Prep and Learning Modules
Completing the Prep and Learning Modules in ALEKS to 100% mastery allows you to increase your math placement level by one level of your ALEKS math placement course. This allows you to skip the class you placed into and start at the next course level, saving you both time and money.
In order to select the ALEKS prep and learning module option, you must first take the math placement test in ALEKS. Once you have completed your placement test you will be able to self select your prep and learning module in ALEKS.
It is up to you to work through the prep and learning modules on your own time. You have 12 months once you set up your ALEKS account to take the math placement test and complete the prep and learning module. Additionally, you will need to complete the prep and learning module in your ALEKS account associated with VCU; we will not accept modules completed with "individual" ALEKS accounts.
If you successfully complete the appropriate ALEKS prep and learning module, fill out the Prep and Learning Modules Completion [Google Form] to request your math placement level be increased. The math department will then verify your prep and learning module completion and help you with next steps.
What You Can and Cannot Achieve with the Prep and Learning Modules
Can Achieve
Placement in one course level higher than what is determined by your ALEKS math placement test
Cannot Achieve
Placement more than one course level higher than your ALEKS math course placement
Examples
- If you place into Math 129, you may not use the ALEKS prep and learning modules to place into Math 151 or into Math 200.
- If you are placed into Math 141 based on the ALEKS math placement and you select and possibly complete the Prep for Calculus course in ALEKS, we will only allow you to enroll into Math 151, which is one course level higher than your ALEKS math placement course. Therefore, it is in your best interest to enroll in and complete the prep and learning module provided in the table below.
- If your standardized test score places you into Math 151, but you take the ALEKS math placement test and place into Math 141, you may not take the ALEKS prep and learning modules to place into Math 200 because Math 200 would be two course levels higher than your ALEKS math course placement.
Additionally, students who attempt a VCU math course at, or below, their original math placement level and did not pass, or withdrew from, the course cannot then decide to utilize the ALEKS prep and learning modules to increase their math placement level. For instance, if you place at the 131 level and take MATH 129 and do not pass, you are not then able to complete the Prep for College Algebra to be eligible to register for MATH 141.
Choosing the Correct Prep Module
Your registration with ALEKS PPL includes access to one prep and learning module. You will need to self-select the prep and learning module to enroll in. The following table lists the only course paths the ALEKS prep and learning module will help you to achieve. Please select the appropriate module according to the table below:
| ALEKS Math Placement Level | ALEKS Prep and Learning Module to Enroll in | New Placement Level Once Prep and Learning Module is 100% Mastered |
|---|---|---|
| 131 | Prep for College Algebra | 141 |
| 141, 139 | Prep for Precalculus | 151 |
| 151 | Prep for Calculus | 200 |
Note that you are not able to change your prep and learning module selection once it is made. Therefore, it is important to make sure you select the correct prep and learning module.
Accessing the Prep and Learning Modules
To access the prep and learning modules, follow the below steps:
- Log in to ALEKS using your VCU eID and password.
- Click "Proceed to ALEKS for the Math Placement Test or Prep and Learning Module".
- Click into the math placement test course under 'Active Classes'.
- Click either "Get Started" to select a prep module or "Continue My Path" to continue working in your prep module.
Spring 2025 Deadlines
Priority: October 28, 2024 at 5:00 P.M.
This date is to help us gauge the need for our introductory math courses. Any submission after this date, but before the definitive deadline, will be processed as they are received.
Definitive: January 15, 2025 at 5:00 P.M.
This is the final date that completion of the prep and modules will be accepted for the spring 2025 semester. The math department highly recommends completing the prep and learning modules prior to this deadline to ensure a better chance of getting a seat in your preferred math course and section. Any submissions received after this time will be considered for the summer and fall 2025 semesters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once you set up your ALEKS account, you will have access for twelve months - this includes access to the prep and learning modules. Access to the prep course will not begin until you select your prep module.
No, access to one prep and learning module is included with your math placement test.
If you select a prep and learning module that is "below" the module that you need to complete, please email the math department. If you select a prep and learning module that is "above" the module needed, you will need to complete this module. Please note that completing a higher module than required does not permit a jump of more than one math placement level.
While working in a prep and learning module, you will periodically complete a knowledge check to make sure you have mastered the topics you gained in learning mode. If you do not show mastery during the knowledge check, the topics will be added back into your learning pie so you can review them again. It may take a little while for knowledge checks to appear, please keep working in the module until you get to the
ALEKS will trigger a 'Class Completion Knowledge Check' once a student has learned 100% of the material covered in the prep and learning module. Completing the 'Class Completion Knowledge Check' is the last step needed to complete the prep and learning module and be eligible to increase your math placement level.
The timer that appears on the prep and learning module counts down to the second test on ALEKS opening for institutions that allow multiple attempts. VCU only allows students one attempt, so this test is not available for students. Once the timer has hit 00:00, access to the prep and learning module will not be disabled.
No, your math placement level will not automatically update once you complete the prep and learning modules in ALEKS. Your placement level must be manually updated by the math department. Please fill out the Prep and Learning Modules Completion Google Form once you have 100% mastered your module. The math department will email your VCU email once we have updated your score.