FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who takes the ALEKS Placement Assessment? 

• All incoming first-year students.

• Any student, traditional or online, planning to enroll in statistics, physics or a mathematics course where the course prerequisite was not taken at SHU.

• Any student with an expired ALEKS score. Scores are valid for 2 semesters.

How do I access ALEKS?  

• Go to MYSHU>Tools>Academic and Career Resources>Aleks Placement or type ALEKS Placement in the search bar from the MYSHU dashboard. 

What do I do if my ACCOUNT has EXPIRED and I no longer have access?

• Contact Amy Beninati at abeninati@setonhill.edu if your account has expired.

What do I do if my ACCOUNT has NOT expired, but the assessment is locked?

• Complete a minimum of 5 hours in the Learning Modules to unlock your next assessment.

• There is also a 24 hour cool-off period between assessments.

Do I need to prepare for the ALEKS Placement?

• No, ALEKS assesses your current strengths and provides a path that allows you to refresh and relearn forgotten skills.  

• To maintain academic integrity and ensure accurate placement, students should not consult or use outside resources.  An on-screen calculator is provided. 

How long is the ALEKS Placement Assessment?

• You will complete a approximately 25-30 questions within a 2-hour time limit.

• ALEKS provides a tutorial to learn how to navigate the software and input solutions.  

• You may choose to work in the Learning Modules after a score is provided and then reassess.

When should current SHU students take the ALEKS Placement?

• Complete the assessment well in advance of your registration window. You may need to work in the Learning Modules to reassess.

• Plan accordingly. Scores expire after 2 semesters.  

What do I do once I get the score that I need?

• You may register for the course. Scores update hourly to the registration system.

What do I need to do if I didn’t get my required score for a course?

• Retake the assessment after working in the Learning Modules. Click Start My Path from the ALEKS dashboard to begin. Work at your own pace. 

• Unlock the second assessment after you complete a minimum of 5 hours in the Learning Modules.  

• Complete an additional 5 hours in the Learning Modules to access the third attempt. When finished, contact the MEC Director to review your progress and unlock the assessment. Email abeninati@setonhill.edu. 

What course(s) do I take?

• Review your major program requirements on the SHU website. 

• Find your prerequisite requirements in the course catalog and consult the scoring guide.

• Confirm your requirements with a faculty advisor prior to scheduling.

Can you fail the ALEKS Placement?

• No, the ALEKS Placement Assessment is not an exam.  There is no pass or fail.  

• You do not receive a grade on ALEKS, but you do get a score. 

• Only the minimum prerequisite score is required for registration. Scores vary by course. See above.

• ALEKS allows three attempts to achieve a desired score.

Can I get help with ALEKS Learning Modules?

• ALEKS Learning Modules can be completed independently or with assistance.

• You can meet with the Math Center (abeninati@gmail.com) to discuss your score, your progress, and next steps. 

• You can receive tutoring through Penji by scheduling an appointment or attending drop-in times. Edit/join the course ALEKS 101 to view options. 

Why is completing ALEKS an important step?

• ALEKS helps ensure that you have the prerequisite skills for a successful course outcome.  Foundational skills, specific to each course, are essential for success. 

• The Learning Modules provide a self-paced learning environment to refresh forgotten skills in a low-stakes setting.  

• The Learning Modules can improve your skills and provide an opportunity for a higher placement. 

• Save time and money by avoiding extra coursework or having to repeat courses due to being underprepared.

• Maintain your GPA by being prepared for the rigor of your coursework.

How do I receive additional information about ALEKS?

• Click on the ALEKS link from the Mathematics Enrichment Center Website.

• Contact Amy Beninati, abeninati@setonhill.edu, if you have any questions. 

If you are a student with a disability, and if you require accommodations, please contact Seton Hill’s Office of Disability Services and establish eligibility. Disability Services can be reached at disabilityservices@setonhill.edu or 724-830-4606.