FAQ

The WSU Math Placement Assessment uses an adaptive learning system called ALEKS to assess where you are in your mathematical understanding so that you are more likely to be successful in your math education at WSU.

ALEKS covers material from basic math through pre-calculus.

We recommend you set aside a two-hour block of time. The assessment usually takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

Although it is preferable that you take the assessment in one sitting, there may be situations in which you must leave your computer. If that is the case, simply close the ALEKS window. When you log back in through the WSU math website, ALEKS will bring you to the point at which you left off. There is however, a 24-hour time limit

You will need only pencil and paper to work out problems. ALEKS has a built-in calculator you can use on specific problems.

At the beginning of the assessment, a brief tutorial will introduce you to the system and the interface. You will be shown how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator, and how to graph something by hand.

The system also includes a built-in Help feature you can use during the assessment.

Within the ALEKS platform, many topics are available in both English and Spanish. Click next to “English” in the main menu and pull down to select “Espanol.”

Don’t worry if you get a problem that seems too difficult: this is normal. Try your best to solve any problems that you think you might be able to solve, and only click “I don’t know” if you really don’t know how to solve a problem.

Yes. You may take a free ALEKS assessment, at any time, to become comfortable with the process. This free assessment is only a tutorial to familiarize yourself with the ALEKS system, it will not count as a valid assessment and your result will not be recorded. See the preparation information for details.

Generally, you will be asked 20 to 30 questions. ALEKS is an adaptive learning platform, so the questions you see may be different from questions presented to another student.

No. Once you submit an answer, you will not be able to return to that question.

Once you begin your assessment, you have 24 hours to complete the testing. If you do not finish the assessment within 24 hours, you will have to restart the assessment.

Incoming students should complete their assessment at least one week before attending New Coug Orientation. The sooner you take it, however, the more opportunity there will be for you to review and re-assess if you are not satisfied with your placement.

Returning or current WSU students who did have not taken the MPA or who took the assessment more than 12 months ago should complete the assessment at least one month before the start date of the course they wish to enroll.

Review the Math Placement Chart to see the ALEKS scores required for placement into various courses and check your degree requirements by speaking with your advisor, viewing your course map in MyWSU, or consulting the WSU course catalog.

Note that departments such as chemistry or physics may have different math course prerequisites for their courses. Speak with your academic advisor and view degree program requirements in the WSU course catalog.

A $50 fee will be billed to your WSU student account when you complete your first assessment. Your ALEKS account includes access to the WSU Math Placement Assessment package:

• A six-month online preparation and learning module.
• Your initial WSU Math Placement Assessment.
• Up to four re-assessments.

The cost will be included in fees due at the start of your next semester.

You may be exempt from taking the WSU MPA, depending on your credit or the exam you took. Please review the math placement exceptions information.

No.

It depends.

• If your last math course was at WSU and you withdrew or did not pass with a high enough grade, you generally should still be able to register for that course.
• If your last math class at WSU began more than 12 months ago, your WSU MPA score is no longer valid and you may have to take the ALEKS assessment. Speak with your advisor or email the math department office with specific questions.

The ALEKS Assessment may be taken on a PC (Windows7 or higher) or Mac (OS10 or higher), using the most recent version of Chrome, Edge, Explorer, Firefox, or Safari. Details are available through ALEKS support.

You can check your setup on the ALEKS website to verify your system is ready to proceed.

A web browser plug-in is only required for proctoring reassessments for WSU Pullman students.

Simply restart your computer and log in and you will be able to resume testing right where you left off. You may also log-in from a different computer.

It depends.

• If you confirmed your admission to WSU within the past two business days, please be patient. We’re still updating our records and the connection to ALEKS.
• If you confirmed your admission to WSU more than two business days ago, please contact Crimson Service Desk to confirm your network ID is active.

The ALEKS platform blends machine learning, cognitive science, and billions of data points to accurately and efficiently diagnose each individual student’s knowledge and what they’re ready to learn.  

ALEKS chooses each question based on a student’s answers to all the previous questions. Each student, and therefore each set of assessment questions, is unique. It is impossible to predict the questions that will be asked. By the time a student has completed the assessment, ALEKS has developed a precise picture of his or her knowledge from basic math up through pre-calculus, and has identified which topics the student has and has not mastered. In addition to providing a score, the system creates customs preparation and learning modules for each student.

You will see your score on the ALEKS homepage immediately after finishing your assessment. Your score should automatically transfer into the MyWSU system the next business day, after which you will be able to enroll in your first WSU math class based on your ALEKS score.

Your ALEKS assessment score can indicate not only whether you have the prior knowledge required for your first mathematics course at WSU, but also whether you might be a good candidate for accelerated studies.  

Options are available for college algebra and trigonometry (Math 106/108) and for basic mathematics and algebra methods (Math 100/103).  

Learn about the requirements and process for enrolling.

Your ALEKS assessment score can indicate not only whether you have the prior knowledge required for your first mathematics course at WSU, but also whether you might benefit from additional support.  

We are invested in building your growth mindset around mathematics learning and have developed support courses to be taken concurrently with either Math 171 (Calculus 1) or Math 103 (Algebra), depending on which campus you are attending. The support courses provide structure and small-group engagement to help you learn and retain classroom concepts and material. 

Learn about the requirements and process for enrolling.

Scores are valid for twelve months.

ALEKS provides you with a customize prep and learning module geared to your knowledge level will be available for you to review and learn material, and to improve placement and eventual course outcomes.

All students are strongly encouraged to spend several hours using the ALEKS Prep and Learning Module after their initial assessment. Even if you have achieved placement in your desired course, time spent in ALEKS will better prepare you for your upcoming course and ultimately lead to better grades.

Yes, your ALEKS account includes five opportunities to take the WSU math placement assessment within a six-month period: your initial assessment and up to four reassessments.

Learn more about the reassessment process and requirements.