What is ALEKS?

ALEKS is a powerful artificial-intelligence based assessment tool that zeros in on the strengths and weaknesses of a student’s mathematical knowledge, reports its findings to the student, and then provides the student with a learning environment for improving this knowledge to an appropriate level for course placement.

The ALEKS Math Assessment ensures students' readiness for particular math, statistics, and chemistry courses at Mercyhurst. Since these courses require the mastery of prerequisite material, it is important for students to begin in the course most likely to lead to success. Students will not be permitted to take a course unless they have demonstrated readiness. After completing the initial assessment, students who wish to improve their skills may use the included learning modules.

Once classes begin, ALEKS is no longer available. The highest score is used for placement and pre-requisite checking.

Who must take ALEKS?

All first time traditional undergraduate students and transfer students will be required to take the math placement exam prior to beginning classes at Mercyhurst.
The only students exempted from taking ALEKS are those who:

• Earned Advanced Placement credit with a score of 4 or higher.
• Passed the standard level International Baccalaureate exam with a score of 5 or higher.
• Passed the advanced level International Baccalaureate exam with a score of 4 or higher.
• Earned CLEP credits with a score of 50 or higher.
• Took an approved 3-credit math or statistics course from an accredited college or university with a grade of C or higher.

Students may not take certain courses in mathematics, statistics, or chemistry without demonstrating readiness.

When do students take ALEKS?

Students need to demonstrate readiness for their scheduled courses via ALEKS assessment prior to the start of classes. Students beginning classes in Spring semester may begin the assessment November 1. Students beginning classes in Summer and Fall semesters may begin the assessment March 15.

After the first day of class, you will need to schedule an appointment with a proctor to take or retake the assessment.

How long will the assessment take?

The assessment will ask up to 30 questions. You should plan to complete the assessment in one 2-3 hour sitting. If you do not complete the assessment in one sitting, you will have 48 hours to complete it before the assessment is reset.