What topics are covered on the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check?

Some of the topics you might see in the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check include:

• real numbers (including fractions, integers, and percentages)
• equations and inequalities (including linear equations/inequalities, systems of linear equations, and quadratic equations)
• polynomials (including factoring, integer exponents, and polynomial arithmetic)
• functions and graphs (including function composition, inverse functions, graphing)
• rational and radical expressions (including rational equations, rational exponents)
• exponentials and logarithms (including properties of logarithms, exponent rules, exponential and logarithmic equations)
• geometry (including perimeter, area, and volume)
• trigonometry (including trigonometric functions, identities, and equations)

It is okay if you are not familiar with all of these topics. The purpose of the Math Knowledge Check is to determine your mathematical strengths and areas for improvement.

What does my score mean?

The table below provides some guidance based on your Math Knowledge Check Score.

Score	Suggested next steps
0-35	Take Modern Quantitative Methods in your first year at Southwestern. Talk with your academic advisor about what an appropriate course load might include.
36-69	You are eligible to enroll in Modern Calculus 1. Work in the ALEKS PPL Learning Modules to brush up on areas that need improvement. Talk with your academic advisor about what an appropriate course load might include.
70-100	You are ready for quantitative courses at Southwestern! You can always return to ALEKS to brush up on topics you may have forgotten as you cover them in your courses.

Will the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check impact my future enrollment in certain courses?

No. Regardless of your score, you are still allowed to enroll in any course. However, if your score is below a 70 you may want to discuss with your advisor the best courses to select to be successful. In addition, depending on your score, your faculty instructor may ask you to do additional work in the ALEKS PPL Learning Modules to improve upon some math concepts.

Who has to take the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check?

All incoming students must take the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check even if you have earned college level credit for calculus or took the AP or IB Calculus exams.

When do I take the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check?

Southwestern University has invested resources in this product for all new students in an effort to optimize student success. All incoming students should plan on taking the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check prior to Sprog.

Why must I take the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check?

Upon completion, your results will be shared with your academic advisor to help determine the best courses for you to take. Even if you are not planning on taking a quantitative course such as a math or science class this year, your intended major may change over your time at Southwestern. Your ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check score will help your academic advisor determine which courses might be best for you. Even if you are a music major, this information will be useful as you choose courses to fulfill your natural sciences requirement or other quantitative courses in the social sciences.

What is the cost of ALEKS PPL?

There is no cost for incoming Southwestern students. You will have access to the ALEKS PPL knowledge checks and all of the ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules for one full year.

How much time will it take to complete the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check? What do I need?

You will have up to 3.5 hours to complete the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check once it has begun. The average completion time is 1.5 hours. If you do not complete the placement assessment in the allotted time you will have to restart the Math Knowledge Check.

When you are ready to take the ALEKS PPL Assessment, you will just need access to the internet, about two hours of uninterrupted time, and a pencil and paper. All other resources are provided by ALEKS (including a calculator when one is needed). Do not use your own calculator.

Why should I try my best on the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check?

It is important that you take the Math Knowledge Check seriously to avoid unnecessary work. You will receive course placement recommendations from your instructor and academic advisor based on your score. If you receive a score that is lower than your true knowledge or abilities, you may be asked to do additional work or attend additional meetings. Some instructors may require you to work towards a particular score as part of your class.

What is Southwestern’s Honor Code?

Southwestern’s Honor Pledge: “I have acted with honesty and integrity in producing this work and am unaware of anyone who has not.”

You may not use outside resources (textbooks, friends, family, search engines, online equation solvers, calculators, etc.) while taking the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check. Using an unauthorized resource or cheating on the ALEKS PPL is a violation of Southwestern University’s Honor Code and may result in disciplinary action. There is no benefit to cheating on the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check – the goal of the assessment is to ensure adequate preparation for your math courses which can lead to success in these and future courses.

I have taken the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check - now what?

Once you are finished with the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check, you will immediately receive your score and some information about what that score means.

If you are not satisfied with your score after your initial assessment, you can reassess four more times. After the first attempt, you will be required to wait 48 hours and spend at least five hours in the ALEKS Prep and Learning Module before reassessing. Using the ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules to refresh subjects that you may need help with can greatly benefit your score and set you up for success in your college math courses. If your score is below a 70, you should take advantage of the ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules. ALEKS will identify what you know and what you are ready to learn next so you can brush up on missing knowledge.

Who will be my contact person once I have completed the ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge Check?

Your contact person will be Dr. Will Lopez Tran.  You may receive email communications from Dr. Tran regarding ALEKS.  If you have any questions after completing ALEKS PPL Math Knowledge check, you may email Dr. Tran at tranw@southwestern.edu.

What if I have problems with the software while I am using it online?

Please do not write to faculty or technical support people at Southwestern with ALEKS questions. ALEKS provides excellent support for their software. See http://support.aleks.com.