ALEKS Math Assessment
Math and Statistics Assessment
For some students, math can be a challenging subject. Jumping back into college-level math after a lapse in time may lead to some knowledge gaps and the need for a refresher before beginning courses. Penn State has partnered with McGraw-Hill to provide a math assessment that will determine your current math skills, as well as ways to best prepare for the math courses you'll take to fulfill your degree requirements.
Before scheduling the courses noted here, you must take an assessment known as the ALEKS Math Assessment:
- MATH 021
- MATH 022
- MATH 034
- MATH 110
- STAT 200
- CHEM 110
We highly recommend taking the ALEKS Math Assessment for MATH 017 and MATH 036, although this isn't a requirement.
Once you've completed your first assessment within ALEKS, you can take advantage of the included "Prep and Learning" modules to refresh your knowledge and prepare yourself to succeed in your math and statistics courses.
Penn State doesn't charge a fee for the online assessment, and you'll receive results immediately upon completion.
How to Take the Assessment and Prepare for Courses
When you take the ALEKS Math Assessment has a lot to do with what major you're pursuing at World Campus. Many of our advisers recommend that you take the assessment immediately so that you will have a good idea what math courses you're ready for as soon as possible. At the very least, we recommend that you take the assessment 2 to 3 semesters prior to taking your first math course. This will allow you time to use the "Prep and Learning" modules as a refresher before your course begins as well as leaving time for you to take any additional preparatory courses you might need. In any case, this is an excellent subject to bring up with your adviser in your initial appointment!
Now that you have a better idea of when to take the assessment, let's look at how access it:
- Log in to LionPATH Links to an external site..
- From the Home Page select the Academic Records button.
- Select the ALEKS Math Assessment button.
Be aware that the exam typically takes two to three hours to complete.
Figure 3.6. ALEKS Math Assessment page
ALEKS is designed to help you refresh your math knowledge, not just place you in a course. We highly recommend that you utilize the "Prep and Learning" modules to be better prepared for your math course(s) and the time involved for study. Once you have completed this refresher course, you'll be better prepared for your math course.
ALEKS Frequently Asked Questions
What Is ALEKS?
ALEKS is an artificial intelligence–based assessment tool that identifies your strengths and areas for improvement relative to mathematics, and provides you with a learning environment for improving your knowledge.
Why Do I Have to Take Assessments?
The required assessment serves several purposes. First, the assessment results are used to determine your appropriate starting levels in mathematics courses. Second, the assessment results are used to identify basic mathematics areas in which you need additional preparation for college-level coursework. Finally, the assessment results are a critical first step in your education plans, laying a strong foundation in mathematics.
What Do I Need in Order to Take the Tests?
You will need
- your Penn State ID number,
- paper,
- pens and/or pencils,
- two to three hours to take the test, and
- a space conducive to doing your best work.
Please note: You should not use your own calculator. If one is needed to answer a question, ALEKS will provide one automatically for that question.
Can Anyone Help Me During the Assessment?
No. Assistance during the test is not allowed and will ultimately put you at a disadvantage by placing you into a course you aren't prepared to take. You will also be in violation of Penn State's Academic Integrity policies.
Will the Assessment Results Allow Me to "Place out of" Penn State Courses?
No. The assessment results are designed to help you start off on the right foot in mathematics. No actual course credit for any University graduation requirement will result from taking these tests.
What Does My Score Mean?
The range that you score on the ALEKS assessment falls into will designate which Penn State course(s) you are prepared to take. These ranges and their corresponding classes are as follows:
- 29 or below: MATH 4
- 30–45: MATH 21 or STAT 200
- 46–60: MATH 22 or MATH 26 (CHEM 110 also requires this score or above)
- 61–75: MATH 110
- 76–100: MATH 140
Figure 3.7 illustrates how ALEKS score ranges correspond to math course preparedness.
Figure 3.7. ALEKS Placement Score Chart
Can I Retake the Assessment?
You may take the assessment up to three times. The highest of these scores will count as your official result. You must wait 24 hours between attempts, and spend at least 10 hours using the learning modules before retaking the assessment the first time, and an additional 10 hours using the learning modules before taking the assessment for your third and final time.
What If I Need Special Accommodations?
Penn State encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodations, please visit our Students with Disabilities page Links to an external site..