ALEKS Math Placement Assessment & Online Learning Program

Upon completion of each assessment attempt,

screenshot your score and email the below according to your last name:

A-J, email srclark@loyno.edu | K-Z, email edcrago@loyno.edu

If you arrived at this page without first reading this entire entry regarding math placement, please pause and read it now. You may already have established your math placement, or even fulfilled your math requirement.

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The math placement assessment will help you and your advisor determine the correct first Math course for you at Loyola New Orleans, given your previous experience versus the math requirements for your chosen Major.

The assessment typically takes 60 - 90 minutes to complete. After the assessment, a targeted Prep and Learning Module is made available for you to review and re-learn material, and to improve placement and eventual course outcomes.

Students must log mandatory study-hours using the ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between assessment attempts. Even if you have achieved placement in your desired course, you can continue to spend time in ALEKS to better prepare you for your upcoming course/s and ultimately lead to better grades.

Please be aware of the following guidelines:

No outside assistance* is permitted. Each student has a unique knowledge-state that consists of the math topics they know, and/or they do not know, and/or they are ready to learn. The ALEKS placement assessment determines the unique knowledge-state of each student: The system can then properly place students into a course based on their math abilities. *Outside assistance includes getting help from others and from other materials. Other individuals are not to be in the room while you are taking the exam.
The webcam and Lockdown Browser are how students are proctored so the webcam lens must not be covered up or otherwise obscured. It should show the student's face at all times.
No outside calculators are permitted. A calculator icon will appear on the screen when it is allowed to be used. However, blank paper and a pen/pencil are allowed for students to work out problems.
No use of cell phones or other electronic devices are permitted.

Be honest about your skill level. There is absolutely no benefit to cheating on the placement assessment – you would be placed into a math class for which you do not yet have the skills to succeed. Therefore, while you are taking the assessment, do not consult any other source for help, e.g., friends, family, internet searches, etc. Cheating on the assessment is a violation of Loyola’s Academic Honor Code and could lead to academic sanctions. The purpose of the placement assessment is to give an accurate measure of your current mathematical skills so that you will be successful in your mathematics courses, and your related classes that draw upon your acquired math foundation.

Getting Started

ALEKS should be taken over the summer leading into your first semester at Loyola, or by the end of your first semester. If you didn't do the assessment in that time-frame, there is a different login procedure.

How do Loyola Students Access the Assessment?

New students can access the exam in the summer leading to their first semester, and within their first semester by following the ALEKS Math Assessment link in the Admissions Status Portal. The Admissions Portal runs on your personal, pre-Loyola, login information (not your @my.loyno.edu address). If you've forgotten that information, your original Admissions counselor can do a reset for you. Because you are connecting through the Loyola system, you do not need a cohort code to get to the assessment if you go through your Portal, but you DO need the proctor password found further down this webpage.

Students attempting to take ALEKS after their first semester, can go through the external ALEKS web-link. At the same time that you create an account with your Loyola email address (your @my.loyno.edu), please email Sara Clark at srclark@loyno.edu for your cohort code. You will also need the proctor password found further down this page.

Preparing for the Exam and What to Expect

Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats that extend beyond the forehead.
If using a notebook computer, place it on a firm surface like a desk or table, not your lap.
If the webcam is built into the screen, avoid making screen adjustments after the exam starts. A common mistake is to push the screen back, resulting in only the top portion of the face being recorded.
Don't lie down on a couch or bed while taking an exam. There is a greater chance you'll move out of the video frame or change your relative position to the webcam.
Don't take an exam in a dark room. If the details of your face don't show clearly during the webcam check, the automated video analysis is more likely to flag you as missing.
Avoid backlighting situations, such as sitting with your back to a window. The general rule is to have light in front of your face, not behind your head.
Select a distraction free environment for the exam. Televisions and other people in the room can draw your attention away from the screen. Other people that come into view of the webcam may also trigger flags by the automated system.
If you have previously received accommodations due to having a disability, or feel like you should receive accommodations, please contact our Office for Accessible Education (504 865 2990) so that they can provide you accommodations for this 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't sure how to input an answer, or need help while you are doing the assessment, select the Help button below the answer pallet tools. Going to the tutorial will NOT impact your results.
The assessment uses Lockdown Browser. After you finish the tutorial, ALEKS will ask you to download Lockdown Browser. Even if you have previously downloaded Lockdown Browser for a course or assignment, you will still need to download this version as it is unique to ALEKS. If you have any issues, please refer to our FAQs below.
The assessment also uses the Respondus Monitor. This system requires a working webcam. Again, if you have any questions in regards to this please see our FAQs.
When you are ready to take the exam, you may do so by accessing ALEKS in whichever way is appropriate to you as described above, depending upon the timing. You will have three hours to take this test. Good luck!
ALEKS will ask you for a proctor password. The password is: LOYOLA1

**NOTE: If you took the ALEKS Placement Assessment in High School, you will still need to take the ALEKS assessment for Loyola placement. When you are asked, "Have you used ALEKS before?" please select “No, I have never used ALEKS before,” and make a new account. Failing to do so can create problems in our system, which will mean delays for you.

FAQS: Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to take the Assessment?

A mac or pc with webcam capabilities, as ALEKS uses webcam proctoring software to ensure academic integrity. You will be prompted to download this software when logging in for the first time. Scroll further down the page to navigate to device and system options.
A pencil and paper.

**No outside calculators are allowed. ALEKS will provide an onscreen calculator for your use.

How do I get my ALEKS placement score?

After you complete the assessment, you will be presented with a pie chart showing your areas of strength and weakness. Your overall assessment score appears at the top of the page. If you have taken the assessment more than once, scores on previous assessments are shown below the pie chart. In this case, your highest assessment score is used for placement purposes.

If you forget your assessment score, you can log into ALEKS again to review your scores.

The score does not automatically load into your LORA account. Upon completion of each attempt, screenshot the score and email the below according to your last name: A-J, email srclark@loyno.edu | K-Z, email edcrago@loyno.edu

How do I improve my score?

After the first assessment, students may use ALEKS learning modules to improve their skills. According to ALEKS national statistics, students who spend 10-15 hours in the learning module/s show the greatest gains. Students who use the learning modules may see a 5-7 point increase from their first assessment. See the placement grids here to help discern if you should log study time to earn additional attempts, or if you may benefit from enrolling in the class itself for traditional study in order to build a strong math foundation.

To begin a learning module, repeat the login procedure you followed the first time. Click the Start button in the Improve Your Knowledge in a Prep and Learning Module box to begin or return to a learning module.

ALEKS directs students to the module that will allow them to make the most immediate gains in skills. Once a learning module is started, the student may continue to access the module for up to six months. The student may retake the assessment after spending a minimum of five hours in the learning module. The student has three additional attempts at the assessment, each with the minimum required time spent on learning modules beforehand.

ALEKS monitors student progress and sets deadlines for continuing access to learning modules and retests. Students are expected to complete their ALEKS assessment prior to the last day to add a course in each respective semester (the last day of the first week of school -- no late-adds allowed). Failing to do so can lead to scheduling and sequencing issues in specific majors. See the Academic Calendar.

Who has to take the ALEKS Placement Assessment?

It depends. Students with placement instruments (including ACT, SAT, AP, Cambridge, Dantes/DSST, IB, CLEP, and both dual-enrollment math and transfer work in math) going into particular Majors may have already established placement and/or fulfilled their math requirement. Students going into particular Majors, but who do not have any of the above-named placement instruments will likely benefit from starting the ALEKS math assessment and study-modules at their earliest possible opportunity. For many students, it is also possible, and will be practical and appropriate, to start at the lowest-possible math course in the sequence for their Major in order to work through the needed levels organically. STEM students in particular should talk to their faculty advisors about staying on track while addressing the math needs for their Major.

If your major does not require math placement, but you would like to complete Pre-health courses in addition to your Major, you may take ALEKS to get placed into the appropriate first Math course. See the two access options here, and if you are beyond your first semester, please email Sara Clark, srclark@loyno.edu, for the needed cohort code.

Are there any exceptions?

Students with appropriate examination scores (ACT, SAT, AP, Cambridge, CLEP, Dantes/DSST, and/or IB) or dual-enrollment in Math or transfer credit in Math are not required to take the assessment, but may do so to improve placement if in a major that requires Calculus or to earn an exemption in a major that does not require Calculus.

Examination Credit

Exam & Score	Credit
ACT, SAT, ALEKS scores	Please scroll down to the grids in this Math Placement section
Advanced Placement Exams (AP)	Please consult AP Examination Credit Chart
Cambridge Credits	Please consult Cambridge Credit Chart
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)	Please consult CLEP Examination Credit Chart
Dantes/DSST	Please consult Dantes/DSST Credit Chart
International Baccalaureate (IB)	Please consult IB Examination Credit Chart
Dual-enrollment and/or transfer credits	Transfer of Academic Undergraduate Credit

Is proof required for the above test-scores and credits forms of placement?

Yes, proof of placement is required:

Placement via ACT/SAT scores, and/or AP, Cambridge, CLEP, Dantes/DSST, IB, dual-enrollment, or transfer credits requires submission of official score reports and/or official college transcripts from the college where the work was done, or if dual-enrollment, by the college that sponsored the work (high school transcripts cannot be used for this purpose). For dual-enrollment or transfer, courses must be graded C or higher. Please have your official documents sent to Loyola University New Orleans. If the agency sending the document/s wants an email address the address is admit@loyno.edu.

What is my placement result?

Your ALEKS placement result will be a whole number from 0 - 100. A minimum placement score is required to enroll in any entry level Mathematics course above College Algebra (Math A110), as shown in the Bulletin math placement grids. (Don't forget -- placement is also established with incoming credits via AP, Cambridge, CLEP, Dantes/DSST, dual-enrollment, and/or transfer credits.)

What if I took the ALEKS Placement Assessment in High School?

If you took the ALEKS Placement Assessment in High School, you will still need to take the ALEKS assessment for Loyola placement. When you are asked, "Have you taken ALEKS before?" please select “No, I have never used ALEKS before,” and make a new account. Failing to do so can create problems in our system, and cause delays for you.

What topics are covered on the Placement Assessment?

The Placement Assessment covers only pre-calculus topics. Specifically
Whole numbers, fractions, and decimals
Percents, proportions, and geometry
Signed numbers, linear equations, and inequalities
Lines and systems of linear equations
Relations and functions
Integer exponents and factoring
Quadratic and polynomial functions
Rational expressions and functions
Radicals and rational exponents
Exponentials and logarithms
Trigonometry

Is there a fee for using ALEKS?

No. Loyola covers the cost of ALEKS for its students for up to four attempts.

Can I retake the ALEKS Placement Assessment?

Yes, you may take up to 4 placement assessments (an initial assessment plus up to three additional attempts) within twelve months of your first assessment. However, you must complete mandatory study-hours between attempts in order to improve your skills.

Can I retake the ALEKS Placement Assessment immediately?

You must wait 48 hours between placement assessments and complete at least five hours of module learning before the assessment will become available again. There is generally no benefit to re-taking the assessment immediately after completing a prior attempt. Unlike the SATM or ACTM, you cannot improve your results by simply re-taking the assessment without spending time in the Prep and Learning Module to refresh material that you may have forgotten or to learn new material.

Must I work in my ALEKS Prep and Learning Module between placement assessments?

Yes, after completing the assessment, you must spend a minimum of 5 hours in your Prep and Learning Module before repeating the assessment.

Are placement assessments timed?

Yes, you have 3 hours to complete the assessment once it has begun. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact The Office for Accessible Education.

How long will a placement assessment take to complete?

Placement assessments require approximately 60 - 90 minutes to complete, but the amount of time will vary by student. There will be a maximum of 30 questions.

What happens if I do not complete the placement assessment in the allotted 3 hours?

You will have to restart the assessment.

What computer systems are supported by ALEKS?

For the most up to date technical requirements, options, and accessibility details, see:

https://www.aleks.com/support/system_requirements

If you aren't using one of these, you'll need to find one to be able to take the test. Check with friends or family members, or a local university or library to see if their computers are equipped with the requirements needed to take the math placement test, such as a webcam and ability to download Lockdown Browser. Some Monroe Library computer-lab units have the required Lockdown Browser.

May I use a calculator while using ALEKS?

No, 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 by ALEKS. You may not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any other resource not provided by ALEKS. Using outside resources may lead to improper placement, and ultimately, course Withdrawal or failure which is time lost. Additionally, cheating on the assessment may also lead to academic sanctions. Loyola’s full academic integrity policy can be found here.

I just completed the ALEKS assessment, but I cannot enroll in the course I placed into. What should I do?

Screenshot your score and email the below according to your last name:

A-J, email srclark@loyno.edu | K-Z, email edcrago@loyno.edu

Can I practice using ALEKS before I begin placement?

ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial before your placement begins.

**How long do I have access to my Prep and Learning Module and the placement assessment?**

You will have twelve months of access from the time of your initial assessment.

**What are ALEKS Progress Assessments?**

While working in a Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete progress assessments to solidify your gains in knowledge.

**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. Click on the placement tab on the upper right of the page from within ALEKS. Only your placement assessment results will be used for course placement.

What if I do not place into the course I wanted?

You can use a Prep and Learning Module to review and learn, and you may start another placement assessment to improve your placement result. You may take the placement assessment up to four times (an initial assessment plus up to three additional attempts). If you still do not achieve the required placement score for the course you want, you will have to take the prerequisite class and earn a minimum grade of C in that class.

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

No. To take any Math course beyond MATH A110, you must either achieve the required minimum placement score, or take the prerequisite course.

Can I satisfy a prerequisite for an entry level mathematics course with AP, Cambridge credits, CLEP, Dantes/DSST credits, dual-enrollment credit or transfer credit?

Yes. If you have any of the above appropriately scored or graded credit for a prerequisite math course, you will not need to take the placement assessment.

What if I placed into the class I wanted?

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

Where can I get help with ALEKS?

http://support.aleks.com/ - email a question, ability to add an attachment

https://mhedu.force.com/aleks/s/alekscontactsupport - hours, email, phone, fax, live chat option

Or email Sara Clark, srclark@loyno.edu