What is ALEKS?

MATH PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT: WHAT IS ALEKS? 

The ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) is an online assessment and learning tool that uses artificial intelligence to map a student’s math strengths and weaknesses. ALEKS PPL ensures students' readiness for particular math courses at the University of Kansas. Students are placed in a mathematics course based on their Math ACT score, Math SAT score, or ALEKS PPL score. To see what scores qualify, check out the math placement webpage. If you believe that you should start in a more advanced mathematics course than what your Math ACT or SAT scores indicate, then you can take the ALEKS PPL.

ALEKS PPL 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.

Check out this video for a quick explanation about ALEKS PPL.

Before taking the assessment, we recommend checking out the rest of the information on this site.

Five things to remember:

  1. There is no benefit to inflating or deflating your abilities on the ALEKS PPL math assessment. The only way your ALEKS score is used is to help you choose courses that match your incoming knowledge level. Incorrect placement may place you into a course that is not appropriate for your current level of knowledge, which could hurt your GPA or delay graduation.
  2. While taking ALEKS PPL, do not consult any outside sources for help (friends/family, internet searches, textbooks, notes etc...).
  3. Cheating is a violation of University of Kansas' academic integrity and principles.
  4. ALEKS PPL scores will not change your acceptance to the University of Kansas.
  5. KU provides two ALEKS exam sessions at no cost to students. Exam sessions beyond the provided set must be requested and approved.

ALEKS consists of three parts

  • 1. An Initial Placement Assessment.

  • 2. The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review.

  • 3. Access to additional Placement Assessment attempts.

Additional topics for ALEKS PPL

Disability accommodations

  • If a student requires additional accommodations, such as extended time or the use of a text and screen reader, please contact the University Academic Support Center.

  • Contact: access@ku.edu, 785-864-4064

Post-Assessment:

The Mathematics Department encourages each student to spend time in the Prep and Learning Module, even if the desired score is achieved. Time spent in ALEKS PPL will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades. After taking a Placement Assessment, students should meet with their advisor to review their results and enroll in the best course based on their scores.

Placement in mathematics courses:

Quantitative courses from academic units outside of MATH set their own prerequisites. Students are required to adhere to those requirements as defined in the course catalog. Depending on the result of the assessment, you could be eligible to enroll in MATH 002, MATH 101, MATH 104, MATH 103, MATH 105, MATH 115, MATH 365, or MATH 125. Please note, you cannot test out of Math 125. If the ALEKS assessment places you in a course lower than the ACT/SAT placement, you may still enroll in the course determined by your ACT/SAT score.