ALEKS: the Florida State University Mathematics Placement Test

Click this link: Accessing the ALEKS test for instructions on how to take the ALEKS placement test.

Placement Test Requirement

An FSU student must take the ALEKS math placement test prior to the first time they register for any of the following courses at FSU:

In addition, ALEKS is strongly recommended prior to MAC 1105 College Algebra.

EXCEPTIONS:

  1. A student who has earned college credit with a C- or better in a MAC course through high school dual enrollment or transfer credit may take the next MAC course in the sequence without taking ALEKS.
  2. A student who qualifies for college mathematics credit with an appropriate AP, IB, AICE, or CLEP official test score may present proof of their score in advising for math placement without the need to take ALEKS. However, entering students who will still be awaiting scores during orientation advising should take ALEKS prior to orientation to avoid course registration delays.

Notes:

About the ALEKS placement test

ALEKS is an essential part of mathematics placement for math courses at Florida State University.

Our goal is to place you at your correct starting point in mathematics -- the place where you have the necessary skills to succeed and further your mathematical education.

The assessment consists of 25 to 30 questions, and average completion time is about 90 minutes. ALEKS automatically saves all progress, so the assessment does not have to be completed in one sitting; you will have 48 hours to complete the assessment or else you'll restart a new one.

We understand it may have been a while since you took math, so you may need to refresh some topics before enrolling in a Mathematics course at FSU. After taking the initial assessment, you will have the opportunity to use a Learning Module within ALEKS to refresh mathematical topics unique to your results.

It's important that you use only the resources provided by ALEKS in order to get the best course guidance. You should not use any textbooks, websites, friends, or family, nor a personal calculator (ALEKS will provide a calculator, as needed).

ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to 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 will expose your particular strengths and weaknesses. After completing the ALEKS assessment, you will get a detailed pie chart (see below), called MyPie, of your current mathematical knowledge, and will have the opportunity to review mathematical topics in a Learning Module to help you prepare for your courses.

Interpreting your ALEKS score

Below are the courses you are eligible to enroll in based on your score. Note: ALEKS scores expire after one year, unless an exception is granted by the Math advisor.

ALEKS score Trig Subscore Course Eligibility
76%-100% 56% or higher MAC 2311 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
76%-100% 41%-55% Recommended that student take MAC 1114 Trigonometry before MAC 2311, or concurrently. Students who opt to proceed with MAC 2311 without MAC 1114 should use the ALEKS learning modules to review.
76%-100% Less than 41% Must take MAC 1114 Trigonometry before MAC 2311, OR petition the math department (email advisor@math.fsu.edu) to take MAC 1114 concurrently with MAC2311
61%-75% You are eligible for MAC 1114 Trigonometry, MAC 1140 Precalculus Algebra, and MAC 2233 Business Calculus. Both MAC 1114 and MAC 1140 are required before MAC 2311.
46%-60% You are eligible for MAC 1105 College Algebra, MGF 1130 Mathematical Thinking, and MGF 1131 Mathematics in Context, or a statistics course. MAC 1105 is required before MAC 2233, MAC 1140, or MAC 1114.
45% or below Non-remediated students can still register for MAC 1105 College Algebra, MGF 1130 Mathematical Thinking, MGF 1131 Mathematics in Context or a statistics course. If registered for MAC 1105, you can use the learning modules to get up to speed. However, you should also have a conversation with your academic advisor about math expectations and your major/career goals.

Note: It is possible to enroll in courses below your score range, but you should discuss it with your major academic advisor before doing so.

Using a Learning Module

ALEKS is not just a placement test, but also a collection of learning modules to help you prepare for your next math course. Using a Learning Module in ALEKS:

Meeting the cutoff score for your preferred course is a great start, but does not guarantee success. Using a Learning Module will increase your preparation for the course, making you more likely to succeed and ensuring long-term mathematical success. Once you begin a Learning Module, you will have access for 6 months. As you answer questions, you'll see your MyPie fill up, and ALEKS may reassess you from time to time to ensure you have retained the topic information (Note: any reassessment within a Learning Module does not count as a retake and will not be recorded in the student information system.)

If you wish to place in a higher course

You may retake the placement test if you wish. A retake will become available 48 hours after your previous assessment so you can have time to study. You must also spend at least 5 hours in a Learning Module before retaking the placement test. The placement test can be retaken up to three times after the initial test.

Speak to your major academic advisor about which math course to take.

Work with your academic advisor at new student orientation to determine which math course would be best to take in your first semester. Your math placement will be based on a number of factors, including your ALEKS score, your major and your overall math confidence.

Additional resources and contact information.