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MATH 1225 Placement FAQs

Basic RGB

Virginia Tech uses ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (PPL) to

  • find the strengths and weaknesses of your mathematical knowledge, 
  • report results to you, and 
  • if necessary, provide you with online learning modules for improving your knowledge to prepare for MATH 1225

 Access to ALEKS is open NOW!


  • Seats in MATH 1225 are subject to availability. You are encouraged to earn eligibility to enroll as soon as you are able to!
  • See Qualifying for MATH 1225 to learn how you can earn eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225.
  • The link to access ALEKS, and the required proctoring password can be found at the bottom of this page.
  • Please read all of the FAQs below before accessing ALEKS.
  Access Opens Access Closes

REMOTE TESTING

OPEN NOW! Wednesday,
July 31, 2024

Remote Testing Closes at 11:59pm ET on Wednesday, July 31, 2024*

IN-PERSON TESTING
AT VIRGINIA TECH

*No later than
August 26, 2024
Wednesday,
August 28, 2024

* Assessment must be started no later than 11:59pm ET on 7/31/24. Student will have 3 hours to complete the assessment.

ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (PPL) is a web-based program consisting of two parts:

  1. Adaptive, open-response VT ALEKS Placement Assessments cover material from college algebra through precalculus; the assessment does not test any calculus principles whatsoever.
  2. A Prep and Learning Module which provides an individualized, self-paced online review.

ALEKS begins with an initial placement assessment. Your initial assessment will provide a score that will determine whether you are eligible to enroll in MATH 1225. If you are not eligible to enroll based on your initial assessment score, you will have a chance to work on identified weaknesses through the targeted Prep and Learning Module before attempting additional placement assessments.

VT ALEKS Placement Assessments contain up to 25 questions, and generally take 60-90 minutes to complete. 

If you are NOT interested in taking MATH 1225 (or CHEM 1035/55), you do NOT need to use ALEKS.

If you are unsure of your MATH 1225 eligibility status, you can check your status on your orientation page:

  • Log into Hokie Spa.
  • Click on "View your General Student Information."
  • If there is a drop-down menu on the next screen, select the current term.
  • Click on "View Orientation Information."

Your status will be one of the following: 

You do NOT have to complete a VT ALEKS Placement Assessment. You have satisfied the prerequisites for MATH 1225 and are eligible to enroll in MATH 1225 now. We encourage you to discuss your course plans with your academic advisor before enrolling in MATH 1225.

You can earn eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225 with a qualifying score on a VT ALEKS Placement Assessment. For other ways to earn eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225, see Qualifying for MATH 1225.

If you do NOT intend to take MATH 1225, no further action is needed.

Take a VT ALEKS Placement Assessment to determine your eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225.


Alternatively, if you have a qualifying college level exam score, you can self-report your score now.

IMPORTANT: If you self-report your score, you MUST have College Board send your score to VT as well. If there is a discrepancy on your Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), your offer of admission may be withdrawn.

You cannot satisfy a prerequisite for MATH 1225 with a grade in an equivalent course taken at another institution (including, but not limited to MATH 1214, MATH 1225).

See Qualifying for MATH 1225 to learn how you can become eligible to enroll in MATH 1225.

Yes!

  • The sooner you earn eligibility, the sooner you can secure a seat in MATH 1225!
  • Further, after assessing through ALEKS, you will have a much better sense of your strengths and weaknesses. You will have a chance, prior to the start of the semester, to brush up on topics that may have been forgotten or haven't been practiced for some time.

If you have any questions about reporting your college level exam score, visit the registrar's website

NOTE: If your qualifying college level exam score already appears in Hokie SPA, you are eligible to enroll in MATH 1225; you do not need to complete an assessment.

ALEKS PPL is available to all Virginia Tech students, free of charge.

 

Your VT ALEKS Placement Assessment is designed to determine what you know and what you need to work on; you do NOT need to review/study for the assessment. At the end of the assessment, you will have a much better sense of your strengths and weaknesses, and have a chance to brush up on topics that may have been forgotten or haven't been practiced for some time. 

Therefore, you should take your initial assessment soon as possible! Access to ALEKS is open NOW and is offered free of charge for Virginia Tech students

When taking a VT ALEKS Placement Assessment, enter the required proctoring password when prompted: ALEKS2535

  Access Opens Access Closes

REMOTE TESTING

OPEN NOW! Wednesday,
July 31, 2024

Remote Testing Closes at 11:59pm ET on Wednesday, July 31, 2024*

IN-PERSON TESTING
AT VIRGINIA TECH

*No later than
August 26, 2024
Wednesday,
August 28, 2024

* Assessment must be started no later than 11:59pm ET on 7/31/24. Student will have 3 hours to complete the assessment.

Note:

  • Seats in MATH 1225 are subject to availability. So, you are encouraged to earn eligibility to enroll as soon as you are able to!
  •  The deadline to access remote testing is 11:59pm ET on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Students must begin their assessment no later than 11:59pm ET on July 31, 2024, and then can use up to three hours to complete the assessment. No assessments toward Fall 2024 eligibility can be started remotely after 11:59pm ET.
  • Students who have not exhausted all three assessments, will have the opportunity to complete assessment(s) through in-person testing at Virginia Tech (see dates shown above). Students can still access the Prep and Learning Module from Thursday, August 1, 2024 until in-person testing opens, but no VT ALEKS Placement Assessments can be completed during this time. IMPORTANT: Progress in the Prep and Learning Module and ‘Knowledge Checks’ do not qualify as VT ALEKS Placement Assessments and, therefore, cannot be used to earn eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225. 
  • The last day to complete an in-person VT ALEKS Placement Assessment for Fall 2024 is Wednesday, August 28, 2024.
  • You can take a maximum of THREE (3) VT ALEKS Placement Assessments (within 12 months of registering with ALEKS)
  • See Qualifying for MATH 1225 to learn how you can earn eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225. 

You must be logged into your VT-Student account to access ALEKS. If you are logged into your VT-Guest account, you will be denied access.

To access ALEKS:

  • Log into your VT-Student account and click on the link below again.
  • You may also need to clear your cache and history.

IMPORTANT: If you completed THREE (3) VT ALEKS Placement Assessment and did NOT earn a passing score, you are not eligible complete any additional assessments.

Did you miss the remote testing deadline? Review important dates below.




 

  Access Opens Access Closes

REMOTE TESTING

OPEN NOW! Wednesday,
July 31, 2024

Remote Testing Closes at 11:59pm ET on Wednesday, July 31, 2024*

IN-PERSON TESTING
AT VIRGINIA TECH

*No later than
August 26, 2024
Wednesday,
August 28, 2024

* Assessment must be started no later than 11:59pm ET on 7/31/24. Student will have 3 hours to complete the assessment.

A score of 80 or higher on the ALEKS Placement Assessment will earn eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225. 

Only the highest ALEKS score is used for determining eligibility.

A passing score satisfies a prerequisite to enroll in the course, but seats in MATH 1225 are subject to availability.  As a result, we encourage students to earn eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225 as soon as they are able to.

To ensure the best chance of securing a seat in the course, it is strongly recommended that you complete your initial assessment immediately. We do not suggest extensive study time and/or preparation prior to your initial assessment; the goal is to assess what you know (and don't know) right now.

NOTE: To enroll yourself in MATH 1225, your major must satisfy the course restrictions (see the timetable or contact your advisor if you are unsure). If your major is not listed, and you have a passing score on the VT ALEKS Placement Assessment, you can request a force add.

  • If you do NOT earn a qualifying VT ALEKS Placement Assessment score (2024-25 academic year: 80 or higher) and do not have an approved college level exam score, to earn eligibility to enroll in a future semester, you must earn a qualifying grade (2024-25 academic year: C- or better) in MATH 1214.

No! You can earn eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225 AND CHEM 1035 with the same VT ALEKS Placement Assessment.

  • A score of 80 or higher is required to earn eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225.
  • A score of 61 or higher is required to earn eligibility to enroll in CHEM 1035.

You will be allotted three VT ALEKS Placement Assessments to earn a qualifying score (2024-25 academic year: 80 or higher).

While testing is OPEN (see important dates below), your initial assessment is available immediately. Once you complete your initial assessment attempt, your second and third assessments are available to you

  • only if it has been 24 hours after you completed the previous assessment AND
  • after you have spent 3 hours in the Prep and Learning Module AND
  • access to testing is OPEN* (see important dates below).

*Students can still access the Prep and Learning Module from Thursday, August 1, 2024 until in-person testing opens, but no VT ALEKS Placement Assessments can be completed during this time.

If you do NOT earn a qualifying VT ALEKS Placement Assessment score (2024-25 academic year: 80 or higher) and do not have an approved college level exam score, to earn eligibility to enroll in a future semester, you must earn a qualifying grade (2024-25 academic year: C- or better) in MATH 1214.

  Access Opens Access Closes

REMOTE TESTING

OPEN NOW! Wednesday,
July 31, 2024

Remote Testing Closes at 11:59pm ET on Wednesday, July 31, 2024*

IN-PERSON TESTING
AT VIRGINIA TECH

*No later than
August 26, 2024
Wednesday,
August 28, 2024

* Assessment must be started no later than 11:59pm ET on 7/31/24. Student will have 3 hours to complete the assessment.

While your initial assessment was available immediately, your second and third assessments are available to you

  • only if it has been 24 hours after you completed the previous assessment AND
  • after you have spent 3 hours in the Prep and Learning Module AND
  • access to testing is OPEN* (see important dates above).

*Students can still access the Prep and Learning Module from Thursday, August 1, 2024 until in-person testing opens, but no VT ALEKS Placement Assessments can be completed during this time.


IMPORTANT: Progress in the Prep and Learning Module and ‘Knowledge Checks’ do not qualify as VT ALEKS Placement Assessments and, therefore, cannot be used to earn eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225.  

Remember, if you don't earn a qualifying score on a VT ALEKS Placement Assessment, you should enroll in MATH 1214.



If you do not earn a passing score, and want to take MATH 1225 at Virginia Tech, you should enroll in MATH 1214 Preparation for Calculus. A qualifying grade (2024-25 academic year: C- or better) will earn eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225.

Your VT ALEKS Placement Assessment is designed to determine what you know and what you need to work on; we do NOT encourage reviewing/studying for the assessment.

At the end of the assessment, you will have a much better sense of your strengths and weaknesses, and have a chance to brush up on topics that may have been forgotten or haven't been practiced for some time. In other words, your 'individualized review' takes place between your assessment attempts.


If you decide to review before the assessment, remember that the assessment covers algebra and trigonometry (no calculus concepts). You'll be provided with a short ALEKS tutorial prior to completing your first assessment. The tutorial is not concept-based, but rather introduces you to the software.

 

  Access Opens Access Closes

REMOTE TESTING

OPEN NOW! Wednesday,
July 31, 2024

Remote Testing Closes at 11:59pm ET on Wednesday, July 31, 2024*

IN-PERSON TESTING
AT VIRGINIA TECH

*No later than
August 26, 2024
Wednesday,
August 28, 2024

* Assessment must be started no later than 11:59pm ET on 7/31/24. Student will have 3 hours to complete the assessment.

In order to take your placement assessment you will need the following (more details can be found under ‘Tell me more about ALEKS’):

  • Device with reliable internet connection
    • Windows running 10+
    • Mac running OS X 10.15+
    • Chromebook running ChromeOS
    • Note: Must have necessary permissions to install Lockdown Browser
    • Recommended browser: Chrome 105+, Firefox 105+
  • Microphone and webcam
  • Lockdown Browser (download here)
  • Photo ID (Virginia Tech ID, Driver’s license, State ID, passport)
    • IMPORTANT: A photo ID that is not in the English language is not an acceptable form of identification.
    • The name on your photo ID must match your name as shown in ALEKS.
    • If you do not have an acceptable form of ID, email 1225placement@math.vt.edu

  • Blank paper and pencil
  • A distraction free environment for up to three hours
  • IMPORTANT: Personal calculators are prohibited. An onscreen calculator will be provided, when needed to complete a particular problem.

If you are unable to borrow the required equipment or use a public facility (e.g. library or computer lab) to complete your assessment, contact the Dean of Students.

Email: dean.students@vt.edu       Phone: 540-231-3787

Please read through ALL of the information under 'Tell me more about the VT ALEKS Placement Assessment...'  

If you still believe you need testing accommodations to take the VT ALEKS Placement Assessment, please contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).  SSD and the Mathematics Department will work together with you to determine the best way to meet your accommodation needs.

Yes, you have 3 hours to complete a Placement Assessment once it has begun.  There will be a maximum of 25 questions and the average time to complete an assessment is 80 minutes. You cannot stop the assessment and return; the assessment must be completed in one sitting.

VT ALEKS Placement Assessments are remotely proctored using LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor. 

  •  LockDown Browser is a custom browser that secures the testing environment by preventing access to other applications, copying, printing, or visiting other websites while taking assessments in ALEKS PPL. 
  • Respondus Monitor is an automated “remote proctoring” companion application for LockDown Browser that uses webcam and video technology to record you during your online placement assessment. Faculty members monitor the recordings to ensure the integrity of the proctored assessment.
  • IMPORTANT: Personal calculators are prohibited. An onscreen calculator will be provided, when needed to complete a particular problem.
  • Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims.
  • Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move.
  • If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete.
  • Take the assessment in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window.
  • Use the Respondus Monitor Live chat for any pre-assessment issues related to your webcam and microphone
.
  • IMPORTANT: Personal calculators are prohibited. An onscreen calculator will be provided, when needed to complete a particular problem.

View the ALEKS Respondus Monitor Student Startup Guide for help in getting started.

The Virginia Tech Honor Code applies to students when taking VT ALEKS Placement Assessments.
Failure to abide by this policy may result in a failure of the exam and/or other sanctions imposed by the university.

You may only use a pen or pencil, paper, and the resources provided by ALEKS. You will also need a microphone and webcam for remote proctoring.

ALEKS will provide an on-screen calculator if you need one to complete a particular problem. No other calculator is permitted.

You may not receive assistance from friends, family, other websites, textbooks, or any other resource not provided by ALEKS. An inflated score will misrepresent your mathematical background and significantly decrease your chances of success in MATH 1225. It is important that you are honest about your skill level. 

The Virginia Tech Honor Code applies to students when taking VT ALEKS Placement Assessments. 
Failure to abide by this policy may result in a failure of the exam and/or other sanctions imposed by the university.

ALEKS will begin with a brief tutorial before your initial VT ALEKS Placement Assessment begins. In order to use the Prep and Learning Module, ALEKS must first determine what you already know and what you're ready to learn. So, your initial placement assessment must be taken BEFORE accessing the Prep and Learning Module.

While working in the Prep and Learning Module, you will periodically complete a Knowledge Check to ensure you are on the optimal learning path. A Knowledge Check determines what you’ve mastered and what you’re ready to learn.

A Knowledge Check does NOT qualify as a Placement Assessment.

No. You must complete and earn a passing score on a new VT ALEKS Placement Assessment to become eligible to enroll in MATH 1225.

Select the placement tab in the upper right corner of the ALEKS page to start a new VT ALEKS Placement Assessment for MATH 1225.

If you have not exhausted all three of your assessments, will have the opportunity to complete assessment(s) through in-person testing at Virginia Tech. In-person testing will be open at Virginia Tech no later than the first day of Fall 2024 classes (Monday, August 26, 2024) and close on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

You can still access the Prep and Learning Module from Thursday, August 1, 2024 until in-person testing opens, but no VT ALEKS Placement Assessments can be completed during this time.

IMPORTANT: Progress in the Prep and Learning Module and ‘Knowledge Checks’ do not qualify as VT ALEKS Placement Assessments and, therefore, cannot be used to earn eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225.  

No. A status of ‘MATH 1225 – Not eligible to enroll’ means that you have not satisfied a MATH 1225 prerequisite. If you did not achieve the minimum score through ALEKS, see Qualifying for MATH 1225 for information on other ways you can become eligible to enroll in MATH 1225.

VT ALEKS Placement Assessment scores are automatically sent by ALEKS to VT; you do not need to report your score. Verify your status and VT Placement Assessment score(s) on your orientation page. Allow up to 24 hours for processing.


  • Log into Hokie Spa.
  • Click on "View your General Student Information."
  • If there is a drop-down menu on the next screen, select the current term.
  • Click on "View Orientation Information."

Congratulations! You can continue to use your Prep and Learning Modules. Take advantage of the targeted review and learning features in ALEKS to prepare for success in MATH 1225.

Allow up to 3 business days for your MATH 1225 eligibility status to be updated. Verify your status and VT Placement Assessment score(s) on your orientation page:

  • Log into Hokie Spa.
  • Click on "View your General Student Information."
  • If there is a drop-down menu on the next screen, select the current term.
  • Click on "View Orientation Information."

Provided seats are available and your major meets the course restrictions (see the timetable or contact your advisor if you are unsure), self-enroll in MATH 1225. If you receive a restricted major error, you can submit a force add request.

  Access Opens Access Closes

REMOTE TESTING

OPEN NOW! Wednesday,
July 31, 2024

Remote Testing Closes at 11:59pm ET on Wednesday, July 31, 2024*

IN-PERSON TESTING
AT VIRGINIA TECH

*No later than
August 26, 2024
Wednesday,
August 28, 2024

* Assessment must be started no later than 11:59pm ET on 7/31/24. Student will have 3 hours to complete the assessment.

For technical support while using ALEKS PPL:

For questions about eligibility to enroll in MATH 1225: