skip to main content
Faculty Advancement
and Student Success
Menu

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.

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

Fall 2024 Admits - SDSU ALEKS Class Code will be available starting May 1st, 2024

You will log-in at the ALEKS site. Use the  Fall 23 - Spring 24 SDSU ALEKS Class Code QAHLA-WXTYV.

Fall 2024 Admits - SDSU ALEKS Class Code will be available starting May 1st, 2024

  • Take the exam as soon as possible and no later than July 1, 2023, 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.

  • 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. You may also use the learning modules in ALEKS to practice for your retakes:  just 6 - 15 hours practice can make a difference.
  • 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.
Instructor and advisor support related to math placement is available during summer 2023 in our pre-STEM Math Pathway Canvas HR.  Join here. 

 

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, should contact the Student Success Desk for specific instructions to register for ALEKS. 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.  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.

 

Information for Continuing Students

Continuing students follow the same instructions as  incoming students.
  • Scores will take 2-3 days to appear in your student record.
  • Make your ALEKS account, use the learning modules, and obtain your score in time to complete your registration goals.
  • 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.

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