ALEKS Math: Skill Development and Placement

What is the ALEKS?

The ALEKS is an online, adaptive math test and learning platform that helps educators and students understand each student's math knowledge and provides the individual support required to improve understanding.

The ALEKS can be used by students to improve readiness for college-level math, or to place into a math, science, or business course with specific scores listed as prerequisites.

Learn more or get started below.

The ALEKS at Union College

  • The ALEKS test is open to all incoming Freshmen and to anyone needing to fullfill a math prerequisite score for a course.
  • Math scores from ACT, SAT, and ALEKS are no longer required for registration of MATH 111 or MATH 221. A score of 46+ indicates preparedness for college-level math.
  • ALEKS learning modules and testing is now a required part of MATH 222, a lab-bearing math course that counts toward general education credit.
  • Cost is up to $25, payable by credit card directly at Aleks.com or by class fee.
  • A proctored test is required to add the score to your student record at Union College; that can be done when you are on campus before the start of the semester.
  • Any testing/retesting needs to be complete by add/drop date in order to affect placement in courses for that semester.
  • The results are available immediately after testing.
  • Students will have access to the study modules and testing feature for 12 months in order to raise scores.

How to Get Started

Students must receive a Union College ALEKS code in order to create an account. For a code and instructions:

You will complete your initial knowledge assessment, or pretest, on your own after signing up at ALEKS.com. This will get you started on which areas, if any, you will need to study to improve your score.

To schedule a proctored test or retest, MATH 222 students contact Derek Williams (derek.williams@ucollege.edu). All other students contact Lesa Kean (lesa.kean@ucollege.edu).

ALEKS Test Preparation

The one-time ALEKS fee covers the initial test, up to 4 retakes, and nearly unlimited self-paced study modules. The testing system requires that you log at least 3 hours in the study modules before you can retake a proctored test.

Self-paced pretest and study modules can be started at aleks.com; contact Lesa Kean (lesa.kean@ucollege.edu) or Derek Williams (derek.williams@ucollege.edu) for the Union College ALEKS code to get started or to schedule your proctored test.

Proctored Test Day

The date and location of your proctored ALEKS test will be sent after you contact Lesa Kean or Derek Williams.

On the day of the proctored test, please arrive to the test location 10 minutes early with the following:

  • A valid ID with your name and photo (driver's license, passport, or Union College ID);
  • Credit card to pay for the ALEKS online or your login information if you've already created an account within the last 12 months.
  • Pen or pencil for working out problems on provided scratch paper.
  • Personal computer (optional).

You will not need the following materials:

  • Scratch paper: Will be provided.
  • Calculator: The test provides a calculator "app" and equations where it deems appropriate.
  • Computer: Will be provided if you do not bring your own.

The results are available immediately after testing. If you would like to improve your score and retest, you must complete the recommended study modules before scheduling another proctored exam.

What do ALEKS scores mean?

The ALEKS score needs to be 46+ for college-level math readiness (MATH 111 or above). Following are the ALEKS test score ranges that qualify for math courses offered at Union College:

  • 0-45 | completed concurrently with MATH 222
  • 46-60 | MATH 117: College Algebra Concise (to be taken with MATH 119: Trigonometry)
  • 55-75 | MATH 119: Trigonometry
  • 61-75 | MATH 320: Mathematical Concepts for Elementary Teachers
  • 76-100 | MATH 184: Calculus I

Precalculus is now College Algebra and Trigonometry

MATH 121: Precalculus (5 credit hours) is no longer a course offered at Union College. It has been divided into the following two courses:

  • MATH 119: Trigonometry (3 credit hours)
  • MATH 111: College Algebra (3 credit hours) or MATH 117: College Algebra Concise (2 credit hours).
    MATH 117 should only be taken by students who are taking Trigonometry in the same semester. It does not carry enough credits to fulfill general education requirements.

Ready to get started with the ALEKS?

To start your self-paced pretest and study modules or to schedule a proctored test date, contact Lesa Kean, Math Faculty (lesa.kean@ucollege.edu) or Derek Williams (derek.williams@ucollege.edu). Payment will be due when creating your ALEKS account (unless instructed otherwise).