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The Math Placement Assessment - ALEKS

 

Math Placement Information for New First Year Students

First year pre-STEM* students should take the free, on-line ALEKS placement exam, unless they earned a 3 or higher on the AP Calculus Exam or earned credit in a college level precalculus course.

Your ALEKS placement score is used to identify the next math class in which you are prepared to succeed. You should use only the resources provided by ALEKS to complete the assessment(s). You should not use textbooks, websites, friends, or family. Incorrect use of these resources may gain you entry into a course for which you are not prepared and in which you will be less likely to succeed and earn credit. 

Pre-STEM majors which require calculus include:  Astronomy, Biology, Chemical Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering (all), Environmental Science, Geography: Information Science and Technology, Geography: Water, Climate, and Ecosystems, Geological Sciences, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physical Science, Physics, Statistics.

 

You will log-in at the ALEKS site. Use the  Fall 24 - Spring 25 SDSU ALEKS Class Code EEV4W-KVG9X

You must use your RedID and @sdsu.edu email.

 

  • Take the exam as soon as possible and no later than July 1, to have your score available and be able to register for the correct math class at New Student Orientation.

  • Your scores will be transmitted to SDSU automatically.

  • Scores will take 3 - 5 business days to appear in your student record.

  • The test remains available after July 1, but having your score early will make registration at New Student Orientation more successful and allow you to schedule the correct classes. 

  • We know AP scores may not be available until early July. You can choose to take ALEKS while you wait for the scores. SDSU will use whichever placement is higher. Instructions for sending your AP scores are part of the Steps to Enroll.

 

 

  • Yes! You may take ALEKS up to five times.  SDSU will use your best score.
  • After the first assessment, the adaptive platform will direct you to a preparation and learning module and an individualized study plan. We suggest that you either accept the suggestion made by ALEKS or choose to aim even higher. Once you select a Prep and Learning Module, ALEKS will not let you switch.
  • You will need to complete at least 3 hours of practice to move on to the second assessment. 
  • The ALEKS adaptive learning modules can help you refresh or fill learning gaps to raise your score. Plan to spend 15 hours over a 1-3 week period to maximize your score.

For help with logging in or resetting an account you should contact ALEKS support directly.

1-800-258-2374 or via the web form https://www.aleks.com/support/form

Math First - Matemáticas Primero

What does my AP or ALEKS score mean for class registration?

  • ALEKS up to 60
  • You may consider registering for a more advanced course if you completed Precalculus or Calculus with a B or higher. Use the learning modules in ALEKS and retake the assessment.
  • ALEKS 60-75 (for most STEM majors)
  • ALEKS 60-71 (for Biology and related majors)
  • You may consider registering for a more advanced course if you completed Precalculus or Calculus with a B or higher. Use the learning modules in ALEKS and retake the assessment.
  • ALEKS 72 or higher or
  • AP score Calculus AB 3 or higher
  • IB Exam Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation, Higher 4-7 score
  • This class is intended for Biology and related majors and is not the recommended course for other majors.
  • ALEKS 76 or higher or
  • AP score Calculus AB 3 or higher
  • IB Exam Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation, Higher 4-7 score
  • If you took the AP Precalculus test and earned a 4 or 5 you are probably ready for Calculus I. You will still need an ALEKS score for registration.
  • AP score Calculus AB 4 or 5, or
  • AP score Calculus BC 3 or higher
  • IB Exam Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Higher 4-7 score
  • You cannot place into this class with ALEKS.
  • AP score Calculus BC 4 or 5
  • You cannot place into this class with ALEKS.

Learn more about the Calculus Pathway and class formats by visiting the Department of Mathematics and Statistics webpage. 

Learn more about the courses for your intended major by reviewing the webpage for the major and the MyMap plan for the major.

View University Policies for Academic Credit by Examination (AP and IB scores) in the Catalog.  

 

Is There More I Need to Know?

Students with accommodations already authorized by the SDSU Student Disability Services, can contact that office for an alternate code that allows accomodations. Do not use the code in the ALEKS instructions to register for ALEKS as you will not be able to get your approved accommodations.

Some math classes are accompanied by 1-unit support courses that you can elect at registration.  Check the catalog for classes with the same course number followed by a letter (A, S, or X).

For some students, based on multiple measures that were part of your application, the CSU recommends enrollment in a supportive co-course. If this applies to you, it will be indicated at the top of your degree evaluation, as shown below. (New students will be introduced to the degree evaluation at New Student Orientation.)

degree eval info on math support courses

 

 

If your major requires chemistry, you will need to determine which chemistry class you can enroll in during registration (Chem 100 or Chem 200 / 202). Visit the chemistry placement website for information about the on-line chemistry assessment.
If your career goal includes graduate or professional school, you may choose to take classes beyond those required by your major. The Health Professions Advising Office (HPAO) offers information about the classes generally required for medical and other health professional schools.

 

Information for Continuing Students

Continuing students follow the same instructions as  incoming students and can use the same code for Fall 24 - Spring 25.

If you previously made an ALEKS PPL account using the Fa23-Spr24 code, and have taken the first placement assessment, you will retain access for one year from the time of that assessment.

  • Continuing students can take the ALEKS test at any time.  
  • Make your ALEKS account, use the learning modules, and obtain your score in time to complete your registration goals.
  • Scores will take 3 - 5 business days to appear in your student record.
  • If you are changing majors or attempting to “jump” a class in the sequence, we recommend you discuss your plans with an advisor.
  • Use Navigate to schedule an appointment.
  • (Note: Incoming Students will meet with advisors at New Student Orientation and should not attempt to schedule appointments before that time.)

ALEKS scores are visible in Navigate on the page that lists your courses. Test scores are shown at the bottom of the page.

Scores will take 3 - 5 business days to appear in your student record.

There may be delays in score migration during busy periods, such as new student admission. 

If there is a long delay, you can contact the registrar.