If you took the ALEKS math placement test and placed at the 131 level, did not enroll in MATH 129 during the fall 2023 semester, and need to get through the College Algebra sequence (MATH 129/139 or MATH 141) to enroll in other VCU courses - the Math Department highly encourages you to complete the ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules so that you will be eligible to register for Math 141 in the spring 2024 semester. If you need assistance as you are working through the online ALEKS Prep and Learning Modules, please visit the Math Help Center for drop in tutoring to help get you through the modules. Please note that the tutors cannot help you with the mastery assessments in the Prep and Learning Modules.
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 elect 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 at 100% mastery of all objectives, fill out the Prep and Learning Modules Completion [Google Form] 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 Level | ALEKS Prep and Learning Module to Enroll in | New Placement Level Once Prep and Learning Module is 100% Mastered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-44 | 131 | Prep for College Algebra | 141 |
| 45-60 | 141, 139 | Prep for Precalculus | 151 |
| 61-75 | 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.
Spring 2024 Deadlines
Priority: October 20th at 5:00 P.M.
This will ensure that you able to register for the correct math course during your registration window in the fall 2023 semester. Any submission after this date but before the definitive deadline will be processed as they are received.
Definitive: January 18th at 5:00 P.M.
This is the final date that completion of the prep and modules will be accepted for the spring 2024 semester, although 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 2024 and/or fall 2024 semesters.
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.
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
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.