Mesa Community College

Why Do I Need a Math Placement Test?

Community college students enter school at many different points in their lives with varying levels of math skill and understandings of key concepts. To help place you in the correct level of Math course - we need to determine your math skills and competence. Being placed in the correct level of Math can help assure your classroom success. We will now accept ALEKS Level II math placement testing from ASU, UofA and NAU. Scores must be faxed to the Testing Center at 480-461-7483. Download a copy of the new course placement chart which will determine your placement in Math classes.

What is ALEKS?

ALEKS is a computerized test that is given online at the Testing Center.

There are two possible tests: The ALEKS Level I can place you into Basic Arithmetic, Introductory Algebra, and Intermediate Algebra. The ALEKS Level II can place you into Intermediate Algebra, College Mathematics, College Algebra/Functions, and above. The test(s) are usually 20-35 questions. The exact number of questions will vary per individual as you progress through the test.

Are There Sample Tests For Practice?

Yes. The ALEKS website provides you the opportunity to take a practice test.

Here are the steps to get to the practice tests:

• Go to http://www.aleks.com/free_trial/consumer Choose the EXPLORE STUDENT MODULE option and click TRY ALEKS NOW.


• Select the I have read and agree to the terms of the ALEKS User Agreement and then click CONTINUE.


• Your computer will automatically be checked for the needed plug-ins and will install them if they are not already present. After installation of the ALEKS plug-ins, EXIT the browser and then reopen it. You do not have to restart your computer. If you need technical help please contact the TSS - Helpdesk at 480-461-7217 or use the ALEKS help located at http://www.aleks.com/faqs.


• When you are back on the ALEKS website and have "clicked - through" to where you left off before the plugin installation - you DO NOT have to fill out the form you will see on the screen. Instead click the please visit the Free Trial for Independent Users link. Choose the EXPLORE STUDENT MODULE option and click TRY ALEKS NOW.


• Once again select the I have read and agree to the terms of the ALEKS User Agreement and then click CONTINUE.


• Complete the short form Enter Your Personal Information (Name , email, Higher Education/Math) and then select one of the levels of testing:
        Prep for Beginning Algebra
        Prep for Intermediate Algebra
        Prep for College Algebra
        Prep for Precalculus
        Prep for Calculus
  
  and then click CONTINUE.


• A Guest Account will then be created with a username and password. Write them down if you want to come back and access ALEKS again. Then click CONTINUE TO FREE TRIAL.


• The ALEKS demonstration, tutorial and practice test will be displayed.
  
  Follow the directions carefully You can stop the practice exam at any time and view the sample of the test results.
  Remember, the results are not your placement test results but are provided to allow you to see what your results will look like when you do take your exam.


• When you are ready to take the MCC ALEKS Placement Test - come into the Testing Center. You have 2 free ALEKS test attempts. Your scores are good for 1 year from the date of testing. Your math placement is determined by your best or highest score.


• The MCC Math Department offers math review and preparation for your ALEKS placement test. Visit the Math Department ALEKS pages here.


• If you want to do more comprehensive preparation for the Math Placement Test - try the ALEKS Learning Modules. More information on those tutorials are available on the Math Department ALEKS pages.