Quick Facts
If you are a new student entering as of the Fall 2019 semester, the ALEKS for your admit group is now available in ALEKS on ASAP.
If you are seeking entrance into Precalculus or Calculus and do not have AP, IB, dual credit or other college credit that is equivalent to one of those courses per the transfer articulation table and your major requires one or both of those courses then you may need to take an ALEKS assessment.
Be prepared to pay $40.00 for the access to the ALEKS system and to the initial assessment. Be prepared to test for at least 90 minutes to two hours when you click on the link.
Once you take the initial assessment, you will be placed in learning modules that indicate your knowledge acquisition as you continue to progress through the modules. Successful students (those who attain 1214 placement) generally spent 12-18 productive hours or knowledge acquired time in the ALEKS system but there is no time limit on the practice modules.
ALEKS Placement Guidance Information
The University of Texas at San Antonio requires an ALEKS mathematics placement assessment to determine readiness for entry into Precalculus (MAT 1093) and (or) Calculus (MAT 1214) courses.
The ALEKS Placement Assessment covers material from Basic Math through Precalculus and will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. After the assessment, a targeted Prep and Learning Module is available for you to review and learn material, and to improve placement and eventual course outcomes.
All students are strongly encouraged to spend several hours using the ALEKS Prep and Learning Module. Even if you have achieved placement in your desired course, time spent in ALEKS will better prepare you for your upcoming course and ultimately lead to better grades.
First of all, RELAX. This is an “assessment,” NOT A TEST. The difference is that an assessment is designed to determine what you know. At the end of the ALEKS Placement Assessment, you will have a much better sense of your strengths and weaknesses in math. You will then have a chance to work on those weaknesses. There is really no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the first assessment. The most important thing is that you take the assessment seriously and give it an honest effort so that the assessment truly reflects your level of knowledge and math preparedness.
Be honest about your skill level. There is no benefit to cheating on the placement assessment – your only reward will be that you are forced to take a class that is too difficult for your current level of mathematical knowledge. Therefore, while you are taking the assessment, do not consult any other source for help (friends, family, internet searches, etc.). The purpose of the placement assessment is to give an accurate measure of your current mathematical skills so that you will be successful in your mathematics courses. From the time incoming students take the ALEKS they are bound by UTSA’s Honor Code available to read at: http://catalog.utsa.edu/informationbulletin/appendices/studentcodeofconduct/
If you are not sure if a behavior or act that you are considering engaging in is considered dishonest on the ALEKS assessment, please ask the staff in Testing Services at: testinfo@utsa.edu.
Who must take the ALEKS Placement Assessment?
All students majoring in Science or Engineering will take ALEKS. .
Is there a fee for using ALEKS?
Use of ALEKS requires a $40 fee charged to your student account.
Are ALEKS Placement Assessments proctored?
ALEKS placement assessments are no longer proctored. Students must achieve or exceed the percentage of content mastery level required to place into Pre-Calculus or Calculus.
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.
What happens if I do not complete the desired mastery level in the allotted 24 hours time?
You will have to restart the attempt.
May I use any other resources during a placement assessment?
You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided by ALEKS. 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.
What is my placement result?
Your placement result is your percentage mastery.
ALEKS course placement below is for semesters prior to Summer 2019:
| 0-29% | MAT 0203 | Basic Mathematics |
| 30-44% | MAT 0213 | Intermediate Algebra |
| 45-49% | 1023,1033,10431053 | College Algebra Applications, Algebra with Calculus for Business, Intro. to Mathematics, Mathematics for Business |
| 50-69% | 1073 | Algebra for Scientists and Engineers |
| 70-74% | 1093,1133 | PreCalculus, Calculus for Business |
| 75-79% | 1193 | Calculus for Business |
| 80-100% | 1214 | Calculus I |
How long is my placement result valid?
Your placement result is valid for one year from the time of your proctored assessment.
Can I practice using ALEKS before I begin placement?
ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial before your initial assessment begins.
How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module?
You will have one year of access from the time that you start using your Prep and Learning module.
What are ALEKS Progress Assessments?
While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete progress assessments to solidify your gains in knowledge.
Does progress in an ALEKS Prep and Learning Module count toward placement?
No, you must complete a new, proctored ALEKS placement assessment to change your placement result. Click on the placement tab on the upper right of the page from within ALEKS. Only your placement assessment results will be used for course placement.
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.
What if I do not place into the course I wanted?
You can use a Prep and Learning Module to review and learn, and you may take another ALEKS placement assessment to improve your placement result.
I did not place into the class I wanted. Can I take it anyway?
No, you must achieve the minimum placement result to take each corresponding class.
What if I placed into the class I wanted?
Congratulations! Continue to use your Prep and Learning Module to improve your chances for success. The placement result above is the minimum preparation required for your course! Take advantage of the targeted review and learning features in ALEKS to get a better grade in your class.
Where can I get help with ALEKS?
http://www.aleks.com/faqs/technical
http://support.aleks.com/assess_placement
How do I begin using ALEKS?
Log into ASAP, click on the Student Services tab then click on the Testing Services Test Registration link, finally click on the ALEKS link. Students must enter their UTSA ABC123 as their ID number. If any other number is submitted then the test result may be nullified.