Getting ready for the placement test or retest

Preparing for the placement test can save you time and money by allowing you to start higher in the math sequence.  But studying on your own can be intimidating.  Try the online method described below to prepare.  For a small fee now, you can save hundreds of dollars later.

Important notes:

1. All students are entitled to ONE retest for a fee of $5.
2. If you place into developmental math and you want to retest, YOU MUST DO IT BEFORE YOU ENROLL IN A MATH CLASS.
3. You must study for the retest to improve your score; otherwise, you will be wasting your time and money.

***SPECIAL RETESTING OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS IN DEVELOPMENTAL MATH*** Normally, you cannot retake the placement test once you start taking developmental classes.  However, if you earn an A in MTH 095 or As in both MTH 091 and MTH 092, you can retake the placement test for $5. If your retest score places you into college level math, you can accept that placement as soon as the geometry requirement is fulfilled. This option expires 2 months after the day of your final exam for MTH 092 or MTH 095 .  NOTE:  You’ll need to have As in BOTH MTH 091 and MTH 092. Questions?  Call the Testing Center at 815-921-2380 or email Kathy Almy at kalmy@ednet.rockvalleycollege.edu.

Using the online program ALEKS to place higher or out of developmental math

If your Accuplacer Elementary Algebra test score is 80 or less, you will have to take a developmental math course and possibly Geometry (if your score is 60 or less and you didn’t pass it in high school).  These courses do not count for college credit.  Use the ALEKS prep courses online (listed below) to improve your placement.  You can also use ALEKS to prepare for a test that allows you to skip Geometry.

Cost: $30 for up to 6 weeks of access or 3 hours of free access within a 48 hour window.

What is ALEKS?                                     
ALEKS is an online system where you will take a test that determines what you know and what you need to work on.  Problems are provided that you can practice and get feedback on.  You can work anywhere there is Internet access, including the Math Lab in CLII 129.

How do I get started? (Print out this information)

1. Visit www.aleks.com.

2. For a free trial, look for “Free Trial” at the bottom left of the page under ALEKS for Higher Education.

3. If you plan to purchase a subscription, click on the link "Sign Up Now" and enter the following Course Code:

If you’ve taken the placement test, use this as a guide when choosing the ALEKS course code

Courses you placed into	Courses to improve your skills	ALEKS Course Code
Prealgebra (MTH 088)	Prep for Beginning Algebra	PTUJP-9MLPY
Beginning Algebra (MTH 091)	Prep for Intermediate Algebra	K3TQG-CLJWA
Intermediate Algebra (MTH 093)	Prep for College Algebra	RMGDC-G9QM4

If you haven’t taken the placement test yet, take the Prep Course (listed above) for the course you want to place into.  For example, if you want to take College Level Math, take Prep for College Algebra.

If you’re not sure what to pick, use the free access for 48 hours to try a prep course.  If it seems too hard, try a lower one before buying a full subscription.  

4. Complete the Registration Process by supplying the requested information. When your registration is complete, you will be given your ALEKS Login Name and Password.  Your Password can be changed now or at any later time, if you wish to do so.  Please keep records of your ALEKS Login Name and Password, as you will need them to access your ALEKS account.

5. Complete the ALEKS tutorial and initial assessment.

6. Once you have worked to increase your percentage score to 80% or higher, you’re ready to take or retake the placement test.  Good luck!

If you have questions, e-mail Kathy Almy at kalmy@ednet.rockvalleycollege.edu for help.

ALEKS Customer Support Information:
Hours (EST):
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Phone: (714) 619-7090
Fax: (714) 245-7190
E-mail: highed-support@aleks.com
Website:  www.aleks.com/support