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ALEKS Frequently Asked Questions

Top ALEKS Questions

Have an ALEKS question that’s not covered here? If you're an incoming freshman or transfer student, contact your admissions counselor. If you're a current WVU student, email placement@mail.wvu.edu or visit ALEKS for Current Students.

Can I pause the proctored assessment once I begin?

No, you may not pause once you have started the proctored assessment.

Can I have a blank piece of paper to write on for the ALEKS assessment?

Yes, paper/pencil are permitted. A calculator is built into the ALEKS platform and no other materials are permitted.

Can I skip a question on the ALEKS assessment?

If you do not know the answer to a question, you can select “I Don’t Know.” You are not able to return to questions once you’ve submitted the answer. The ALEKS assessment is adaptive release, so you are given subsequent questions based on previous responses.

Can I take a practice assessment?

No, there is no ALEKS practice assessment. You will take a proctored attempt and then have the option to do 8 hours of remediation before taking an optional second proctored attempt

Can the ALEKS assessment be waived?

The ALEKS assessment cannot be waived for incoming students. All first-time freshman students entering summer or fall 2024 must take ALEKS.

Do I have to complete the 8 hours of remediation if I want to take a second proctored ALEKS attempt?

Yes, you must complete the full 8 hours of remediation before taking the second proctored attempt.

Do I have to set up my WVU Portal before taking ALEKS?

Admitted students must have claimed their WVU account and logged into the WVU Portal to have access to the ALEKS assessment.

Do I have to submit the academic deposit to take ALEKS?

Incoming freshmen are required to have an academic deposit on file to take ALEKS. Transfer students should work with their advisers to determine whether ALEKS Placement is necessary.

Related questions:

Do I have to take ALEKS again if I took the assessment for dual enrollment or ACCESS courses?

Yes, students enrolled in WVU ACCESS, or another high school dual enrollment program, are required to take the assessment again even if previously taken and used for placement.

Related questions:

Do I have to take ALEKS if I have ACT or SAT scores, AP or IB credit, or dual enrollment courses?

All incoming first-time freshmen are required to take ALEKS regardless of test scores on file, AP, IB or dual enrollment math credit. If ACT/SAT scores, AP, IB or dual enrollment advances the student’s math placement beyond their ALEKS assessment, then the academic adviser will review during New Student Orientation advising and course scheduling.

Related questions:

Do I need to come to campus to take ALEKS?

No. The ALEKS math assessment includes online proctoring.

Related questions:

Do I need to take the ALEKS math assessment?

ALEKS is required for all incoming first-time freshman students. You should take the assessment before your advising appointment. Find more information about ALEKS.

Does the ALEKS score transfer to other universities?

It depends on the university. Some institutions will take ALEKS scores from elsewhere, while others will not. WVU does not accept ALEKS scores from another institution.

How long does it take to the get my ALEKS results?

You'll get your ALEKS results immediately in eCampus upon completing the assessment.

How much time do I have to take the proctored versions of ALEKS?

You have 2 hours to take each proctored assessment.

Related questions:

If ALEKS puts me in a higher level class, do I have to take it or can I stay at the lower level?

You do not have to take the high level class; however, this is something you will discuss with your advisor. If you're an incoming student, you'll talk with your advisor in your appointment over the summer.

Is there a deadline to take the ALEKS assessment?

If you’re an incoming student, you should take ALEKS before your advising appointment. If you have additional questions, please contact your WVU admissions counselor.

Current students must request ALEKS placement to begin. We begin accepting requests 4 days before registration begins and stop accepting requests 2 days before classes begin.

Is there a fee to take ALEKS?

For incoming freshmen and transfer students, there’s no fee to take ALEKS math placement.

Current WVU students pay a nonrefundable fee of $20 to take ALEKS.

What if ALEKS improved my standing for direct admission to a major?

For incoming freshmen and transfer students, the Office of Admissions will reconcile ALEKS scores that impact direct admission to majors, with the exception of Nursing. You’ll automatically receive information 3-4 weeks after proctored testing if there are any changes to report.

What if I have an IEP, 504 or need to request accommodations for ALEKS?

High school IEP and 504 plans do not apply to ALEKS testing. You may inquire with the Office of Student Accommodations and request accommodations by submitting an application. To submit the application for accommodations, you must have your WVU ID number, WVU MIX email address and documentation that supports the request.

What if I score poorly on the ALEKS assessment?

You will have the option to take remediation modules if you are unhappy with your first score. You will then be able to take a second proctored attempt. The highest proctored score will be used for placement.

Related questions:

What is the average time it takes to complete the ALEKS proctored assessment?

On average, students take between 60-70 minutes to complete the proctored version.

Related questions:

Who do I contact if I have questions about ALEKS?

Contact wvuadmissions@mail.wvu.edu for questions pertaining to the ALEKS math placement requirement for incoming first-time freshmen.

For questions related to the assessment, technology, remediation and access through eCampus, contact placement@math.wvu.edu.

Technical Support
Having trouble taking the proctored assessment? Try these resources to troubleshoot:

Why am I required to take ALEKS regardless of prior standardized tests, placement testing or college-level course placement (such as AP, IB or dual enrollment)?

ALEKS is a tool utilized to determine math and science readiness. These courses are demanding and serve as foundational courses for many majors.

  • ALEKS may advance your math standing vs. other assessments, which directly impacts matriculation and time to degree completion.
  • Having an ALEKS score on file ensures correct placement should you decide to change your major, rather than relying on a previous placement that may not meet the required math or science benchmark.
  • You may find that your preparedness has declined since taking elevated coursework, and the ALEKS assessment will help to define the best placement for your personalized learning path.
  • ALEKS is designed to identify instructional gaps in college-prep curriculum.
  • ALEKS offers an equitable assessment for all test takers that meets our New Student Orientation timeline for course scheduling.

Why do I have to take ALEKS again if I’ve already taken it for dual enrollment or high school?

You may have previously taken ALEKS for collegiate dual enrollment or high school placement. However, your math knowledge, skillset and foundation will most likely have improved since taking such courses. An updated assessment is necessary for accurate placement, and you may place higher.

Will my admission to WVU, or my scholarship, be rescinded if I do not meet a minimum ALEKS assessment benchmark?

ALEKS is only used for placement. We will not rescind admission or decrease merit scholarships based on the ALEKS assessment.

Need help?

We're here to help every step of the way.
Are you a current WVU student? Visit ALEKS for Current Students.

Admissions Counselors

Have questions about your next steps? Or about submitting your deposit? Your WVU admissions counselor is an expert on these topics (and many more, so ask them anything!). And it’s literally their job to chat with you! Reach out to them any time.

Contact Your Counselor

Office of Admissions

Our Admissions staff can assist with any questions or issues you encounter as you continue the steps to enroll. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (except for University holidays). Call us at 304-293-2121 or fill out our contact form.

Contact Admissions