ALEKS Placement Test

 

ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) is an online math platform used by Tulane to help place students in the right calculus course. The test helps your college advisor understand where you are in your math preparation so they can recommend the course most likely to set you up to thrive. The platform also includes built-in learning modules for students who want to strengthen their skills at their own pace before the semester begins.

How the ALEKS Test Works

 

The Calculus Placement, Preparation and Learning (PPL) test is an adaptive assessment with approximately 20-30 questions covering topics from precalculus and early calculus. There is no time limit, and the questions adjust based on your responses.

Your score is not reported to any external party and will not affect your admission status or class registration. Results are shared only with your college advisor and the Academic Learning and Tutoring Center to support placement advising.

For the most accurate results, please complete the test independently without notes, a calculator or outside help. The goal is an accurate snapshot of your current readiness — not a perfect score.

The test opens May 1 and must be completed by May 24. Students who work through the ALEKS learning modules after testing have the opportunity to retest and potentially move into a higher-level course before the fall semester begins.

The ALEKS test costs $30. If this presents a financial hardship, please complete and submit this form to request assistance with the cost of the test.

Understanding Your Score

ALEKS scores range from 0 to 100 and represent the percentage of assessed topics a student has demonstrated readiness in. A higher score indicates stronger preparation for college-level calculus. Score ranges correspond to the following course recommendations (exact cutoffs provided by the Department of Mathematics and confirmed by your college advisor).

Eligible for Consolidated Calculus or Calculus 1. You are well-prepared and can move directly into a standard calculus course.

Recommended for Long Calculus, an extended-format course that provides additional support while covering the same core content. You may also use ALEKS learning modules to improve your score and potentially move into Calculus 1 before the fall.

No matter where your score falls, your advisor will walk you through what it means for your specific situation. You are encouraged to come to your advising appointment having reviewed your score and thought about your goals.

Your advisor may recommend deferring Calculus to the spring semester and spending the fall building foundational skills through the ALEKS learning modules and the Math Prep Cohort. This is not a setback — it is a path toward long-term success in your program.

What To Discuss With Your Advisor

 

College Advisors are here to help. Bring any concerns you have about calculus, your schedule or your overall transition to Tulane.
 

  • Your math background: What math courses did you take in high school? Did you take AP Calculus or dual enrollment? How confident do you feel in your precalculus skills?
  • Your academic goals: What is your intended major or area of study? Does your program require Calculus 1, and if so, by when? Are you on a timeline that affects when you need to complete the requirement?
  • Your placement score: Review your ALEKS score before your appointment. Your advisor will discuss what the score means for you and walk through your options together.
  • Your interest in the learning modules: If you are close to a cutoff score, your advisor may encourage you to use the ALEKS learning modules this summer and retest before Aug. 1. Ask about this option and what a realistic improvement timeline looks like.