Placement Exam (ALEKS)
BYU-Idaho uses an ALEKS placement assessment to determine readiness for math courses or to meet the mathematics prerequisites for Chemistry 105, Chemistry 106, or Physics 105.
Most introductory math courses have a minimum ACT/SAT prerequisite. Taking the ALEKS placement assessment is an alternative way to meet the prerequisite, shown in the table below.
|
Course |
ACT Score |
New SAT (2016 & Later) |
SAT Score |
ALEKS * |
|
FDMAT 108/MATH 101 |
18 or higher |
470 or higher |
430 or higher |
38 or higher |
|
MATH 109/110X |
23 or higher |
570 or higher |
540 or higher |
53 or higher |
|
MATH 111 |
23 or higher |
570 or higher |
540 or higher |
55 or higher |
|
FDMAT 112 |
27 or higher |
640 or higher |
620 or higher |
85 or higher |
|
MATH 119 |
26 or higher |
620 or higher |
600 or higher |
70 or higher |
|
CHEM 105/106 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
70 or higher (or Math 110X or higher) |
|
PH 105 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
85 or higher (or Math 110X or higher) |
* You can take the ALEKS placement assessment several times to improve your score. After you take the exam, ALEKS creates a personalized study plan to help you improve. More details are below.
The ALEKS Placement Assessment
The ALEKS Placement assessment covers material from basic math through precalculus. The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. If you are unhappy with your initial score, the software includes a learning Module which helps you review and practice things you missed, so you can improve your placement. All scores over 38 are automatically reported to the university within 24 business hours. Before starting the exam for the first time, please watch this video overview of the ALEKS program (about 2 minutes). Then read through the frequently asked questions below.
You do not. This is not a pass-fail assessment. It is an assessment that will create a study program for you after the initial assessment.
Your placement assessment will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. The amount of time can vary by student. There will be a maximum of 30 questions. You must complete it within 48 hours of beginning the placement assessment.
The assessment is completed by you on your own computer from anywhere in the world. You will pay $25 directly to the ALEKS program when you create an ALEKS account. If you create duplicate accounts you will be charged to each account. You are not allowed to purchase ALEKS twice. You must complete the program within the five exam limit or six months.
You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided by ALEKS. You will be given an on-screen calculator if needed to complete a particular problem. You may not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any other resource not provided by ALEKS. Using outside resources may lead to improper placement and ultimately course failure.
You will know your score the instant you finish your initial assessment. It will be in bold above your placement pie chart after you have finished the assessment. Scores 38 or higher will automatically be sent to the university. They are manually entered into the registration system within 24 business hours.
After you have completed your initial assessment, ALEKS custom designs a program of study called a Prep and Learning Module. Use the Prep and Learning Module to review and learn. After you feel prepared, you may take another placement assessment to improve your placement result.
The ALEKS program costs $25 for six months worth of access. A second ALEKS course will not be issued if you are unable to complete the program within that time frame.
I'm ready to start. How do I begin using ALEKS?
Remember you must be a BYU-Idaho student to use this ALEKS placement. Scores will not be sent to other universities. To begin your assessment, go to the ALEKS website.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
You must be a BYU-Idaho student to use this ALEKS placement. Scores will not be sent to other universities.
You will have six months from the time that you take the initial assessment and until you have completed five assessments. Once your ALEKS program expires or you have completed all five assessments, you will not be able to purchase a second ALEKS program.
You will be required to take the prerequisite course.
No. The ALEKS test score will NOT fulfill the Foundation's math requirement for graduation. Getting a high enough score on the test may waive prerequisites for Math or Chemistry courses, but no credit will be received for taking the test.
While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete pop quizzes to solidify your understanding of math.