Completing the Mathematics and Statistics Placement Test in ALEKS

ALEKS is a web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system.  It uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what you know, don't know, and are ready to learn.  This means that the ALEKS assessment is unique for every student and it will hone in on your particular strengths and weaknesses.  After completing the ALEKS assessment, you will get a detailed pie chart of your current mathematical knowledge, and will have the opportunity to refresh on mathematical topics in a Learning Module to help you prepare for your courses.  

Follow the six steps below to complete the Placement Test in ALEKS and enroll in a Mathematics or Statistics course at PSU.  Be sure to read all directions completely.

Step 1: Complete a short questionnaire.

Take a short questionnaire, so we can get to know you and your math background.  Click on the link below and log in using your PSU computer account (i.e. your Odin credentials).

Step 2: Take the placement test.

This will be your initial assessment, and you will have the opportunity to retake the assessment, if necessary.  We understand that it may have been a while since taking mathematics, so you may need to refresh on some topics before enrolling in a Mathematics or Statistics course at PSU.  After taking the initial assessment, you will have the opportunity to use a Learning Module in ALEKS to refresh on specific mathematical topics unique to your results.  This will not only help you to place into your preferred Mathematics or Statistics course, but will also make you more likely to succeed in that course.  So do your best on this initial assessment, but remember that there are resources available to better your score.

ALEKS can be accessed at any time using a campus computer (lab hours will vary) or personal computer (with internet access and the most recent version of Java).  If using a personal computer, check that you meet the system requirements.  There is no time-limit, but the average completion time is about 90 minutes.  ALEKS saves all progress, so the test does not have to be completed in one sitting, and can be reaccessed at any time by simply logging back in.  If you're having technical difficulties, contact ALEKS Support.

During the test, you should:

• Have several sheets of blank paper, a pen or pencil, and a distraction-free environment.

• Not have a calculator (ALEKS will provide one, as needed) nor use any outside references.

*Note: Not following these procedures could result in misplacement.  This could decrease your likelihood of success and cause a delay in degree completion.

Click below and log in using your PSU computer account (you may already be logged in from taking the questionnaire in step 1).  If using a personal computer, ALEKS will install a plug-in, and then you will arrive at the Home Screen.  Choose Assessment and then PSU Placement Test.  

ALEKS does not use multiple choice, but instead uses input tools in which you type or graph your answer.  Before beginning the assessment, ALEKS will walk you through a quick tutorial on how to use the system, including: inputing your answers, using the graphing tool, and using the calculator provided.

Step 3: Interpret your score.

After you’ve completed the test, you will see a detailed pie chart of your topic mastery, called MyPie, and after choosing More Detailed Report, you'll see your score as a percentage.  Below are the courses you are eligible to enroll in based on your score:

Note: You will not be permitted to enroll in any courses above your score range.

Step 4: Use the Learning Module.

• If you're satisfied with your placement: Meeting the cutoff score for your course is a great starting point, but it does not guarantee success.  You are much more likely to succeed if you are fully proficient in the MyPie wedges necessary for your course (see table below).  Use the Learning Module to refresh on the topics listed to ensure that you are adequately prepared for your course.  This will make you much more likely to succeed, saving you time and money, and ensuring long-term mathematical success.  To ensure a seat in the course you were placed into, you can register before using the Learning Module (see Step 6).  

• If you're unsatisfied with your placement: Use the Learning Module to review the MyPie wedges necessary for your course (see table below).  To better your likelihood of obtaining the necessary cutoff score, you should have all of the course-specific wedges filled before retaking the placement test (see Step 5).  The Learning Module is a great way to refresh on topics you've learned previously, but need to brush up on.  However, if most of the topics listed seem like new material, you should register for the course you were placed into, so you can learn those topics in a classroom setting.  

• If you received a score of 0% - 19%:  Use the Learning Module to review the MyPie wedges necessary for your preferred course (see table below).  If your preferred course is MTH095 or above, you will need to retake the assessment to achieve the necessary cutoff score (see Step 5).  If your preferred course is MTH070, then you should complete the Real Numbers wedge to ensure adequate preparation, and then enroll in the course (see Step 6).  If you're having difficulty with the Real Numbers wedge, you should consider enrolling at a community college, such as Portland Community College.

Using the Learning Module: You can begin the Learning Module right away and up to 6 months after your initial assessment.  Once you begin the Learning Module, you will have access for 6 weeks.  To begin access, log in and select PSU Placement Test under Learning Module.  Then click on a topic wedge to complete questions from that category.  ALEKS only shows the topics that you're ready to learn, so if a wedge doesn't list any topics, it just means that you need to complete the underlying topics first.  Here are some tips for using the Learning Module.  As you answer questions, you'll see your pie fill up, and ALEKS may reassess you from time to time to ensure you have retained the topic information.

Before beginning the 6 weeks of access, be sure you have the time available for review.  If it's the middle of a term, you may want to consider postponing the Learning Module until you have the time for reviewing topics (such as during a school break).  Just be sure to begin access within 6 months of your initial assessment.

The Placement Test can be retaken up to three times within one year after your initial assessment.  To retake, log in, click on Assessment, then click on the link under Retake Assessment.  After you've retaken the test, go back to Step 3.

After about an hour, your test score will be loaded into the student information system.  Once your registration window opens, based on the Registration Schedule, you can enroll in the course(s) you were placed into.

Additional resources and contact information.

a.   There is tutoring available through:

• The Learning Center in the PSU Library, 2nd floor.  The schedule can be found here.

• The Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics and Statistics in Neuberger Hall, 3rd floor atrium near room 334 (during weeks 2 through 10).  The schedule can be found here.

b.   There are two refresher courses offered in the summer:

• MTH299: Calculus Head Start to help prepare for MTH 251: Calculus I.

• STAT199: Statistics Head Start to help prepare for STAT 243: Introduction to Probability and Statistics I.

​c.   For advice or more information, contact:

• Your academic adviser.

• Austina Fong, the Placement Coordinator.

d.   For technical support, contact ALEKS Support.

Frequently Asked Questions