Prep and Learning Modules
In order to elect the ALEKS prep and learning module option, you must first take the math placement test.
For example, you may not report your standardized test score to place into Math 151 and then elect to complete the ALEKS prep and learning module to try and place and enroll into Math 200.
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.
If you successfully complete the appropriate ALEKS prep and learning module at 100% mastery of all objectives, email the math department at math@vcu.edu to request an override into the appropriate course determined by the course cut-off table. The math department will 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.
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 Score | ALEKS Math Placement Course | ALEKS Prep and Learning Module to Enroll in | New Placement Course Once Prep and Learning Module is 100% Mastered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-44 | MATH 131 | Prep for College Algebra | MATH 141 |
| 45-60 | MATH 141, MATH 139 | Prep for Precalculus | MATH 151 |
| 61-75 | MATH 151 | Prep for Calculus | MATH 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will have twelve months of access to ALEKS once you set up your account. This includes your access to the prep and learning module. Access to the prep course will not begin until you select start on the top of your screen. DO NOT select into the prep and learning module until you are ready to start working.
No, access to one prep and learning module is included with your math placement test.
No, you may only use the prep and learning module you self-selected to enroll in.
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.