Math Placement

There is a University General Education mathematics requirement for all students and possible additional requirements set by your college and/or department major. Choosing a math course depends both on your prior math preparation and your career goals. If you are not sure how to satisfy the requirements, your first-year academic advisor and/or Dr. Brady in the Math Department can help guide you.

• If you have had no mathematics coursework beyond two years of high school algebra and one year of high school geometry.

1. 1. The General Education mathematics course requirement can by satisfied through WSU Math Pathways. This is a statewide student-centered way that offers flexible, supportive courses that align with your academic and career goals. Please see the second table below for more information about Math Pathways.
   2. If you performed well in your previous mathematics coursework and plan to take Calculus in the future, you can satisfy the General Education requirement with Math 112, Precalculus. See the course prerequisites in the University Level Math Course Table below.

• If previous mathematics coursework includes College Algebra or Precalculus. Consider taking university level mathematics courses from the University Level Math Course Table below. A major in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) usually requires the Calculus sequence. A Health Professions’ major might choose Calculus I or Statistics 370. A Business major might consider Business Calculus or Calculus I or Stat 370. Review your major’s math requirements and explore the math course list below to see your university-level math course placement options. Successfully completing a university-level math course math course will also satisfy the general education math requirement.

University-Level Math Courses

If you plan to directly enroll in a university-level math course, you must meet one of the criteria listed on the chart below.

General Education Math Pathways Courses

Get placed in the right math course for your major and skill level.

If your goal is to satisfy the WSU general education math requirement, choose a Math Pathways course that aligns with your major and previous math experience. Wichita State uses several placement measures, and you may qualify by meeting any one of them. These include ACT/SAT scores, high school GPA and math coursework, the ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning assessment (ALEKS PPL), or the Accuplacer.

Don’t Meet the Placement Requirements?

If you do not meet any of the placement measures for a General Education Math Pathways course (Math 111, 131, or 171), talk with your academic advisor. Your advisor may recommend taking the ALEKS placement assessment. You may also choose to enroll in a General Education Math Pathways course with developmental support (Math 111S, 131S, or 171S) without needing a placement measure.

Your advisor will let you know whether ALEKS PPL is required. *See more below.*

What is ALEKS PPL?

ALEKS PPL is an online placement tool that:

• Evaluates your current math knowledge (30 questions, ~90 minutes)
• Creates a personalized learning module to help you improve
• Allows you to retake the assessment up to 5 more times (highest score counts)

Cost: $25 (paid online)
Time Limit: 3 hours
Where: Online at www.aleks.com

Before starting, talk with your WSU advisor. If ALEKS is required, you'll receive a 10- character course code.

Why Take the ALEKS PPL?

Your ALEKS score helps determine the math course that best fits your current skill level. After you complete the assessment, meet with your advisor to review your results and enroll in the right class.

This is a placement tool—not a test. Its purpose is to show what you understand now and what you may need to review. Being honest is essential. Using outside help only places you in a course that may be too difficult or not challenging enough, which can cost time and money. Work independently so your score reflects your true readiness.

Prep and Learning Modules

You’ll receive 12 months of access to your Prep and Learning Module at no additional cost. Access begins when you select “Start.” You may retake the Placement Assessment up to four more times, and your highest score will be used for placement. Students must complete required time in their Prep and Learning Module before each reassessment.

How to Take ALEKS PPL

Before you begin, talk with your WSU advisor to confirm you need the assessment. If so, you’ll receive a 10-character course code.

To enroll:

1. Visit www.aleks.com 
2. Select Sign Up Now
3. Enter your course code and confirm your placement cohort

You’ll then be ready to start your Initial Placement Assessment. It is open-response and requires you to work out solutions with paper and pencil, then enter them into ALEKS. Be sure to have scratch paper with you.

FAQS

• Is there a fee for ALEKS PPL?

  • Yes. You'll pay $25.00 by credit card before you begin the assessment.

• Why do I need to take the ALEKS PPL Assessment?

  • The assessment helps place you in the math course where you’ll have the greatest chance of success. Once you finish, your scores will be posted, and your advisor will review them with you to help you choose the right course.

• Do I need to install anything before I start?

  • No. ALEKS PPL doesn’t require any software, plug-ins or applets. As long as you have internet access and an updated browser, you’re ready to go.

• Can I practice using ALEKS tools before the assessment?

  • Yes. ALEKS begins with a short tutorial that shows you how to enter answers, use the calculator and graph. You can return to the tutorial at any time during the assessment, and it won’t affect your score.

• Is the assessment timed?

  • Yes. You’ll have 3 hours to complete the assessment once you start.

• What if I don't place into the course I wanted?

  • You'll have access to ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules. These modules create a personalized study plan based on your results and help you review material so you can improve your placement.

• Still have questions?

  • Contact your First-Year Advisor through OneStop at (316) 978 - 3909 or onestop@wichita.edu.