ALEKS for incoming math, science, engineering, computer science, and business first year students
During the summer, CSUF is offering the web-based ALEKS program to students who have chosen majors requiring completion of Calculus (Math 150A Calculus I or Math 135 Business Calculus or Math 130 Calculus for the Natural Sciences). ALEKS is a research-based, on-line learning program that is free to you. ALEKS utilizes artificial intelligence to assess your Calculus readiness. It then provides you with a set of individualized online modules to complete prior to being reassessed for Calculus readiness. This process is repeated three additional times. You should expect to spend about 20 hours total to complete all four modules and assessments.
Completing ALEKS will ensure you enroll in your best fit CSUF mathematics course and prepare you to succeed academically in your first term at CSUF.
HOW TO GET STARTED
You may log into the ALEKS site via your CSUF student portal. Once logged into the portal, search on the left menu under “More Apps” or enter ALEKS in the search box. Then click on the ALEKS icon or link.
HOW DOES ALEKS WORK?
Between any two ALEKS assessments, you will work through individualized ALEKS learning modules to refresh and improve your math skills. Each of the assessments has a two-hour time limit. There is a 24-hour waiting period between each assessment. Each assessment is up to 30 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. Therefore, you may plan your time as follows:
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- Complete the initial ALEKS Placement Assessment, which is timed for 2 hours.
- Work through the first ALEKS Learning Module for at least five hours to refresh and improve your math skills.
- Complete the 2nd ALEKS Placement Assessment, which is timed for 2 hours.
- Work through the next ALEKS Learning Module for at least five hours to refresh and improve your math skills.
- Complete the 3rd ALEKS Placement Assessment, which is timed for 2 hours.
- Work through the next ALEKS Learning Module for at least five hours to refresh and improve your math skills.
- Complete the 4th ALEKS Placement Assessment, which is timed for 2 hours. Your score on this assessment will determine your best fit first CSUF mathematics course.
HOW DO THE LEARNING MODULES WORK?
After you take an assessment, ALEKS will suggest learning modules to work on to improve your score. It benefits you to take the assessment seriously and give an honest effort, so the assessment truly reflects your current knowledge and math preparedness. There is no benefit to cheating on the assessment – the only result will be that you enroll in a class you are not prepared for and set yourself up for a likely failure. Therefore, while taking the assessment, you should work on your own, without consulting any outside sources for help (friends, family, internet searches, textbooks, notes, etc.). CSUF's academic integrity policy
applies to the ALEKS assessment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PREPARATION |
Who should complete ALEKS? |
All first-time freshmen who plan to enroll in calculus (MATH 130, MATH 135, or MATH 150A) who are majoring in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, or majoring in Business or Economics.Sorry, the program is NOT available to incoming freshmen who have not declared a major, non-first-time freshmen, international students, or students outside the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the College of Engineering and Computer Science or the College of Business and Economics. |
Why should I complete ALEKS? |
ALEKS refreshes your math skills and prepares you for success in your first term mathematics course by ensuring you enroll in the best fit mathematics course for your current skill level and knowledge base. Upon completion of the fourth assessment, you will be sent an email with instructions about which math course to enroll in this Fall. |
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When do I start ALEKS? |
As soon as possible so that you enroll in the best fit Fall mathematics course. |
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How much does ALEKS cost? |
ALEKS is FREE for all first-time freshmen who are qualified. |
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Are ALEKS assessments timed? |
Yes, each assessment has a 2-hour limit time. |
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What topics are covered in ALEKS? |
The Calculus Placement Assessments consist of the following topics:
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Can I practice using the ALEKS input tools before I begin? |
ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial to make sure you are comfortable with the math palette tools. The tutorial shows you how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator, and how to graph. If you aren’t sure how to input an answer, or need help while you are taking the ALEKS assessment, select the Help button below the answer pallet tools. Going to the tutorial during your assessment will NOT impact your assessment results. |
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Do I need to install any software or plugins before working with ALEKS? |
No. There are no required plug-ins or applets for you to use ALEKS. As long as you have access to the Internet and are using an updated browser, you should not experience difficulties. For a list of preferred browsers, please review the ALEKS system requirements on their support site
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TAKING THE ASSESSMENT |
What is the format of the questions on ALEKS? |
ALEKS is not multiple-choice. It is open-response and requires you to work out solutions with a paper and pencil, then enter them into ALEKS. Be sure to have scratch paper with you. |
May I use a calculator while using ALEKS? |
ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem. Otherwise, you may not use a calculator. |
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May I use any other resources during an assessment? |
No, you may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided within ALEKS. You should not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any other resource not provided by ALEKS. Using outside resources will lead you to enroll in the incorrect course. It is also a violation of the university’s academic integrity policy
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Can I review a question after I've answered it? |
Because ALEKS is adaptive, once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. Be sure to carefully check your answer before submitting your response. |
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What if I see questions I don’t know? |
It is likely that you will be asked questions on material you have not yet learned. On such questions, it is okay to answer, I don't know. On any question that you have familiarity with, however, it is important to do your best. “I don't know” is interpreted by ALEKS to mean that you do not know how to solve the topic. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the assessment, it only helps ALEKS understand what you know and don’t know. |
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How do I start ALEKS? |
You may log into the ALEKS site by clicking on the ALEKS icon or link on your CSUF student portal. Once logged into the portal, search on the left menu under “more apps” or enter ALEKS in the search box. |
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How do I get my results? |
Upon completing your fourth ALEKS assessment, you will receive an email detailing which math course to enroll in for the Fall term. Your ALEKS results are valid for one year (fall and then spring semesters). |
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TECHNICAL SUPPORT |
What do I do if my web browser gets stuck or my computer crashes while I'm taking the Placement Assessment? |
Simply close the browser, or log out and log back in. ALEKS will resume the assessment exactly where you left off, with no loss of your previous answers. |
Where can I get help with ALEKS? |
Student peer mentors:
Support for ALEKS itself can be found at the following links
http://www.aleks.com/faqs/technical
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