General Education Courses

九色堂 uses the  for placement into the three general education mathematics courses:

Math 111 - College Algebra

Math ACT: 22 or higher OR
Math SAT: 540 or higher OR
ALEKS PPL: 46 or higher OR
Accuplacer QAS: 263 or higher OR
HS GPA and Course Grade: 3.25 cumulative GPA (unweighted) and B- or higher in Second semester Algebra 2 or Integrated Math 3

Math 131 - Contemporary Mathematics

Math ACT: 19 or higher OR
Math SAT: 510 or higher OR
ALEKS PPL: 30 or higher OR
Accuplacer QAS: 255 or higher OR
HS GPA and Course Grade: 3.00 cumulative GPA (unweighted) and C- or higher in Second Semester Algebra 2 or Integrated Math 3

Stat 171 - Introduction to Statistics

Math ACT: 19 or higher OR
Math SAT: 510 or higher OR
ALEKS PPL: 30 or higher OR
Accuplacer QAS: 255 or higher OR
HS GPA and Course Grade: 3.00 cumulative GPA (unweighted) and C- or higher in Second Semester Algebra 2 or Integrated Math 3

 

PreCalculus and Calculus I

If your planning on taking the Calculus sequence of courses you will been to have completed the appropriate Algebra and Trigonometry courses.

Path 1: Direct Placement into Calculus I (Math 242)

Two units of high school algebra, one unit of high school geometry and one-half unit of high school trigonometry OR

Math 111 and Math 123 with a C or better in each OR

Math 112 with a C or better OR

Appropriate ALEKS Score

Path 2: Take College Algebra (Math 111) followed by Trigonometry (Math 123), and then enroll in Math 242 upon completion.

Path 3: Take PreCalculus (Math 112), and then enroll in Math 242 upon completion. Placement requirements into Math 112 are identical to Math 111.

 

Don't Meet the Requirements? Take ALEKS PPL

 

What is ALEKS PPL?

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics uses the ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses for students who do not meet the other prerequisits for placement into our courses. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student鈥檚 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:
    鈥� An Initial Placement Assessment 
    鈥� The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review
    鈥� Access to 4 additional Placement Assessments

We encourge 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 ALEKS PPL Placement Assessment?

The Placement Assessment results will be used to determine the most appropriate courses for each student as they move forward with college coursework. After taking a Placement Assessment, students should meet with their advisor to review their results and enroll in the best classes based on their scores.

This is a 鈥淧lacement Assessment,鈥� 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 haven鈥檛 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 鈥� 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 student鈥檚 current mathematical knowledge state so that he/she will be successful in mathematics courses.

 

Prep and Learning Modules

For no additional fee you will have 12 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. 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.

Taking the ALEKS PPL

Ready to take the Placement Assessment? First you will need to talk with your 九色堂 advisor to verify that you do need to take the assessment. If you do, then you will be provided the 10-charater course code. To enroll into the placement cohort, students go to and select SIGN UP NOW! Students
will enter the 10-character course code for their placement cohort in the space provided. After entering a valid course code, students verify the placement cohort information.

FAQS

  • Is there a fee for using ALEKS PPL? You will pay $25.00 for ALEKS with a credit card before you begin.
  • Why must I take the ALEKS PPL Assessment? The Placement Assessment is used to determine the mathematics course in which you will have the greatest success. Upon completion of the Placement Assessments, your scores are sent to your academic advisor. Your advisor will review your scores and help make appropriate recommendations for course registration.
  • 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.
  • 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 aren鈥檛 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.
  • Are Placement Assessments timed? Yes, you have 3 hours to complete a Placement Assessment once it has begun.
  • 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.