MATH PLACEMENT TEST
 

To increase student success in introductory math courses, FIU has implemented a mandatory math placement test for all entering students. The test, known as ALEKS, is a web-based, artificially intelligent system that uses adaptive questioning to determine exactly what a student knows. This information is used to place a student in a class for which she/he has a sufficient background. Since each math class assumes prior knowledge, it is extremely important for a student’s success to properly identify his/her math proficiency level.

Below you will find additional information concerning ALEKS placement test and options you have for enrolling in math courses based on your ALEKS score.

1. Who must take ALEKS placement test?

All incoming freshmen, regardless of AP, IB, dual enrollment and CLEP credits, must take the ALEKS placement test.

We also strongly encourage all transfer students who need a math course to take the test.

2. Why should I take it?

The placement test will determine your mathematics knowledge and skill level, which will help your academic adviser in placing you in a class in which you are most likely to succeed.   

3. When should I take the test?

You should take the test as soon as possible but not later than the day before your orientation. You must bring the printout with your ALEKS score to the orientation, so your adviser can properly place you in a mathematics course. If you don’t take the test prior to the orientation, you will not be allowed to register for a math course during that time.

Do not wait until the last moment to take the test because if you are not satisfied with your score, you can retake the test or access the learning module and refresh your knowledge. This however will require about 2-3 weeks.   

The ALEKS placement score is valid for 4 months only, so if you plan to take your first mathematics course in

- the Fall semester, you must take the exam starting May 1
- the Spring semester, you must take the exam starting September 1

4. Where and how do I access the test? 

You can take the test from any computer that has an internet access. You can use your own computer, or, if you don’t have one, you can use a computer in the University Testing Center at GL 120. Please call  (305) 348-2840 to schedule an appointment.

To register and access the test

1. go to http://www.aleks.com/fiu 

2. register as a new user (you will be asked to input your name, e-mail address, and student ID #, which is your Panther ID )

3. Accept ALEKS Terms of Service and click Continue

4. You will be given  your login name and password. If you wish to change the password, you have the option to do so, but please write the login information down, as you will       
     need it to access ALEKS.

5. The registration process will be complete after you click Continue.

6. After clicking Continue again, you will be taken to the site that contains the placement  

      test and the learning modules.

7. Click Placement to take the test.

 5.  Do I need to install additional software or plug-ins?

Yes, before you start the test, ALEKS will check your computer configuration and download all necessary software and plug-ins. You can check the system requirements at

http://www.aleks.com/faqs/technical

6. What can I expect on the test?

This is a math test, so make sure that you have paper, pencil, a nongraphing  calculator and  ample time. ALEKS makes the calculator available for certain problems, but you might be more comfortable using your own.

Before you start the test, you will go through a short tutorial on how to use ALEKS toolbar to input the answers.

The test will consist of about 30 open-ended questions, some easy and some difficult. You will not know whether your answer is correct or not. Your answers determine what questions you are asked next, as ALEKS is probing the depth of your knowledge.

 Therefore, try to answer the questions to the best of your ability. You should answer “I don’t know” only if you truly don’t know the answer.

 7. How long does the test take? Is there a time limit?

 On average, the test takes between 1 to 2 hours. Do not rush through the test. If you are short on time, exit the test. When you log on next time, you will be taken to the exact place where you stopped. There is no time limit.

8. Should I ask for help while taking the test?

No, absolutely not. This test determines your placement in your first math class, so it is extremely important that your score reflects your true ability. Any help received to increase the score will jeopardize your success in that class, as you might be placed in a course for which you do not have sufficient background.

9. How do I find out my ALEKS score?

Your ALEKS score appears after you complete the test. You will see a pie chart showing your performance in different areas represented by color-keyed slices. The darker color in each slice represents your mastery level. Above the pie, you will see, under Course Mastery, the number of topics you did well on.  Below the pie you will see “What you can do”  and “What you are ready to learn” sections listing topics that you know and the ones you are ready to learn. At the bottom of this page, under the History tab, you will see a table that contains, among other things, the Assessment  Performance Goal  which is your ALEKS score.

10. What does my score mean? What class am I eligible for?

Your score shows the level of your math preparedness and as such can be used to help you choose a class that you are likely to succeed in. If you take a class for which you don’t have required prerequisites, you will have a hard time passing it. ALEKS placement test assesses your knowledge and indicates the class level that you can be successful in.  

The table below shows the classes you can register for depending on the score and your intended major. You will be able to discuss your preferences with your academic adviser during the orientation.

Please note that a student with an SAT math score below 440 or an ACT math score below 19 must take the FCLPT test for math placement.  Contact the University Testing Center at (305) 348-2840 for additional information.

11. Do I have to take the test every time I want to register for a mathematics course?

No, you will have to take the test to register for the first math class only. However, you must register for it within four months of taking the test.

12. Can I take the test more than once?

Yes. You can retake the placement test once with no restrictions. After  taking the test a second time, you  must work through one of the ALEKS learning modules before being permitted to take the placement test a third time. You may work through the learning modules prior to taking the placement test as well.

13. What can I do to increase my score?

Keep in mind, that the score is used only to place you in a class that is right for you.

However, if you believe that your ALEKS score does not reflect your true abilities, you have two choices:

- retake the test
or
- complete one of the ALEKS learning modules and retake the test.

You should work through Prep for Calculus, if your score is 25 or more, and through  Prep for College Algebra, if your score is 24 or less.

If your score is slightly above the minimum required for a specific class, you are encouraged to complete the learning module for that specific class to increase your skill level and boost your chances of successful completion of that course. For example, if your ALEKS test score is 27 and your major requires that you take College Algebra, you should complete the Prep for College Algebra learning module before the first day of classes.

 14. How much does the test cost?

The test and the learning modules are free of charge for all incoming students until December 31, 2009.

15. Will the score appear on my transcript?

No, the score will be available to your adviser and used only to place you in the class that you have the prerequisitesfor.