国产剧麻豆剧

Mathematics Placement Assessment

Assessment Information

The Mathematical, Information and Computer Sciences Department at 国产剧麻豆剧 is committed to providing students with personal attention to help them succeed in their academic work. We are mindful that students should take the mathematics course that is right for them. To avoid students enrolling in a course in material that they have already mastered, we require each student to take a mathematics assessment when they enter the university. The results are used by campus academic advisors to place a student in the appropriate mathematics course for their program of study.

国产剧麻豆剧 uses the ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student鈥檚 strengths and weaknesses. The Placement Assessment is up to 30 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the Placement Assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module (an online tutorial) is available for students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics. Students then have the opportunity to take the test again and improve their placement.

ALEKS consists of three parts:

  • An Initial Placement Assessment
  • The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review
  • Access to two additional Placement Assessments

国产剧麻豆剧 encourages each student to spend time in the Prep and Learning Module, even if the desired score is achieved, because time spent in ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved grades.

What is the purpose of placement testing?

The Placement Assessment results will be used to determine the most appropriate courses for each student as they move forward with college coursework. After taking a Placement Assessment, each student鈥檚 results will provide information about the best classes for them to take based on their major and their scores.

This is a 鈥淧lacement Assessment,鈥 not a test. The difference is that a Placement Assessment is designed to determine what a student knows and what a student needs to work on. At the end of the ALEKS PPL Assessment, a student will have a much better sense of his/her strengths and weaknesses in math. Students then have a chance to brush on topics that may have been forgotten or haven鈥檛 been practiced for some time.

Be honest. It is important that the Placement Assessment is taken seriously, and each student gives it an honest effort so that the Placement Assessment truly reflects their current level of knowledge and math preparedness. There is no benefit to cheating on the Placement Assessment 鈥 the only result will be that a student enrolls in a class that is too difficult, or not challenging enough, potentially costing time and money. Therefore, while taking the Placement Assessment, students should not consult any outside sources for help (friends/family, internet searches, textbooks, notes etc...). The purpose of the Placement Assessment is to give an accurate measure of a student鈥檚 current mathematical knowledge state so that the student will be successful in mathematics courses.

Assessment Policy

You are permitted to take the Math Placement Assessment up to a maximum of three times. The online assessment system requires each student participates in online review work and wait one week between assessment attempts. More information can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions

The online review in ALEKS helps you to sharpen your skills, review concepts, and practice solving math problems.

The assessment covers material from the following courses:

  • MTH 0099 (3) Elementary Algebra: An introduction to algebra, including a study of the real number system, solutions of linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, systems of equations, graphing, inequalities, and radicals.
  • MTH 1013 (3) College Algebra: A review and extension of elementary algebra, solutions of linear and quadratic equations, radicals, inequalities, linear and quadratic functions, polynomial functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and graphing.
  • MTH 1033 (3) Pre-Calculus: An introduction to the functions necessary for the study of calculus with an emphasis on numerical and graphical notions of continuity, limits and derivatives. The following function types are used as examples for the study of the concepts: polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.

Welcome Week Summer Mathematics Placement Assessment

Summer Math Placement Online Assessment

The Mathematical, Information and Computer Sciences Department at 国产剧麻豆剧 is committed to providing students with personal attention to help them succeed in their academic work. That includes providing assistance at the onset of your academic program to take the mathematics course that is appropriate to your course of study. To avoid students enrolling in a course and repeating material that they have already mastered, we require each student to take an online mathematics assessment prior to Welcome Week.

The online math placement assessment will be available to you May 16-June 4, 2024. We cannot finalize a fall class schedule for you until you have taken the assessment, so it is in your best interest to take the assessment online. You will be automatically registered for this assessment.

On Monday, May 13 you will receive an email which will be sent to your 国产剧麻豆剧 email account with instructions for how to access the assessment.

To prepare for the assessment, make sure that you have paid your enrollment deposit to 国产剧麻豆剧 and have created your Workday account at your earliest opportunity. If you need help with Workday please contact 国产剧麻豆剧 Admissions at (619) 849-2273. The results of the assessment are generally available 72 hours after the end of the assessment period and will be used for placement in the appropriate mathematics course for your program of study. 

Spring Math Placement Assessment for Incoming Students

The online math placement assessment will be available to you December 9-16, 2024. We cannot finalize a spring class schedule for you until you have taken the assessment, so it is in your best interest to take the assessment online. You will be automatically registered for this assessment.

On Friday, December 13 you will receive an email sent to your 国产剧麻豆剧 email address with instructions for how to access the assessment.

To prepare for the assessment, make sure that you have paid your enrollment deposit to 国产剧麻豆剧 and have created your Workday account at your earliest opportunity. If you need help with Workday please contact 国产剧麻豆剧 Admissions at (619) 849-2273. The results of the assessment will be available in early January and will be used for placement in the appropriate mathematics course for your program of study. A change in class schedule may occur, based on the student's score on the assessment.

Assessment Exemptions

Everyone entering 国产剧麻豆剧 needs to take this assessment prior to attending Fall classes, no matter what course work the student has completed before coming to 国产剧麻豆剧. Students who have passed the AP Calculus AB exam or BC exam with a score of 3, 4 or 5 and have sent the score to 国产剧麻豆剧 before July 31 (for students starting in the fall), do not need to take the exam. 

Some transfer students may be exempt from taking the exam. The exemption depends on the exact type of mathematics that you took before coming to 国产剧麻豆剧 and your major. Please contact records at records@pointloma.edu to determine if you are exempt.

Academic Accommodations 

Students with disabilities who are seeking accommodations for taking the online placement assessment should contact the 国产剧麻豆剧 Educational Access Center at (619) 849-2486, by July 29.

Assessment Preparation

You should study for the math placement assessment. Like anything else, if you don't use it, you lose it. If you've been out of math for a year (or even a few months over the summer), a review of mathematical concepts and operations will help you to do your best work. Often students who do not study are disappointed about their low placement. Placing into a higher-level of math class can save you time and tuition money 鈥 it is worth a couple hours of practice.

The mathematics placement assessment covers the following courses. To assist you with assessment preparation, a list of the topics each class covers has been provided below. 

  • MTH 0099 鈥 Elementary Algebra
    An introduction to algebra, including a study of the real number system, solutions of linear and quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, systems of equations, graphing, inequalities, and radicals.
  • MTH 1013 鈥 College Algebra
    A review and extension of elementary algebra, solutions of linear and quadratic equations, radicals, inequalities, linear and quadratic functions, polynomial functions, and graphing.
  • MTH 1033 鈥 Pre-calculus for the Sciences
    An introduction to the functions necessary for the study of calculus with an emphasis on numerical and graphical notations of continuity, limits, and derivatives. The following function types are used as examples for the study of the concepts: polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.

Make an Appointment to Retake the Assessment

Continuing students who need to retake the Mathematics Placement Assessment should contact Stephanie Krahenbuhl, department assistant. Students can reach her by stopping by in person in Rohr Science, Room 230, by emailing skrahenb@pointloma.edu, or by phone at (619) 849-2219.

Her hours are Monday 鈥 Thursday, 8 a.m. 鈥 5 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. 鈥 2 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Preperation

Why must I take the ALEKS PPL Assessment?

The Placement Assessment is used to determine the mathematics course in which you will have the greatest success. Upon completion of the Placement Assessments, your scores are sent to the 国产剧麻豆剧 Office of Records, and they will review your scores and make appropriate recommendations for course registration.

Who has to take the ALEKS PPL Assessment

All students entering 国产剧麻豆剧. If a student has Advanced Placement credit or college credit for Calculus, they are exempt from taking the test.

When do I take the ALEKS PPL Assessment?

Traditional Undergraduate Students: Students will be given an opportunity to take the exam after admission to 国产剧麻豆剧 and before starting coursework. Students who are entering 国产剧麻豆剧 in the fall are strongly encouraged to take the test for the first time during the testing periods in late May and early June. Students entering in January will be given the opportunity to take the test in December and early January. The test and Learning Modules will be available for the next 12 months should students wish to take the test more than once, but we strongly recommend completing the placement process as soon as possible.

Adult Undergraduate Students: Students entering 国产剧麻豆剧 as part of the Adult Undergraduate Program should discuss the timing of the exam with their Success Counselor.

Is there a fee for using ALEKS PPL?

Use of ALEKS is included in your student fees for the first academic year that you are a student at 国产剧麻豆剧. After that you will have to make arrangements with the Mathematical, Information and Computer Sciences (MICS) Department to pay for access to the exam.

Do I need to install any software or plug-ins prior to taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment?

No. There are no required plug-ins or applets required with your use of ALEKS PPL. As long as you have access to a stable internet connection and are using an updated browser on a computer (not a phone), you should not experience difficulties in taking your Placement Assessment. For a list of preferred browsers, please review the ALEKS system requirements on their support site:

What topics are covered during the ALEKS PPL Assessment?

ALEKS PPL is an online, adaptive system that covers a broad spectrum of mathematics topics. The length of the Placement Assessment will vary, but can be up to 30 questions. You will see some, but not all, of the math you have learned in high school. It is a Placement Assessment, not a preview of math courses at 国产剧麻豆剧. It is designed to identify if you are prepared for a particular course. After you take your first Placement Assessment, you will have the opportunity to review and master additional topics to reassess and improve your placement.

Topics covered:

  • Real numbers (including fractions, integers, and percentages)
  • Equations and inequalities (including linear equations, linear inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations),
  • Linear and quadratic functions (including graphs and functions, linear functions, and parabolas), exponents and polynomials (including integer exponents, polynomial arithmetic, factoring, and polynomial equations), rational expressions (including rational equations and rational functions
  • Radical expressions (including higher roots and rational exponents)
  • Exponentials and logarithms (including function compositions and inverse functions, properties of logarithms, and logarithmic equations)
  • Geometry and trigonometry (including perimeter, area, and volume, coordinate geometry, trigonometric functions, and identities and equations).

Can I practice using the ALEKS input tools before I begin the Placement Assessment?

ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial to make sure you are comfortable with the math palette tools before your Placement Assessment begins. The tutorial shows you how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator, and how to graph. If you aren鈥檛 sure how to input an answer, or need help while you are taking the ALEKS Placement Assessment, select the Help button below the answer pallet tools. Going to the tutorial during your Placement Assessment will NOT impact your Placement Assessment results.

Taking the Placement Assessment

What is the format of the questions on ALEKS?

ALEKS is not a multiple-choice Placement Assessment. 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.

May I use any other resources during a Placement Assessment?

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 to improper placement and potentially course failure. Using outside resources is also a violation of 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 Academic Honesty policy. 

Can I review a question after I've answered it?

No. Because ALEKS is adaptive, once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. Be sure to carefully check your answer before submitting your response. 

What if I see questions I don鈥檛 know?

It is likely that you will be asked questions on material you have not yet learned. On such questions it is appropriate 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, and this will be reflected in the Placement Assessment results. There is no penalty for incorrectly answering a question on the Placement Assessment, it only helps ALEKS understand what you know and don鈥檛 know.

  

Are Placement Assessments timed?

Yes, you have 2 hours to complete a Placement Assessment once it has begun. The test typically takes students 60-90 minutes.

What happens if I do not complete a Placement Assessment in the allotted time?

You will be given a placement result based on the portion of the exam that you have completed. 

What if I need academic accommodations?

Students with disabilities who are seeking accommodations for taking the online placement test should contact the 国产剧麻豆剧 Educational Access Center at (619) 849-2486. Please allow one week to set up a specialized testing arrangement.

I am ready to start my ALEKS PPL Assessment. How do I begin?

For incoming students: You will be sent the link to the test and the relevant password. This information will be sent to your 国产剧麻豆剧 email address so be sure that is the address that you are checking.

For continuing students: You will need to contact the 国产剧麻豆剧 MICS Department (stephaniekrahenbuhl@pointloma.edu) to identify a time when you are going to take the test, to pay the necessary fee, and to receive the password.

Placement Result

What is my placement result?

Your placement result (overall score) is a number between 0 and 100. It represents the percentage of topics ALEKS has identified you have mastered. The tables below show the score needed to start the essential coursework for each major. If the score is not achieved, then additional mathematics coursework will be needed.

Traditional Undergraduate Students: To find the assessment score recommended for your major, please go this .

Adult Undergraduate Students:

ALEKS ScoreNext Course to Take
0-45MAT1001 Elementary Algebra for Financial Mathematics
46-100MAT1013 College Algebra
OR
MAT1093 Basic Statistics

Where can I see my score?

  • You will receive your score immediately upon completion of your Placement Assessment.
  • Your ALEKS score can be viewed by re-entering ALEKS using the same access link for which you took the Placement Assessment.
  • The 国产剧麻豆剧 Office of Records will receive your scores to assist them in registering you for classes.
  • Your scores will also be reviewed by the Mathematical, Information and Computer Sciences Department and added to your 国产剧麻豆剧 student record in Workday (there can be a up to a 1-2 week time delay for this process).

How long is my placement result valid?

Your placement result is valid for use at 国产剧麻豆剧 for up to 4 years.

What if I do not place into the course I need for my major?

This is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of the Prep and Learning Modules offered within ALEKS PPL. An individualized study plan will be created based on your performance on the Initial Placement Assessment. ALEKS will identify what you know and what you are ready to learn next so you can brush up on lost knowledge. 

I did not place into the class I wanted. Can I take it anyway?

No, you must achieve the minimum placement result to take each corresponding class.

Which math course is required for my program?

Mathematics scores allow you to place into mathematics classes and some science classes. To see details for your specific major, please look at the relevant 国产剧麻豆剧 Catalog: or .

What if I placed into the class I wanted?

Congratulations! Continue to use your Prep and Learning Module to improve your chances for success. The placement result required is the minimum preparation for your course. Take advantage of the individualized review and learning features in ALEKS to get a better grade in your class.

Can I retake the ALEKS PPL Assessment?

Yes, you may take up to 3 Placement Assessments. However, to make each attempt worthwhile, it is important that you spend time working in your ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between Placement Assessments so that you can improve your skills (see details below).

Can I retake the ALEKS Placement Assessment immediately?

You must wait one week between Placement Assessments. There is generally no benefit to re-taking the Placement Assessment immediately after completing a prior attempt. You cannot improve your results by simply re-taking the Placement Assessment without spending time in the Prep and Learning Module to refresh material that you may have forgotten.

Prep and Learning Modules

How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module?

You will have 12 months of access to your Prep and Learning module. Access to the prep course will not begin until you select start on the top of your screen. DO NOT select into the Prep and Learning Module until you are ready to start working. 

Is there an additional fee for my Prep and Learning Module?

Access to a Prep and Learning Module is included along with the additional Placement Assessments.

Must I work in my ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between Placement Assessments?

You can retake the Placement assessment two additional times to improve your score. (The highest score will be used for math placement). Students are required to work in the Prep and Learning Modules for a specific amount of time prior to each Placement Assessment to increase success.

  • 2nd Attempt: You are required to complete 5 hours of work in the Prep and Learning Modules and wait one week before attempting the assessment for the second time.
  • 3rd Attempt: You are required to complete and additional 8 hours of work in the Prep and Learning Modules and wait an additional week before attempting assessment for the third and final time.

What are ALEKS Knowledge Checks?

While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete a Knowledge Check to make sure you have mastered the topics you gained in Learning Mode. If you do not show mastery during the Knowledge Check, the topics will be added back into your Learning Pie so you can review them again.

Does progress in an ALEKS Prep and Learning Module count toward placement?

No. You must complete a new Placement Assessment to change your placement result. Select the placement tab in the upper right corner of the ALEKS page to start a new Placement Assessment.

Can I change to a different Prep and Learning Module later?

No. You may only use one Prep and Learning Module. We strongly encourage using the module recommended by ALEKS.

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 Placement Assessment exactly where you left off, with no loss of your previous answers. Please note that the clock will keep running even when you are logged out so you need to return to the test as soon as possible.

Where can I get help with ALEKS?

Placement Score Needed for Each Major