Math Placement & ALEKS PPL
Students can avoid taking unnecessary math courses by demonstrating prerequisite knowledge with previous coursework, or by taking the ALEKS PPL assessment.
What is the ALEKS PPL assessment?
ALEKS PPL assessment determines whether you’ve met the prerequisites to take certain classes. An optional online program, ALEKS PPL maps a student’s strengths and weaknesses. It's up to 30 questions and takes about 60-90 minutes to complete. If you want to decrease time to graduation you can take this test to see if you’ve met the prerequisites.
The assessment has three parts:
- An initial assessment
- The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review
- Access to five additional assessments
How can high school courses be used to place me in higher math courses?
Students who have met either of the conditions below are qualified to register for any of the following courses: MATH 105, MATH 107, MATH 109 or STAT 109.
A grade of B- or better in both semesters of a high school course titled “Precalculus”
or
A grade of C or better in both semesters of a high school course titled “Calculus, AP Calculus, or IB Math (Year 2).”
*** If there is a delay in processing your high school transcripts you may need to contact the Mathematics Department, math@humboldt.edu.
How can college courses be used to place me in higher math courses?
College Prerequisite courses are listed in the Course Catalog (https://catalog.humboldt.edu/). Courses taken at Cal Poly Humboldt will automatically allow you to register, but if you took an equivalent course at another college you may need to contact the Mathematics Department, math@humboldt.edu.
What courses will an ALEKS PPL score qualify me for?
| Course # | Course Name | ALEKS Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 101 | College Algebra | Over 45 (Recommended: 45-55) |
| MATH 101T | Trigonometry | Over 65 (Recommended: 66-77) |
| MATH 102 | Algebra & Elementary Functions | Over 55 (Recommended: 56-77) |
| MATH 103 | Mathematics as a Liberal Art | Over 45 |
| MATH 104 | Finite Math | Over 45 |
| MATH 105 | Calculus for the Biological Sci. | 78-100 |
| MATH 107 | Intro to Linear Algebra | 78-100 |
| MATH 108 | Critical Thinking in Math | Over 45 |
| MATH 109 | Calculus I | 78-100 |
| STAT 108 | Elementary Statistics | Over 45 |
| STAT 109 | Introductory Biostatistics | Over 65 |
How do I take ALEKS PPL?
You must register to take the assessment. To register or for more information, please contact the Mathematics Department, math@humboldt.edu.
More Information
Read the
ALEKS assessment guide for details on topics covered in ALEKS PPL, what happens when you take the assessment, and more.
