebra |
| 46-60 | Math 115 - College Algebra |
| 61-75 | Math 120 - Precalculus |
| 76-100 | Math 212 - Calculus I |
You are taking the correct class if the ALEKS suggested class matches the class into which you have been placed.
You may use the provided learning module to get a head start on your class.
The module will help you prepare for many of the topics that will be presented once your class begins.
If the ALEKS suggested class is below the level of the class into which you have been placed, you may want to either:
- Practice your skills and re-take the ALEKS
- Use the learning module to help strengthen your skills before class begins
- Drop your current class and enroll in the ALEKS suggested class which is a better match for your current abilities
Talk to your advisor or the Math Department Chair if you re-take the ALEKS and the suggested class remains at a lower level than the class you are registered for.
Some classes fill early, so reach out sooner than later if you want to change your schedule.
You may to continue use the learning module to prepare for your new class.
If the ALEKS suggested class is at a higher level than the class into which you have been placed, you may be able to have your math class changed.
Schedule a meeting with the Chair of the Mathematics and Statistics Department as soon as possible before classes begin to discuss your ALEKS assessment.
Some classes fill quickly, so you’ll have more options the sooner you request a change in your schedule.
Continue using the prep and learning module to strengthen your skills.
Improve Your Score
You can re-take up to 5 assessments within 12 months to try to improve your score.
You must wait at least 48 hours between assessments and spend at least 3 hours working in your prep and learning module.