Placement Exam Preparation
蹤獲扦-Dearborn requires an ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a students strengths and weaknesses. The Placement Assessment is up to 30 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the 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 improve their 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
蹤獲扦-Dearborn 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.
What is the purpose of placement testing? The Placement Assessment results will be used to determine the most appropriate courses for each student as they move forward with college coursework.
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 his/her strengths and weaknesses in math. Students then have a chance to brush on topics that may have been forgotten or havent 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 students current mathematical knowledge state so that he/she will be successful in mathematics courses. Please view Student Rights and Code of Conduct.
Using the math placement exam to skip a course, without the necessary prior knowledge or preparation, undermines the integrity of our academic system and constitutes academic dishonesty.
This includes:
- Using the math placement exam AFTER completing a course for which the grade earned does not allow matriculation to the next course. Subsequently, using the new placement score to move on to the next course without passing the mandatory prerequisite course.
- Using the math placement exam to SKIP a mandatory prerequisite course in the sequence of courses AFTER starting the course sequence.
- Using the math placement exam for any reason other than determining the most appropriate math course for a student to START with.
Such actions jeopardize the foundational understanding necessary for success in subsequent courses. We urge all students to adhere to ethical academic standards and ensure they enroll in courses that accurately reflect their proficiency. Please refer to the universitys academic dishonesty policy for more information.
Exam Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee for using ALEKS PPL? Use of ALEKS is included in your student fees.
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 access to the internet and are using an updated browser, you should not experience difficulties in taking your Placement Assessment. For a list of preferred browsers, please review the ALEKS system requirements on their .
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 30 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 蹤獲扦-Dearborn. 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 arent sure how to input an answer, or need help while you are taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment, select the Help button below the answer pallet tools. Going to the tutorial during your Placement Assessment will NOT impact your Placement Assessment results.
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. Please view Student Rights and Code of Conduct.
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 dont 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 dont know.
Are Placement Assessments timed? No, you are free to complete the Placement Assessment at your own pace. If you need to exit the Placement Assessment for any reason, you will be able to log back in and pick up where you left off.
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.
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.
Where can I see my score?
- You will receive your raw score immediately upon completion of your Placement Assessment.
- Your ALEKS score can be viewed by re-entering ALEKS using the same access link for which you took the Placement Assessment.
- After completing the assessment, you will receive an email at your 蹤獲扦ICH account with your course placement result.
How long is my placement result valid? Your placement result is valid indefinitely.
Can I retake the ALEKS PPL Assessment? Yes, you may take up to five 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.
You must wait 48 hours 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.
How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module? You will have six 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 a specific amount of time prior to each Placement Assessment to increase success.
- 2nd attemptrequired to complete 0 hours of work in the Prep and Learning Modules before attempting assessment.
- 3rd attemptrequired to complete 5 additional hours of work in the Prep and Learning Modules before attempting assessment.
- 4th attemptrequired to complete 5 additional hours of work in the Prep and Learning Modules before attempting assessment.
- 5th attemptrequired to complete 5 additional hours of work in the Prep and Learning Modules before attempting assessment.
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.
Does progress in an ALEKS Prep and Learning Module count toward placement? No. You must complete a new Placement Assessment to change your placement result. Select the placement tab in the upper right corner of the ALEKS page to start a new Placement Assessment.
Can I change to a different Prep and Learning Module later? No. You may only use one Prep and Learning Module. If you are unsure which module to select, use the module recommended by ALEKS or consult with your advisor.
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?
Course Placement Information
The results of the exam will be evaluated along with your previous mathematics background and your ACT or SAT scores (when available), and you will be placed in the appropriate algebra, Pre-Calculus, or Calculus I course. For many concentrations, completing one mathematics course will fulfill your mathematics requirement (it must be a course for degree credit, not additive credit). Other majors require much more mathematics. Please consult the Undergraduate Announcement or speak with your academic advisor concerning the requirement in your specific situation.
If you have had only one year of algebra, you will probably place in one of our review algebra courses. You may also need to take one of these algebra classes to upgrade your skills in preparation for Math 105. Algebra courses (Math 080 and Math 090) at 蹤獲扦-Dearborn award additive credit only (credit which is in addition to credit requirements for graduation, and will not count toward graduation or toward fulfilling requirements).
This placement allows you to take Math 104 (Pre-Calculus without Trigonometry) or Math 105 (Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry) depending on your major. Please talk to your advisor regarding the appropriate course to take. If you are undecided about your major, taking Math 105 will keep all your options open. If you are placed into Pre-Calculus, be prepared to work very hard; even the well-prepared students report spending 3-4 hours per night on homework. This is a jam-packed course with no time for a significant review of background algebra. There is brief, superficial coverage of some algebra topics. You should be concerned if much of that material seems unfamiliar. Be conservative about deciding to stay in the course while reviewing algebra. We are conservative about placing you into Pre-Calculus, and you should be equally protective of your own best interests.
If you have never had trigonometry, you will not be able to take the Calculus I (Math 115) course that is designed for mathematics, science, and engineering majors, You may, however, be prepared to take the Calculus I (Math 113) designed for business and social science majors. The course that you choose will depend on your academic goals; discuss this with your advisor.
If you have had some calculus and are hoping to place into Calculus II or above, you must either:
- Take the AP (Advanced Placement) Exam given by the Educational Testing Service, or
- Receive transfer credit for the appropriate prerequisite(s), or
- Contact the Department Chair for special circumstances.
If a student is not satisfied with their placement score after taking the exam twice, they may appeal by filling out the following form:
Math Learning Center
4901 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128