ALEKS Placement Exam

ALEKS placement exams are used by the Baylor Math Department for placement into MTH 1320 Precalculus and MTH 1321 Calculus I.

Who must take ALEKS?

In order to register for MTH 1320 Precalculus, you must meet any ONE of the following criteria:

1. A qualifying SAT/ACT score: SAT math of at least 550 or ACT math of at least 22;

2. A score of 61 or better on the ALEKS math placement test.

So, for example, if you already have a qualifying SAT/ACT score (above), you do NOT need to take ALEKS in order to register for MTH 1320.

In order to register for MTH 1321 Calculus I, you must meet any ONE of the following criteria:

1. A qualifying SAT/ACT score: SAT math of at least 650 or ACT math of at least 27;

2. A grade of B- or better in MTH 1320;

3. A score of 80 or better on the ALEKS math placement test.

So, for example, if you already meet the first or second criteria above, you do NOT need to take the ALEKS exam in order to register for MTH 1321.

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The following links are for students wishing to place into MTH 1320 or MTH 1321 for the upcoming term:

Click HERE to start ALEKS if you are not visually impaired.

Click HERE to start ALEKS if you are visually impaired and need a screen reader.

 

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FAQ about ALEKS

What is ALEKS?

ALEKS is an online, artificially intelligent, assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know. The ALEKS Placement Assessment covers material from Basic Math through Precalculus.  

After the assessment, the Prep and Learning Module targeting your specific math skills is available for you to review and learn material, and to improve your placement.  After working through the Prep and Learning Modules targeted to you, you will be given another chance at improving your score on ALEKS.  You can work through the Prep and Learning Modules and re-take ALEKS a total of four more times over the next six months after the initial assessment.

 

Who must take ALEKS?

In order to register for MTH 1320 Precalculus, you must meet any ONE of the following criteria:

1. A qualifying SAT/ACT score: SAT math of at least 550 or ACT math of at least 22;

2. A score of 61 or better on the ALEKS math placement test.

So, for example, if you already have a qualifying SAT/ACT score (above), you do NOT need to take ALEKS in order to register for MTH 1320.

In order to register for MTH 1321 Calculus I, you must meet any ONE of the following criteria:

1. A qualifying SAT/ACT score: SAT math of at least 650 or ACT math of at least 27;

2. A grade of B- or better in MTH 1320;

3. A score of 80 or better on the ALEKS math placement test.

So, for example, if you already meet the first or second criteria above, you do NOT need to take the ALEKS exam in order to register for MTH 1321.

 

What if I have already successfully completed MTH 1320 at Baylor (or elsewhere) and now I want to take MTH 1321?

If you have a grade of B- or better in MTH 1320 (or a course that was approved for transfer credit for MTH 1320), you may register for MTH 1321. If not, you can qualify to register for MTH 1321 either with a qualifying SAT/ACT score or scoring 80 or better on the ALEKS exam or by retaking MTH 1320 with a grade of B- or better.

 

When do I take ALEKS and what if I don't score high enough to register for the class I wanted?

If you choose the ALEKS pathway to qualifying for MTH 1320 or MTH 1321, you should take ALEKS as soon as possible since it may take hours, days, or even weeks for you to obtain a qualifying score.

Don't worry if you do not achieve your desired placement after your first attempt at ALEKS.  You will be allowed four additional attempts at the placement exam with access to a Prep & Learning Module to help better prepare you.  When offered the chance to work on the Prep & Learning Module, be sure to select the course that you ultimately want to enroll in. You will have to wait 24 hours before attempting the placement exam again, and during that time you will have to work for 3 hours on your assigned Prep & Learning Module.  Some students will need several attempts and many hours in their study module to place in the course they desire, so it is a really good idea to start working on the ALEKS as soon as possible.

This might seem like a lot of work, but dedication and hard work in the months before enrolling in Precalculus or Calculus 1 will greatly increase your chance at success in those courses. 

 

How long will the assessment take?

In each assessment you will be asked up to 30 questions. You should plan to complete each assessment in one 2 hour sitting.

 

May I use a calculator or other resources 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, or any other resource (friends, family, internet searches, etc.).  You may use scratch paper. Remember, ALEKS is a placement exam.  It is very good at placing students in the math course that is right for them.  You really don't want to be placed in a course that is too hard or too easy for you.

 

How do I take the assessment?

Click on the appropriate link towards the top of this page, between the horizontal lines, for step-by-step instructions.