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Boise State University Math Assessment through ALEKS
Boise State University requires the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS to assess a student's prerequisite knowledge for course placement. 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 if necessary provides the student with a learning environment for bringing this knowledge up to an appropriate level for course placement.
- Students that plan to take Math 147 or Math 170 must complete the ALEKS assessment between June 15, 2008 and the 5th day of enrollment for the Fall 2008 Semester. One assessment during this period is available to all students free of charge.
- Those students enrolled in Math 147 or Math 170 are required to obtain a minimum ALEKS assessment score by the 5th day of enrollment of at least :
70% for Math 170 (Calculus I)
40% for Math 147 (PreCalculus)
- Failure to meet the minimum score for Math 147 and Math 170 will result in your being recommended for the prerequisite course.
- Failure to meet the minimum score for Math 147 and Math 170 may result in your grade being lowered by 10% if you choose to remain in the course.
- A student can take the ALEKS assessment as often as they wish between June 15, 2008 and the 5th day of classes for the Fall 2008 semester in order to satisfy the minimum score. Only the initial assessment is free.
- Students are highly encouraged to use the summer to ensure they meet the minimum score.
- Click here for a quick recap of the various ALEKS products and their related course codes.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS?
Q: Who is required to take the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS?
Q: How do I access the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS?
Q: Do I need to install any plugins prior to taking the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS?
Q: I have been out of high school for a few years. What Placement Exam do I take?
Q: Is the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS Free?
Q: When should I take the Assessment Exam?
Q: How long are my BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS scores valid?
Q: What if I do not obtain the required minimum score for Math 147 or Math 170?
Q: Why would I purchase an additional single assessment?
Q: How do I purchase an additional assessment?
Q: Why would I purchase the "Assessment + Learning" Module of ALEKS?
Q: How do I purchase access to ALEKS for Assessment + Learning?
Q: Are other Learning Modules available through ALEKS?
Q: How do I get technical support for ALEKS?
Q: How do I get general academic advising?
Q: Can I place into Math 170 using the BSU math Assessment Exam through ALEKS even though my ACT/SAT/COMPASS scores aren't high enough?
Q: If I place into Math 170 using the BSU math Assessment Exam through ALEKS, can I also take Chem 111?
Q: If I place into Math 170 using the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS, can I also take ENGR 120 (a required course for Mechanical, Electrical, Civil and Materials Science and Engineering majors)?
Q: Can I place into Math 147 using the BSU Math Assessment through ALEKS even though my ACT/SAT/COMPASS scores aren't high enough?
Q: Why do I have to take this assessment when I already placed into my class (via my SAT/ACT/Compass or by having taken the prereq class)?
Q: What is the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS?
A: The BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS covers a broad spectrum of pre-calculus material. The ALEKS system is fully automated and the ALEKS assessment is adaptive. The first questions asked will be drawn from across the curriculum, and may be too easy or too hard. As the assessment proceeds, your answers will be used to give the system an idea of your knowledge, and it will gradually focus the questioning in an individually appropriate way. By the end of the assessment you should find the questions generally challenging but reasonable for your individual level of knowledge. The length of the assessment runs from 20-35 questions. The exact number of questions will vary due to the adaptive mechanism just described. 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 the topic, and this will be reflected in the assessment results. If you do not do your best on the assessment, ALEKS will underestimate your knowledge.
Q: Who is required to take the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS?
A: All incoming freshman, transfer and returning students that desire to enroll in Math 147 or Math 170 are required to take the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS.
Q: How do I access the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS?
A:All students will access the assessment exam at: http://www.aleks.com
To take the exam, go to this web page, click on "SIGN UP NOW" in the upper left-hand corner, and enter the following 10-character course code when prompted under the "Using ALEKS with a class" area.
9GNUP-LVFHF
Follow the instructions to complete registration. Be sure to use your Boise State student ID# when prompted. You will be issued a login and password – write them down! They will also be emailed to the email address you provided. The menu may then prompt the installation of a plug-in. If so, install it and continue to follow the directions, which will include closing and restarting your browser, and logging back in. You will then receive a brief introduction to ALEKS, and finally the assessment itself. Please be sure to note the Login Name and Password provided by ALEKS in case you need to interrupt your assessment and log back on later.
Q: Do I need to install any plugins prior to taking the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS?
A:Yes. In most cases, ALEKS will do this automatically. If it does not automatically happen then:
(i) Go to the main ALEKS web page at: http://www.aleks.com
(ii) Press the DOWNLOADS link at the upper right. Follow the instructions to install the necessary software (Java) on your computer.
(iii) After installation of the ALEKS plug-in, restart (reboot) your computer.
For additional troubleshooting instructions, please read the instructions at http://www.math.uiuc.edu/ALEKS/plugin_troubleshooting.html.
Q: I have been out of high school/college for a few years. What Placement Exam do I take?
A: Take the COMPASS test to get an initial math placement at http://selland.boisestate.edu/assessment/compass-aca-placement.asp. You will have several options depending on your COMPASS placement. One option is to simply sign up for the the class that the COMPASS placed you into. Other options are described below.
NOTE: Consult with your academic advisor or call the Math Department at 426-1172 before you purchase any product from ALEKS!
- If your COMPASS placement is Math 025, you could purchase "Beginning Algebra" course product from http://www.ALEKS.com. Use course code Q4NCK-LCENM. After completing the curriculum, retake the COMPASS – you may have advanced to the Math 108 Level or higher!
- If your COMPASS placement is Math 108, you could purchacse "Prep for College Algebra" course product from http://www.ALEKS.com use course code N3ELL-UF9FJ. Later take the Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS (see above for the code for the free ALEKS assessment). If you achieve 40%, contact the Math Department for permission to enroll in Math 147.
- If your COMPASS placement is Math 147 or 170, then you can enroll in the appropriate course. You must then take the free ALEKS assessment and you must meet the minimum score for the class you are enrolled in.
Q: Is the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS Free?
A: The initial assessment is offered free of charge. Be sure you are ready to take your exam prior to logging on. Once you start, whether you complete the exam or not, this counts as your one free assessment.
Retakes of the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS can be purchased in two ways:
- a single assessment for $3.60
- an "Assessment + Learning" module for $36.76
The Assessment + Learning Module contains the learning module that allows you to build up your pre-calculus knowledge. It will also provide periodic reassessments, both at the beginning and also automatically when you have made substantial progress.
NOTE: If you purchase the "Assessment + Learning" module and later assess high enough to meet the minimum for your class, Boise State will refund half of the purchase price!
Q: When should I take the Assessment Exam?
A: Anytime after June 15. Take it soon so that if you don't achieve the minimum score you have time to re-learn the material.
Q: How long are my BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS scores valid?
A: It is crucial that the scores are reflective of your current mathematical knowledge. Therefore the scores are valid for 4 months prior to enrolling in a math course. These scores will not be valid for any course in Spring 2009 or thereafter.
Q: What if I do not obtain the required minimum score for Math 147 or Math 170?
A: Those students enrolled in Math 147 or Math 170 are required to obtain a minimum ALEKS assessment score by the 5th day of enrollment of at least 70% for Math 170 and 40% for Math 147. Failure to meet the minimum score for Math 147 or 170 will result in your being recommended for the prerequisite course and may result in a course penalty of 10% if you do not follow this recommendation.
Therefore if you do not reach the minimum score, you have two choices:
- Choice 1. You may retake the ALEKS assessment exam before the 5th day of enrollment in an attempt to improve your score. Note: If you want to re-learn some of the material that's coverd on the assessment, you may wish to purchase the "Assessment + Learning" module of ALEKS (see below).
- Choice 2. You may enroll in the prerequisite course:
Math 147 has a prerequisite course of Math 108.
Math 170 has a prerequisite course of Math 147 (or Math 143/144).
Q: Why would I purchase an additional single assessment?
A: You might choose this option if your initial score was close to the required minimum score.
Q: How do I purchase an additional assessment?
A:To purchase an additional assessment, go to the ALEKS home page: http://www.aleks.com
Click on "SIGN UP NOW" in the upper left-hand corner, and enter the following 10-character course code when prompted:
W3CYR-MUFXC (Assessment code for Prep for Calculus)
NOTE: This will cost you $3.60. Do not use this code until you have already taken the free assessment.
On the next page, there will be a link that you can use to purchase a 20-character access code for the assessment. Purchase this code and enter it when prompted. Follow the instructions to complete registration, a brief introduction to ALEKS, and finally the assessment itself. Please note the Login Name and Password provided by ALEKS in case you need to interrupt your assessment and log back on later.
Q: Why would I purchase the "Assessment + Learning" Module of ALEKS?
A: You might choose this option if you feel that your pre-calculus skills are weak and you would like to review that knowledge in an effective on-line learning environment, or you have taken the initial assessment and did not reach the minimum ALEKS score for your course and want a learning module to assist in reaching the required minimum score.
Q: How do I purchase access to ALEKS for "Assessment + Learning"?
A:To purchase "Assessment + Learning" access, go to the ALEKS home page: http://www.aleks.com
Click on "SIGN UP NOW" in the upper left-hand corner, and enter the following 10-character course code when prompted:
F9RND-PNXEL (Assessment code for Prep for Calculus)
NOTE: This will cost you $36.76. Do not use this code until you have already taken the free assessment.
On the next page, there will be a link that you can use to purchase a 20-character access code for the course product. Purchase this code and enter it when prompted. Follow the instructions to complete registration including entering your Boise State student ID# when prompted. You will then be re-introduced to ALEKS and re-assessed in the course material. Following this assessment, you will be able to access the Learning Mode in ALEKS and make progress toward mastery of the course contents. Be sure to note the new Login Name and Password provided by ALEKS, because you will need this to log back on to your new assessment and learning account from the ALEKS web site. As you master the material, ALEKS will periodically re-assess you. Once you have demonstrated during a periodic re-assessment that you have achieved the prerequisite level (40% or 70%), you are finished – no need to pay for any additional assessment exams.
Q: Are other Learning Modules available through ALEKS?
A:Yes, ALEKS offers several other Learning Modules you may purchase to self-remediate, such as: "Prep for College Algebra", if you want to self-prepare for Math 108, and "Beginning Algebra" if you want to learn material at the Math 25 level.
NOTE: These products are for remediation at the Math 025 or math 108 level. They will NOT place you into Math 147 or Math 170. They will NOT meet the requirement for ALEKS assessment if you are already enrolled in Math 147 or Math 170. Consult your academic advisor or the Math Department (426-1172) before making any purchases.
To purchase and enroll in either the"Prep for College Algebra" or "Beginning Alegra" Learning Modules, go to the ALEKS home page: http://www.aleks.com
Click on "SIGN UP NOW" in the upper left-hand corner, and, when prompted, enter the 10-character course code corresponding to the Learning Module that you wish to use:
Prep for College Algebra: N3ELL-UF9FJ
Prep for Beginning Algebra: Q4NCK-LCENM
On the next page, there will be a link that you can use to purchase a 20-character access code for the course product. Purchase this code and enter it when prompted. Follow the instructions to complete registration, a brief introduction to ALEKS, and an assessment in the course product. Following this assessment, you will be able to access the Learning Mode in ALEKS and make progress toward mastery of the course contents. Be sure to note the Login Name and Password provided by ALEKS, because you will need this to log back on to your account from the ALEKS web site.
You will need to have the Course Code as well as a 20-character individual access code in order to register.
Q: How do I get technical support for ALEKS?
A: For ALEKS customer support please email:
Email: support@aleks.com
Q: How do I get general academic advising ?
A: Go to http://academicsupport.boisestate.edu/
Q: Can I place into Math 170 using the BSU Assessment through ALEKS even though my ACT/SAT/COMPASS scores aren't high enough?
A: Yes you can. If you achieve 70% on the BSU Math Assessment Exam, you will be permitted into the class. Call the Math department office at 208-426-1172 to obtain a permission number. Please have your BSU student ID number available. If you need to leave a voice message, please be specific about which Math 170 section you desire, and also leave your name, email address, BSU student ID number and telephone number.
Q: If I place into Math 170 using the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS, can I also take Chem 111?
A: Yes you can. To do so you must call the chemistry office at 208-426-4491 to obtain a permission number from Jenny Weaver. Please have your BSU student ID number available. If you need to leave a voice message, please be specific about which Chem 111 section you desire, and also leave your name, email address, BSU student ID number and telephone number.
Q:If I place into Math 170 using the BSU Math Assessment Exam through ALEKS, can I also take ENGR 120 (a required course for Mechanical, Electrical, Civil and Materials Science and Engineering majors)?
A:Yes you can. To do so you must email JanetCallahan@boisestate.edu with a request for a need a permission number for ENGR 120 and indicate that you have achieved 70% on ALEKS. Your email must include your name and broncoID number.
Q: Can I place into Math 147 using the BSU Math Assessment through ALEKS even though my ACT/SAT/COMPASS scores aren't high enough?
A: Yes you can. If you achieve 40% on the BSU Math Assessment Exam, you will be permitted into the class. Call the Math department office at 208-426-1172 to obtain a permission number. Please have your BSU student ID number available. If you need to leave a voice message, please be specific about which Math 147 section you desire, and also leave your name, email address, BSU student ID number and telephone number.
Q: Why do I have to take this assessment when I already placed into my class (via my SAT/ACT/Compass or by having taken the prereq class)?
A: Because we want you to be able to pass the course you plan to take. We know, based on a very large study done at the University of Illinois, that U of I students who score at the level of (40 or 70%) on the ALEKS assessment have a 70 to 80% probability of passing (Math 147 or Math 170). This, of course, assumes that they do all the homework, attend class, and study appropriately. Students who receive only a (20 or 50%) on the assessment (or lower), have about a 50% probability of passing their class. And if you score even lower, the probability decreases even more as you might guess.
The key is that you need to demonstrate that you currently have the prerequisite knowledge to be successful in the class. It is probable that since you took the ACT/SAT, or your last math class, you have either forgotten some math knowledge, or in the case of an incoming first year student, you may have gained math knowledge from your last math class in high school. If it has been a while since your last math class, you won’t immediately assess at your highest level possible. The good news is that you will quickly relearn that material – it’s not forgotten completely, it will come back swiftly. Take the time to relearn it, spend 10 to 20 hours reviewing using the “assessment and learning” module of ALEKS. If you don't find yourself able to move up to the correct assessment level, then you really will be better off in the prerequisite course.
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