Your ALEKS Placement Exam
Monmouth University uses an ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine your readiness for our mathematics courses. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student’s strengths and weaknesses. After the Placement Assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics. Students can use the Prep and Learning Module to feel more ready for their first math class at Monmouth. They also have the opportunity to reassess and improve their placement after going through three or more hours of Prep and Learning.
Below are some sample problems and their solutions. This is not a complete list of problems you will see on your ALEKS placement exam, but they can give you an idea of what topics to expect before you get started.
- Placement Test Sample Problems: Part 1
- Placement Test Sample Problems: Part 2
- Placement Test Sample Problems: Part 1 – Solutions
- Placement Test Sample Problems: Part 2 – Solutions
The Initial Placement Assessment
After logging into ALEKS for the first time, you will go through a first time use experience consisting of an introduction to ALEKS PPL, a brief survey about your past math classes, and the ALEKS Tools Tutorial. You will then complete an Initial Placement Assessment.
The assessment will consist of approximately 25 problems, and most students take 60–90 minutes to complete. You must complete all questions in this Placement Assessment within the two hour and 30 minute time limit or you will lose any submitted work.
- If you log out, the timer does not stop.
- If you log back in before the time runs out, your progress will be saved. You can see the amount of time remaining in upper right corner of the screen.
- You may only use the ALEKS Calculator on this assessment. If the calculator icon does not appear in the upper right-hand corner, you are not permitted to use a calculator for that problem.
- If you need help using the ALEKS tools for a specific problem, please select the question mark (?) in the upper right-hand corner.
- Check each answer before hitting “Submit” in the lower left-hand corner. You will not be able return to previous answers later due to the adaptive nature of the assessment. Incorrect answers can be useful to ALEKS in determining what you understand, so only use the “I Don’t Know” button if you really don’t know how to solve the problem.
Upon completion of the Placement Assessment, you will see your results. If you do not see your results, you have not completed the assessment! Your advisor will help you interpret your score and choose an appropriate math course based on your placement and your major.
The Prep and Learning Module: An Individualized, Self-Paced Online Review
After your Initial Placement Assessment is complete, you will be assigned to an individualized Prep and Learning Module based on your results. Please select “Next” to access your Prep and Learning Module when you complete your assessment. This will provide Monmouth University with more detailed information about your results. You must spend at least 3 hours working in your Prep and Learning module before you can take your second placement assessment. However, even if you do not want to take a second assessment, you are encouraged to spend time in the Prep and Learning Module because time spent in ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades.
The Second Placement Assessment
You have access to one additional placement assessment. Before you can take your second assessment, you must:
- wait 48 hours after your initial placement assessment, and
- spend at least three hours working in your Prep and Learning module.
The second assessment will follow the same procedure as the initial placement assessment, including the two hour and 30 minute time limit. If you are completing your second assessment after your advisor appointment, please email mathplacement@monmouth.edu to let us know.