Math Placement

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University requires an ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine student readiness for mathematics courses. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student’s strengths and weaknesses. The Placement Assessment is up to 25 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the initial Placement Assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics. Students then have the opportunity to reassess and retake the assessment up to 4 additional times to improve their math placement.

ALEKS consists of three parts:

• An Initial Placement Assessment
• The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review
• Access to 4 additional Placement Assessments

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University encourages each student to spend time in the Prep and Learning Module, even if the desired score is achieved, because time spent in ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades. In order to retake the assessment, students must use the Prep and Learning modules for at least 5 hours between attempts.

What is the purpose of placement testing? The Placement Assessment results will be used to determine the most appropriate math courses for each student as they move forward with college coursework. After taking a Placement Assessment, students should meet with their advisor to review their results and enroll in the best math classes based on their scores.

This is a “Placement Assessment,” not a test. The difference is that a Placement Assessment is designed to determine what a student knows and what a student needs to work on. At the end of the ALEKS PPL Assessment, a student will have a much better sense of their strengths and weaknesses in math. Students then have a chance to brush on topics that may have been forgotten or haven’t been practiced for some time.

Be honest. It is important that the Placement Assessment is taken seriously and each student gives it an honest effort so that the Placement Assessment truly reflects their current level of knowledge and math preparedness. There is no benefit to cheating on the Placement Assessment – the only result will be that a student enrolls in a class that is too difficult, or not challenging enough, potentially costing time and money. Therefore, while taking the Placement Assessment, students should not consult any outside sources for help (friends/family, internet searches, textbooks, notes etc.) The purpose of the Placement Assessment is to give an accurate measure of a student’s current mathematical knowledge so that s/he will be successful in mathematics courses. Please review the NC A&T State University Code of Student Conduct: https://www.ncat.edu/campus-life/pdfs/2022-2023-student-conduct-handbook.pdf.

Who should take the Placement Assessment? All incoming freshmen and new transfer students who are not placed into their first required math course of their majors should take the ALEKS placement assessment. If you are not sure which math course your major is required to take in your first semester of matriculation, please contact your academic advisor or department chair.

After taking the Placement Assessment and initially enrolling in a math course, you may earn placement in a higher level math course through AP calculus exam scores or transfer credit. However, not taking the Placement Assessment and instead waiting for transfer credit or AP credit to post to your account means possibly not enrolling in a math class until July or August when available seats can be scarce.

Thus, even if you anticipate this situation occurring, you should still plan on taking the Placement Assessment to avoid delays in enrolling in a math course. Once your AP credit or transfer credit posts to your account, you will be able to adjust your schedule accordingly.

How do I take the Placement Assessment? Using the link below, you will be asked to log in with your NCA&T email address and password and will be taken to the placement assessment in ALEKS. There is a short practice tutorial before your assessment begins. You may have up to 5 attempts, but between attempts there is a 48 hour ‘cool-off’ period when you will be unable to access the test. Between attempts you must also use the Prep and Learning Modules for 5 hours between two consecutive attempts. More FAQs about the ALEKS placement assessment are found below.

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Why must I take the ALEKS PPL Assessment? The Placement Assessment is used to determine the mathematics course in which you will have the greatest success. Upon completion of the ALEKS Placement Assessments, your scores are made available to your academic department and advisor. Your advisor will review your scores and help make appropriate recommendations for course registration.

Who has to take the ALEKS PPL Assessment? All incoming freshmen and transfer students who are not placed into their first math courses required of their majors must take the ALEKS PPL Assessment.

When do I take the ALEKS PPL Assessment? In order to enroll in a math course, you must have completed the ALEKS PPL Assessment and qualified for the course. Enrollment begins in your new student orientation in June or July so we recommend you to complete your Placement Assessments a few weeks prior to your registered new student orientation, allowing yourself enough time to retake it as necessary.

Is there a fee for using ALEKS PPL? Use of ALEKS is free to all NCA&T registered new student orientation attendees. It is being paid by North Carolina A&T State University.

Are ALEKS PPL Assessments proctored? Or Where can I take my Placement Assessment?

• ALEKS is proctored digitally using Respondus LockDown Browser with Respondus LockDown Monitor.
• When a student begins a Placement Assessment requiring Respondus LockDown Browser with Respondus LockDown Monitor for the first time, the student will be prompted to download the custom ALEKS LockDown Browser with LockDown Monitor. ALEKS will walk the student through the proctoring process.
• ALEKS assessments can be taken on any PC or Mac with a webcam and internet connection. The assessment cannot be taken on a tablet or Chromebook. You can find specific system requirements, download the Respondus browser and check your setup and installation at: https://www.aleks.com/support/lockdown_system_requirements.
• LockDown Browser with Respondus LockDown Monitor proctoring is available on-demand 24/7 with no scheduling required.
• Students who do not have access to a PC or Mac can take the assessments on designated on-campus computer labs. Please contact your academic department and college to arrange to take your ALEKS assessments in a designated on-campus computer lab prior coming to your registered new student orientation.

Do I need to install any software or plug-ins prior to taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment? No. There are no required plug-ins or applets required with your use of ALEKS PPL. As long as you have the Respondus LockDown Browser installed in your computer, and have access to the internet, you should not experience difficulties in taking your Placement Assessment. 

What topics are covered during the ALEKS PPL Assessment? ALEKS PPL is an online, adaptive system that covers a broad spectrum of mathematics topics. The length of the Placement Assessment will vary, but can be up to 25 questions. You will see some, but not all, of the math you have learned in high school. It is a Placement Assessment, not a preview of math courses at NCA&T. It is designed to identify if you are prepared for a particular course. After you take your first Placement Assessment, you will have the opportunity to review and master additional topics to reassess and improve your placement.

Topics covered:

• Real numbers (including fractions, integers, and percentages)
• Equations and inequalities (including linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations),
• Linear and quadratic functions (including graphs and functions, linear functions, and parabolas), exponents and polynomials (including integer exponents, polynomial arithmetic, factoring, and polynomial equations), rational expressions (including rational equations and rational functions
• Radical expressions (including higher roots and rational exponents)
• Exponentials and logarithms (including function compositions and inverse functions, properties of logarithms, and logarithmic equations)
• Geometry and trigonometry (including perimeter, area, and volume, coordinate geometry, trigonometric functions, and identities and equations).

Can I practice using the ALEKS input tools before I begin the Placement Assessment? ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial to make sure you are comfortable with the math palette tools before your Placement Assessment begins. The tutorial shows you how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator, and how to graph. If you aren’t sure how to input an answer, or need help while you are taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment, select the Help button below the answer palette tools. Going to the tutorial during your Placement Assessment will NOT impact your Placement Assessment results.

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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.

Are Placement Assessments timed? Yes, you have 3 hours to complete a Placement Assessment once it has begun.

Hong long will a Placement Assessment take to complete? Placement Assessments require approximately 60-90 minutes to complete, but the amount of time will vary by students. There will be a maximum of 25 questions.

What happens if I do not complete a Placement Assessment in the allotted time? You will be given a placement result, but it will not be a true reflection of your abilities.

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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.

Course placement is determined as follows:

The math course you should take depends on your major, your academic goals, and more. Please work with your academic advisor to determine the right course for you based on your placement results and these factors.

Where can I see my score? 

• You will receive your score immediately upon completion of your Placement Assessment.
• Your ALEKS score can also be viewed by re-entering ALEKS using the same access link for which you took the Placement Assessment.

• Your scores are automatically added to your student record, which is accessible through Banner.
• Your scores are also accessible by your academic advisor.

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.  After using the Prep and Learning modules for at least 5 hours, you will be able to retake the assessment.

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. However, as described above you can use the Prep and Learning modules for at least 5 hours and then retake the placement assessment.

Which math course is required for my program? You can explore degree requirements for different programs at https://www.ncat.edu/academics/majors-minors-and-programs/index.php.

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 4 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. Between each attempt, you must spend at least 5 hours in the Prep and Learning Modules.

Can I retake the ALEKS Placement Assessment immediately? No, you must wait 48 hours between Placement Assessments, and spend at least 5 hours to work in your ALEKS Prep and Learning Module 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.

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How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module?
You will have twelve (12) months of access to your Prep and Learning module. Access to the prep course will not begin until you select start on the top of your screen. DO NOT select into the Prep and Learning Module until you are ready to start working.

Is there an additional fee for my Prep and Learning Module? Access to a Prep and Learning Module is included along with the additional Placement Assessments.

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 5 hours between each assessment to increase success.

What are ALEKS Knowledge Checks? While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete a Knowledge Check to make sure you have mastered the topics you gained in Learning Mode. If you do not show mastery during the Knowledge Check, the topics will be added back into your Learning Pie so you can review them again.

How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module?
You will have twelve (12) months of access to your Prep and Learning module. Access to the prep course will not begin until you select start on the top of your screen. DO NOT select into the Prep and Learning Module until you are ready to start working.

Is there an additional fee for my Prep and Learning Module? Access to a Prep and Learning Module is included along with the additional Placement Assessments.

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 5 hours between each assessment to increase success.

What are ALEKS Knowledge Checks? While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete a Knowledge Check to make sure you have mastered the topics you gained in Learning Mode. If you do not show mastery during the Knowledge Check, the topics will be added back into your Learning Pie so you can review them again.

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How do I know what my math placement level is (or if I even have one?)
Your math placement level depends on the highest math placement level of your SAT Math score-based math placement level, ACT Math score-based math placement level and ALEKS PPL Placement Assessment score-based math placement level, and the first required math course level of your major, which are listed in two tables below.

Which math classes can I take at each Math Level?
The following table lists score ranges for four different math placement levels corresponding to four score ranges of SAT Math score, ACT Math score or ALEKS Placement Assessment score.

What if I do worse on the ALEKS PPL Placement Assessment test than I did on my SAT/ACT or on an earlier attempt?
We will utilize the highest math placement that you are eligible for. For example, if you are placed at ML2 by the SAT, and ML1 by the ALEKS math placement test, you will remain at ML2.

Which math courses fulfill the Mathematical, Logical and Analytical Reasoning (MLAR) requirement for general education?
Any of MATH 101E, MATH 101, MATH 102, MATH 103, MATH 104, MATH 110, MATH 111, MATH 112, MATH 131, MATH 132, MATH 224, and MATH 231 can be used to meet the Mathematical, Logical and Analytical Reasoning requirements for general education. Students should check with their major departments and advisors to see if they fall into this category.

Which math course is the first required math course of my major? Please see the table below.

How do I begin my Math Placement Assessment using ALEKS PPL? Once you are admitted to NCA&T and intend to enroll, you will be assigned with a NCAT email account.

• You will use your NCAT Aggie email login name and password to access ALEKS PPL.
• Once you sign in to ALEKS PPL, you are asked to answer the survey questions and go through the tutorial that shows you how to navigate the system.
• Take the initial placement assessment.
• Once you finish the initial placement assessment, the system will take you to Preparation and Learning Modules: Four modules from intermediate algebra to pre-calculus that prepare you for subsequent placement assessments that you are going to take online using Respondus LockDown Browser with Respondus LockDown Monitor.
• Make sure that you spend at least 5 hours in your individualized Prep and Learning Module to improve your placement assessment score and ultimately be placed into your required first math course for your major.

For more information about NCA&T ALEKS Math Placement Assessment, please contact:

Dr. John Paul Roop
Math Placement Coordinator
Department of Mathematics
jproop@ncat.edu

For ALEKS single sign on login issues or questions about your NCAT Aggie email credential, please contact ITS Client Technology Service at 336-334-7195 between 8 am – 9 pm on Monday through Thursday, and 8 am – 7 pm on Friday, or by email at helpdesk@ncat.edu. 

My computer doesn’t support Respondus Monitor. How can I take the assessment? If you do not have access to a Mac or PC with a working web camera, please contact your academic department chair or college student success personnel to arrange to take the ALEKS PPL placement assessment in a designated on-campus computer lab in your college. Note that the assessment cannot be taken on a Chromebook.

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.

Where can I get help with ALEKS?

https://support.aleks.com/assess_placement   

https://www.mheducation.com/highered/support/student/aleks.html