Understanding Aleks Scores, FAQ

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.

Math Courses:

If you need to take MTH 131, A score of 61 or higher on the Math Placement Assessment is required. If your final score on the assessment is less than 61 take MTH 103.

If you need to take MTH 141, A score of 76 or higher on the Math Placement Assessment is required. If your final score on the assessment is less than 76 take MTH 111 if your score is lower than 55 take MTH 101.

Business Courses:

If you need to take BAI 111, A score of 60 or higher on the Math Placement Assessment is required. If your final score on the assessment is less than 60 take BAI 109 if your score is lower than 46 take MTH 101.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is my placement result valid?

Your placement result is valid for up to 12 months.

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?

No, you must achieve the minimum placement result to take each corresponding class.

What if I placed into the class I wanted?

Congratulations! Continue to use your Prep and Learning Module to improve your chances for success. The placement result required is the minimum preparation for your course. Take advantage of the individualized review and learning features in ALEKS to get a better grade in your class.

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. Include details about required Prep and Learning.

Can I retake the ALEKS Placement Assessment immediately?

You must wait 24 hours between Placement Assessments. There is generally no benefit to re-taking the Placement Assessment immediately after completing a prior attempt. You cannot improve your results by simply re-taking the Placement Assessment without spending time in the Prep and Learning Module to refresh material that you may have forgotten.

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.

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 Placement Assessment to increase success.

What if I have transfer credit for math?

If you have transfer credit for equivalent MATH course(s) and are finished with your math requirements, you do not need to take the MPA. If you have taken the MPA at another university using ALEKS PPL that score will transfer over to URI.

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 if I need accessibility accommodations?

Students with accessibility questions should contact URI Disability, Access, and Inclusion at dai@uri.edu

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.

May I use a calculator 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.

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.

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.

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.

If you have any other questions or concerns regarding the Math Placement Assessment, please contact bkaskosz@uri.edu For technical support please contact tyler_makhoul@uri.edu