Taking ALEKS | Mathematical Sciences

The online Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) Placement Assessment covers material from basic math through precalculus. While this exam is not required for many students, you must take ALEKS if:

You are an incoming first-year or transfer student and do not have college transfer credits AND you did not take the ACT, SAT, AP Calculus, IB Higher Level Mathematics, or the CLEP Precalculus exams
You wish to challenge the initial math placement you received through the University, and understand a lower ALEKS score will result in lower math course placement

Preparing for the Assessment

The ALEKS assessment is open from May 1 to the first Friday of classes. If you choose to challenge your initial math placement, or you don’t have ACT, SAT, AP, IB, or CLEP scores, you should take the assessment as soon as possible.

The assessment package includes an initial assessment, unlimited use of the Prep and Learning Module, and up to four (4) additional assessments for $20.

Accessing ALEKS

You must access the online assessment through your MyMichiganTech account using the link in your Checklist on the Prospective Student tab.

Domestic Students

Your MyMichiganTech username and password were provided with your acceptance materials. If you’ve misplaced your login information, contact the Admissions staff at 888-688-1885 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (ET). Or fill out this short form and we will connect with you.

International Students

Use the login information provided at time of application. For assistance, email the International Programs and Services office at ips@mtu.edu.

Taking the Assessment

Set aside roughly 90 minutes of dedicated time for your first assessment and be prepared to take ALEKS seriously.

ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial before your placement assessment begins.

You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided by ALEKS. ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator. 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 frustration and possible course failure.

Once you begin an assessment, you'll have up to three hours to complete it. If you do not reach the score for your recommended first math class, you must use the Prep and Learning Module for five hours before taking another assessment. Targeted Prep and Learning Modules help you to learn the material to improve your score.

After the Assessment

The highest placement score you’ve earned will determine your math placement. Your ALEKS score is only valid as a prerequisite for your first math course at Michigan Tech.

If You are Satisfied with Your ALEKS Assessment Score

You’re done! Your ALEKS score will be submitted to Admissions, and we will add you to the applicable initial math course based on your ALEKS score.

Retaking the Assessment

Prep and Learning Modules are targeted training sessions that allow you to improve your skills in areas you did not perform as well in during the previous assessment(s). You must work in a Prep and Learning Module for a minimum of five hours before taking your next assessment. You may start and stop working within Prep and Learning as often as you like, but will not be able to take your next assessment until you have logged five hours in the system.

If you place in your recommended first math course after your initial assessment, you may use a Prep and Learning Module to help you prepare for your first math course at Michigan Tech.

While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete progress assessments to solidify your gains in knowledge. Progress assessments do not count towards placement or change your placement result. You must retake the ALEKS Assessment to receive a new score; otherwise, we will use your most recent ALEKS score for your initial math placement.