ALEKS Math Placement Test

GW uses the online placement system Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) to place students in the appropriate version of the first calculus course. This placement test does not assess calculus knowledge, but rather readiness to start introductory calculus courses. Topics covered include algebra and trigonometry.

ALEKS is an online, non-multiple choice adaptive placement exam that we use to determine the appropriate placement in mathematics and economics courses. The goal is to ensure that you have the skills that you need in order to succeed in the course that you take.

Students wanting to register for Math 1051, 1220, 1231 or 1252 must achieve the minimum required score on the virtual ALEKS Math Placement test prior to registering for the class. For students who started at the university in Fall of 2023 or later, you must achieve the minimum score on a proctored, in person ALEKS Math Placement Test to remain in the course.

For Spring 2024 Math Courses

FOR STUDENTS WHO ENTERED THE UNIVERSITY FALL 2023 OR LATER:

You are required to have the minimum score on a proctored version of the ALEKS test taken in person on campus in order to take MATH 1231 or MATH 1252. You may use your score on the virtual (unproctored) ALEKS Math Placement Test to register, but if you do not achieve the minimum score on the proctored test you will be dropped from MATH 1231. If you took the proctored test once before, you will have one additional opportunity to take the proctored test.

For students who started on campus in Fall 2023, your last opportunity to take the proctored test will be December 1. If you do not already have the score needed on a proctored exam for the course you want to take please sign up using the link below. You can work in the learning and practice modules in ALEKS to prepare for the proctored placement exam.

Students who are first matriculating at the university in January will have the opportunity to take the test in January between January 16-18.

FOR STUDENTS WHO ENTERED THE UNIVERSITY PRIOR TO FALL 2023:

You must achieve the minimum score on the virtual (unproctored) ALEKS math placement test prior to registering for Math 1231 or MATH 1252. Virtual unproctored attempts must be completed prior to January 10 at 11:59 p.m. Students will not be able to take the virtual (unproctored) placement test 10/25-10/30 and 11/29-12/4. Remember you have up to three attempts to achieve the minimum score required on the virtual (unproctored) ALEKS Math Placement test.

If you require accommodations for the ALEKS assessment, please contact GW's Disability Support Services (DSS) as soon as possible to request reasonable accommodations. Please note that the DSS registration process can take 1-2 weeks. If you have questions about the DSS registration process, please contact [email protected] or 202-994-8250.

Take the ALEKS Test

Who Needs to Take ALEKS

This test is mandatory for any student who wishes to register for MATH 1051, MATH 1220, MATH 1231 or MATH 1252.

Scores on the virtual (unproctored) ALEKS Math Placement Test provide guidance in selecting the appropriate Math course prior to registration. Students must have the required virtual ALEKS placement test score in the system prior to initially registering for the listed courses. Please be advised that you have a total of 3 (three) attempts to take the virtual (unproctored) placement test and achieve the required minimum score for the course you want to take prior to initial registration.

All students who entered the university in Fall 2023 or later must have the required minimum score on the proctored in-person ALEKS Math Placement Test in order to be enrolled in a course. Students who have taken the proctored test once should have one additional opportunity to take the proctored test.

If you do not achieve the minimum score needed to register for your preferred mathematics course, you may use the ALEKS Knowledge Prep and Learning Modules to try to improve your score on the unproctored test and prepare for the proctored placement exam. Students who spend more time in the prep modules are more likely to see improvement and will be better prepared for the require in-person proctored exam.

No placement test is needed to take MATH 1000: Dean’s Seminar, MATH 1007: Mathematics and Politics or MATH 1009: Mathematical Ideas.

Students are unable to place into MATH 1220 in Spring semesters. Please talk to your advisors for alternative options.

Minimum Required ALEKS Test Scores

MATH 1051: 61
MATH 1220: 61
MATH 1231: 76
MATH 1252: 61

Guidance on Taking the Virtual Unproctored Test

Please do your best on your first attempt at the virtual placement test. Take your time and do not rush through the assessment. If you do not obtain the required score for the course you are interested in taking, you will have to study the Prep and Learning Modules presented by ALEKS in order to remedy the deficits in your knowledge base.
You have a total of three (3) attempts to take this test and try for the required minimum score to initially register for the course you want to take.
After every attempt, before you can retake the test, you must spend a minimum of three hours studying the ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules.
There is a cool-off period of 24 hours between assessments. This means 24 hours must pass before you can retake the placement test.
You have two hours and 30 minutes for each assessment, so use your time wisely. If you do not complete the test and submit within the allotted time it will not count as a test attempt and record your work. Be sure to watch the clock and complete the assessment within the allotted time.
You must hit "submit" on your work before you log off, or it will not count as a test attempt.
The highest score you receive on a virtual ALEKS Math placement test taken after March 1 of each year (within your 3 allotted attempts) will be applicable for initial Summer/Fall/Spring registration for the upcoming semesters.

In-Person Proctored ALEKS Math Placement Test

A proctored ALEKS Math Placement test will be offered in person on campus prior to the start of each term.

The proctored placement test is required for ALL students starting GW in Fall 2023 or later who wish to take one of the listed math courses, regardless of whether or not they achieved the minimum score on the virtual placement test. Those who use their unproctored virtual score to register cannot remain enrolled in MATH 1231 unless they achieve the required minimum score on the proctored placement test. Those who do not achieve the required minimum score on the proctored placement test for MATH 1252 are encouraged to discuss their plans with their school advisor.

The In-Person Proctored ALEKS Math Placement Test will be offered on October 27 and December 1 at the following times: 9:00-11:30 a.m., 12:00-2:30 p.m. and 3:00-5:30 p.m.

Note: Students who are new to GW starting January 2024 will be required to take the proctored in-person Math Placement Test between January 16-18.

What happens if I do not get the needed minimum score on the in-person proctored ALEKS math test for the math class that I initially registered for?

Students who registered using their unproctored score and who do not achieve the required minimum score on the in-person proctored math placement will need to adjust their schedule. You are encouraged to take the in-person proctored ALEKS Math Placement test prior to registration to avoid having to adjust your schedule. You should discuss your placement with your school advising office.

Students registered for MATH 1231 using their unproctored virtual placement test that do not achieve the minimum score on the proctored placement test will need to drop Math 1231. MATH 1220 is not offered in spring, please speak to your advising office about alternative course options..
Students enrolled in MATH 1252 who do not achieve the minimum score on the proctored placement exam may remain registered for the course. However, it is recommended that they discuss their plans with their school advisor and take advantage of tutoring through academic commons to ensure success.

Interpreting Your Score

To register for:	A student should have:	Comments:
MATH 2233 (Multivariable Calculus)	Credit for MATH 1231 and 1232	A 4 or a 5 on the BC Advanced Placement Test earns credit for MATH 1231 and 1232.
MATH 1232 (Calculus II)	Credit for MATH 1231	A 4 or a 5 on the AB Advanced Placement Test (or AB subscore on the BC test) earns credit for MATH 1231.
MATH 1231 (Calculus I)	76 or above on ALEKS placement test	Students who have done well in high school calculus but have not received AP credit should generally take MATH 1231. The placement test is required for registration in this course.
MATH 1221 (Precalculus with Calculus II)	Credit for MATH 1220.	No other students should elect this course.
MATH 1220 (Precalculus with Calculus I)	61 or above on ALEKS placement test	This course (together with MATH 1221) combines one semester of precalculus and one semester of calculus into a one-year course. It is intended for students who are not quite ready for Calculus I. Students who qualify to take MATH 1231 should not take MATH 1220. The placement test is required for registration in this course.
MATH 1252 (Calculus-Social & Mgt. Sciences)	61 or above on ALEKS placement test	MATH 1051 is not a prerequisite for MATH 1252. The placement test is required for registration in this course.
MATH 1051 (Finite Math)	61 or above on ALEKS placement test	MATH 1051 and 1252 are mostly taken by students to satisfy the GWSB math requirement. However, they can also be used to satisfy the general education curriculum requirement in quantitative reasoning. The placement test is required for registration in this course.
MATH 1009 (Mathematical Ideas)	No prerequisite	This course treats areas of mathematics not normally taught in high schools, with a focus on mathematical tools that can be used to solve real-world problems.
MATH 1007 (Mathematics & Politics)	No prerequisite	This course focuses on the mathematics of social choice, an area of mathematics not normally taught in high schools. This course is more rigorous than a typical freshman math course and involves more writing.
MATH 1000 (Dean's Seminars in Mathematics)	No prerequisite	These are special topics courses limited to freshmen, with class sizes of 20 or fewer. They cover areas of mathematics not taught in high schools that were specially selected by the Instructor. Although these courses have minimal prerequisites, they are meant to be rigorous, challenging, and stimulating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ALEKS?

ALEKS is an online, non-multiple choice adaptive placement exam. The ALEKS placement exam is used in determining the appropriate level of placement in mathematics and economics courses, to help ensure students have the demonstrated skills for the greatest likelihood of success.

How do students take ALEKS?

Students can access the virtual (unproctored) placement exam directly. Students will receive information on how to sign up for the in-person proctored exam which will take place on campus just before the start of the term.

What is the deadline for students enrolled in GW prior to fall 2023 to attain the minimum placement score on the virtual placement test?

Students must have the minimum required virtual ALEKS placement test score for the class they want to register for at least two days prior to initially registering. Students must complete all virtual attempts (up to 3) prior to January 10 2024 for spring 2024 registration.

How many times can a student take the virtual unproctored ALEKS math placement exam?

The virtual (unproctored) ALEKS Math Placement may be taken more than once, with a total of 3 attempts in one year. Students must wait a minimum of 24 hours and complete a minimum of 3 hours in the Prep Learning Modules between virtual ALEKS attempts. A significant percentage of students who take advantage of the ALEKS Learning Modules improve their scores. Students who spend at least 15 hours in a learning module show the most improvement in their scores. Scores do not normally change without review and practice between assessments.

When is the required proctored ALEKs math placement exam offered?

For spring 2024 course enrollment, the required proctored ALEKS placement exam will be offered on October 27 and December 1 at 9:00-11:30 a.m., 12:00-2:30 p.m. and 3:00-5:30 p.m.

December 1 is the last opportunity for students who started at the university in Fall 2023 to take the proctored test.

Please sign up for the December 1 in-person proctored placement test. The deadline to sign up will be November 22, 2023.

Students who will first arrive at GW in January 2024 will be required to take the proctored in-person Math Placement Test between January 16-18.

How long will the ALEKS Math Placement exam take?

Students should allow 2 hours of uninterrupted time to complete the assessment. The exam is adaptive so the actual time and number of questions will vary depending on the student. Most students complete ALEKS in approximately 90 minutes. Students will have up to 2 ½ hours from when they begin the placement exam to complete it.

May students use a calculator or any other resources while taking ALEKS?

Students may only use a pen or pencil, paper and the resources provided within ALEKS. ALEKS provides an on-screen calculator if students need one to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, a calculator may not be used. Students 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 course placement and ultimately course failure. It is also a violation of GW's academic integrity policy.

How do students see their virtual ALEKS score?

When students reach the end of the questions, and submit their assessment, a score and a pie chart will appear. The "Placement Result " (overall score) will range from 0 to 100. The system also displays subscores in different math topic areas to let students know how they performed in each area. It is the "Placement Result" score that is used for initial registration purposes.

How do the Prep Learning Modules work?

The ALEKS Your Knowledge and Prep Learning Modules provide a personalized tutorial based on the types of problems students answered correctly and incorrectly on the previous assessment. Therefore, the learning modules are available only after students have taken ALEKS the first time. Once a student begins a Knowledge and Prep Learning Module they will have access to it for six months. As students answer questions they will see their MyPie fill up, and ALEKS may reassess them from time to time to ensure they have retained the topic information.

What should I do if I may require accommodations for the ALEKS virtual unproctored test or the in-person proctored ALEKs test?

If you require accommodations for the ALEKS assessments, please contact GW’s Disability Support Services (DSS) as soon as possible to request reasonable accommodations. Please note that the DSS registration process can take 1-2 weeks. If you have questions about the DSS registration process, please contact [email protected]. Students who need to access an ADA compliant version of ALEKS should contact Disability Support Services for assistance.

If you experience issues with ALEKS, please contact Professor Murli Gupta or Professor Jay Daigle. Answers to frequently asked technical questions can be found on the ALEKS support site. Students who need further technical assistance with ALEKS may contact ALEKS support using the customer support form. If you have questions or concerns about your ALEKS placement and how this could affect your course schedule, contact your home school advisor. Columbian College students can find their advisor in the CCAS Undergraduate Advising Office.