The ALEKS Test & Our Summer Prep Program

We are excited to provide these resources to you. We want to ensure that you are prepared for your first level math course based on your program of study, make sure you are able to place into the highest math course necessary for your academic major, and improve your math skills overall.

What Is The ALEKS Placement Assessment?
ALEKS = Assessment, and Learning in Knowledge Spaces. ALEKS is an artificial intelligence-based assessment tool that zeros in on the strengths and weaknesses of a student's mathematical knowledge. 
 
First of all, RELAX.  ALEKS 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 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.

Watch Full Informational Video

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ALEKS is an assessment that determines which college level math class you will be placed in as an incoming Freshman student.

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  • Who Has To Take The ALEKS Assessment?

  • All incoming freshmen take the ALEKS Test, including those with AP, IB, Dual Enrollment or other test credit(s).
  • First time in college (FTC) students are still required to take the ALEKS Test, even if they have their Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree
  • However, it is still extremely important that you do your best on the ALEKS to provide an honest assessment of yourself
  • If you do not have an ALEKS score, you will not be able to register for your math class.
  • There is no fee for taking the Alex exam.

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  • How do I get my ALEKS Login information?

  • You need to submit ONE of the three following deposits:
  • - Admissions;
  • - New student orientation;
  • - or Housing
  • The Login information will be sent to your FAMmail.
  • The ALEKS account is good for twelve (12) months from the date of initial sign-in by the student and is paid for by the University. Students may retake the ALEKS during that 12month period. The "Prep & Learn" module is good only for six (6) months and will expire in 180 days from the date the student activates the module.  However, the Prep & Learn module availability will not extend beyond the date of the expiration of the account.

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  • The Official Proctored Test

  • The ALEKS Test is conducted online.
  • There is a 120 minute time limit to complete the proctored test
  • Many students will complete the assessment within an hour or so, but each student's pace will vary.
  • Only pencil and paper are needed for the assessment.
  • The ALEKS test has a built-in calculator available to use when prompted/ needed.

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  • When & Where Can I Take The ALEKS Assessment?

  • Students will be able to take the test whenever they want to
  • The Proctored test is available to students online or on-campus
  • There will be appointments available for sign up, Monday — Thursday throughout the summer, beginning May 1 until the start of Fall Registration.
  • The ALEKS test will also be given regularly during the summer orientation sessions on-campus
  • If a student needs extra time to prepare for the ALEKS Test they should go through The Center for access and disability resources (CeDAR). If they provide the proper documentation to CeDAR, then we will provide extra time for that student. Special instructions will be given for that student as far as registering for the ALEKS Test.

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  • Taking The Practice Test

  • You need to complete a minimum 20 hours of the ALEKS "Prep & Learn" Module in order to sit for the official proctored ALEKS Test
  • The "Prep & Learn" module is good only for six (6) months and will expire in 180 days from the date the student activates the module.
  • Even if you have your Login credentials, if you have not completed the 20 hours minimum of the "Prep & Learn module" the ALEKS system will not allow you to take the proctored ALEKS Test at that time.

  • The module can be done within a 48 hour time period (you don't have to do it all in one session)

  • PLEASE NOTE: It may take more than 20 hours in order for the student to acquire the skills necessary to make the score so that they can enroll in the appropriate math course for their major. If you are in a major that requires several foundational math classes, you may need to study more seriously for the ALEKS test.

  • A score will be generated, along with your strengths, weaknesses, and areas where you might need some improvement.

  • The Practice Pre-Test needs to be completed by May 28.

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  • Test Scores

  • You can not fail the test. It is simply a test to assess where you should be placed, putting you in the proper course.
  • Your score will be immediately shown to you at the end of the proctored ALEKS Test.

  • 0-29 — Intermediate Algebra

  • 30-60 — College Algebra or Liberal Arts

  • 61-75 — College Trigonometry or Business Calculus

  • 76-100 — Calculus

  • * Ultimately, the courses you take will depend on your major.
  • If you need to retake the ALEKS, you need to complete an additional 20 hours of prep
  • Students can have a total of four (4) additional proctored attempts.

ALEKS PREP COURSE
This course will help students prepare for the mandatory ALEKS assessment taken during New Student Orientation.

✓ Live courses with FAMU math professors via Zoom
✓ Tutorial support with FAMU staff via Zoom
✓ Full Access to Academic Coaches and Peer Mentors
✓ No cost for accepted FAMU Class of 2025 students

REGISTER NOW!


Got Questions?: alicia.hudson@famu.edu

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The ALEKS Summer Prep Academy is a 6 week academic support initiative aimed at helping Freshmen and First Time College (FTC) students become better prepared for the ALEKS math placement test.

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  • The Program

  • The summer academy meets six weeks from June 21 to July 30 (New Dates TBA)
  • Meetings will be twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday, virtually. Sessions will be 75 minutes ( 1hour 15 mins)
  • We will also be helping you complete your 20 hours minimum in the ALEKS Prep modules.
  • You do not have to be taking summer classes, or be on campus, to participate in the Summer Prep Academy — you just need to sign up before the deadline: May 28 (New Dates TBA)

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  • Peer Mentors

  • Peer mentors are here to help/ guide you on any questions that you may have with some of the assignments that you may have been given in class or sessions
  • Peer mentors also provide you with supplemental instruction as needed, based on the content that you're covering in the virtual sessions
  • Your peer mentors is also your "accountability partner" that guides/ keeps you on track with getting your assignments done.

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  • Summer Prep Instructors

  • Summer Prep instructors will have weekly office hours
  • Reach out to an instructor if you have questions about assignments, or you're not sure about something in the ALEKS prep module.

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  • Learning Centers

  • Learning center tutors provide tutorial assistance to those both who are and are not taking summer classes
  • Learning center tutors are also available for virtual or face-to-face tutoring appointments on campus
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Contact Us

500 Gamble Street
Tallahassee, FL 32310
P:
(850) 412-7994
F:
(850) 412-5952
E:
ofs@famu.edu