Mathematics

ALEKS PPL is an artificial intelligence assessment tool that identifies student strengths and weaknesses in mathematics. Using the ALEKS system helps ensure you are adequately prepared for your first mathematics course in college and that you begin with the mathematics course that is most likely to lead to your success.

ALEKS offers you the opportunity to develop your mathematics skills by working through learning modules that are provided free of charge. If you do not achieve your desired placement the first time around, you can work through the modules suggested by ALEKS, then re-take the assessment up to two more times.

ALL ALEKS PPL tests are proctored.  Have a pencil and paper ready (no reference material or handheld calculator). You may use the onscreen ALEKS calclulator whenever it is shown. No other resources are allowed.

Most students are proctored remotely via webcam using Honorlock extension for Chrome. If you are prompted to enter a password when you start the test, you do not have this Chrome extension installed correctly.  If this happens, use the HonorPrep tutorial to make sure you have your device set up correctly.

If you prefer an in-person test OR need a test accommodation (such as a screen reader), email mathexam@wcupa.edu for assistance.

The test is covered as part of the  West Chester University Academic Integrity Policy. If your results are flagged for any irregularity, you may be asked to take an in-person proctored exam to confirm your placement.

First-Year Students: if your major equires an algebra or calculus course, there will be a link to the assessment in your Journey. If you think you should have the link but don't see it, contact your academic advisor.

Transfer Students: you need to take the assessment if you need to take an algebra or calculus course AND one or more of the following apply. If you think you should have the link but don't see it, contact your academic advisor.

• you have not transferred a mathematics course to WCU
• the mathematics course you transferred to WCU does not fulfill the mathematics general education or major requirement
• your previous mathematics course(s) do not meet the prerequisite for the WCU mathematics course you want to take
  
  

Non-Degree students: you need to take the assessment if you want to take an algebra or calculus course and do not have credit on your transcript to meet the prerequisite. 

• For general test questions, including accommodations, email mathexam@wcupa.edu
• For help with Honorlock proctoring (you do not need to enter a password - if prompted for one your system is not set up correctly)
  • check your Honorlock setup and system
  • if you need more help, watch the How to use Honorlock video
• For help with ALEKS
  • Check your ALEKS system setup
  • Contact ALEKS Support, (Phone/Email/Live Chat)

The ALEKS PPL tests multiple levels of math proficiency. Math skills are extremely perishable. If you want to review before you take the test (a good idea!),  Khan Academy and Ed Ready are some free options. You can also use the free drop in tutoring on campus in the Math Learning Center (UNA #124). After your assessment, ALEKS creates personalized modules that you can use to review if you don't meet the goal score for your major.

Your goal score depends on the mathematics requirements for your major. Check specific degree plan requirements for your major in the Academic Catalog. When you click on the tile for your major, you will see the option to list the degree requirements. Look for all 100-level math courses listed. Please note that first-semester scheduling for incoming first-year students is completed by academic advisors. 

ALEKS PPL questions are open response (not multiple choice) of up to 30 questions. You work problems out with paper and pencil and then enter your answers. Before the assessment begins, ALEKS provides a short tutorial to make sure you know how to enter answers and how to use the online calculator and graphing tool, which come up for items that allow their use.

You must complete the assessment before you can enroll in a mathematics course. Incoming first year students must complete at least one attempt by the deadline listed in the new student portal so advisors can create a schedule. We recommend you take the assessment as soon as it is available to you so you have time to study and retake it if you don’t meet your goal.

Your progress in the ALEKS Prep and Learning Module will help you prepare to increase your score on the mathematics placement assessment, but does not count toward your placement. Before you can enroll in a mathematics course, you must earn the prerequisite score on the PPL for that course. 

You DO NOT need to take the assessment if:

• you have already completed the mathematics requirements for your major
• your major only requires a general education math course (MAT 103, MAT 104, or MAT 121)
• you have transfer credits that meet the prerequisite for your desired course (i.e. if you have transfer credit for Calculus 2, you can take Calculus 3).

You DO need to take the assessment if your degree plan requires any math course(s) other than those listed above  AND you do not have transfer credits to meet the prerequisite.

There are about 30 free-response questions on the assessment. Most students complete it in less than 90 minutes. Once you start the assessment, you have 3 hours to complete it. If you don’t finish, your progress will be reset and you will have to start again. This does NOT count as one of your three allowed attempts.

Plan to finish the assessment in one sitting. Once you start the assessment, you have three hours to complete it. If you don’t finish, your progress will be reset and you will have to start again. This does NOT count as one of your three allowed attempts.

Once you start the assessment, you have three hours to complete it. If you don’t finish, your progress will be reset and you will have to start again. This does NOT count as one of your three allowed attempts.

DO NOT use your own calculator. The only materials you need are pencil and paper. ALEKS will provide a calculator on screen if it is required for a specific problem.

Contact mathexam@wcupa.edu before you start the assessment if you need an accommodation.

Once you start working on your learning module, you have access for 12 months. If you didn't reach your goal score, plan to complete your review and retake within that year. There is a fee ($20) for access after your WCU-paid subscription expires.

No. You must earn the qualifying score before you can enroll in a mathematic course. 

Contact ALEKS Support, (Phone/Email/Live Chat)

• Hours (Eastern Time):
• Sunday, 4:00pm to 1:00am
• Monday - Thursday, 7:00am to 1:00am

• Friday, 7:00am to 9:00pm

What are System Requirements for ALEKS

• PPL System Requirements
• Check Your System Set-up