Math Placement (ALEKS)

Students complete math placement to determine which math course best fits their skill level. 

New students who learned English as a second language, and who have not submitted qualifying ACT or SAT math test scores, should complete the English as a Second Language (ESL) placement test before completing math placement. ESL students must complete ESL Level II, or place into ESL Level III, before completing math placement. 

If you previously earned a C or better in a college-level math course you may not need to complete math placement. Speak with a counselor first.

If you are a transient/visiting student (your intention is to return to your home institution)  you may not need to use ALEKS.  Please see step 3 for instructions on obtaining approval and submitting your Transient Enrollment Request Form.”

Students complete math placement in one of the following ways:

Option 1: Submit ACT or SAT scores

Submit qualifying ACT or SAT math test scores from within the last two years. Log in to your act.org (ACT) or collegeboard.org (SAT) account to send your test scores electroncially or submit your unofficial test scores to admissions@tri-c.edu.   

ACT Math score 21 or above
SAT Math score 520 or above

New students without qualifying test scores use ALEKS^® and should follow Option 2.

Option 2: Complete the ALEKS assessment

What is ALEKS?

ALEKS is an assessment and learning system that uses artificial intelligence and adaptive questioning to determine your mathematical strengths and weaknesses. The results of your assessment will ensure you are placed into a math course that best fits your skill level.

Complete an Initial Assessment

Log in to my Tri-C space. Choose the Student tab, scroll down and select Math Placement Prep and Learn (ALEKS). Complete the tools tutorial and initial assessment of up to 30 questions. The assessment has a two-hour time limit. Use scratch paper and pencil only. All students are expected to do their own work.

Do not use a personal calculator or get help from friends or online resources. An on-screen calculator option is provided in the assessment for select questions. This is the only calculator that should be used. Using outside help or a calculator will result in placement into a math course that you’re not ready for. Failing a class will cost you extra time and money on the way to completing your degree. 

Can I use ALEKS on my phone?

Although most tablets will work, smaller mobile devices and phones are not supported. See the full system requirements for ALEKS here.

Improve Your Skills

After completing the initial assessment, ALEKS creates a personalized learning plan based on your results and what topics you’re ready to learn next. The prep and learn module is a self-paced learning environment where you can practice and improve your skills before your next assessment. Progress checks along the way make sure you are retaining the information you have learned.

Improve Your Placement

By working in the learning modules and retesting, you can sharpen your math skills and potentially place into a higher math course. Complete five hours of practice in your learning module to unlock your next assessment. ALEKS is a web-based program and will save your progress as you work, so it's not required to do five hours all at once. 

Take Advantage of Math Support

A Tri-C Math Coach will contact you to review your initial assessment score and connect you with math support opportunities to help you succeed in ALEKS and prepare for your next assessment. You can do it! Our Math Coaches are here to help.

If you have questions about ALEKS, or, if you do not have ACT/SAT scores or access to a computer to take complete the ALEKS assessment, contact a campus Testing Center for assistance with next steps.