JMU uses the McGraw-Hill ALEKS Math Assessment to determine student readiness for JMU mathematics courses. It is important for you to start with a firm foundation based on your current working knowledge of math concepts from previous math courses. We use the ALEKS assessment score to place you into the math course that matches your current incoming knowledge level. Attempts to inflate or deflate your math abilities will only impede your degree progress.
The JMU Honor Code applies when taking the assessment.
- All incoming first-year students, regardless of earned math credit and major, must take the assessment.
- Transfer students should complete the Decision Tree Survey in their One Book to determine if the ALEKS Math Assessment is required for their major.
Get ready.
Before you take the assessment, ALEKS will present a short tutorial on how to enter answers, and how to use the graphing utilities and the built-in calculator. Take your time with the tutorial so you understand how to navigate the system.
- Allow about three hours of uninterrupted work time. The assessment is 25 questions. You may not need the three hours, but make certain you have set aside adequate time.
- Have a pencil and paper available to work through solutions. These are not multiple-choice questions.
- Prepare a space conducive to doing your best work with a reliable internet connection.
- You may only use the calculator when presented by the ALEKS system. You are not allowed to use a personal calculator.
- If you have procedural questions before you begin the assessment, call 540-568-8925. Technical assistance (e.g., cannot access the ALEKS, computer systems and lockdown browser isses) is available through the JMU Help IT Help Desk by calling 540-568-3555, or emailing at helpdesk@jmu.edu. If emailing, please include your eID and student ID number.
Disability Accommodations
If you are eligible for disability accommodations, please complete the two-question Request for ALEKS Math Assessment Accommodations survey. Upon submission of the survey, you will receive an email with a link to the ALEKS Accommodations Assessment. Do not use the link in the instructions section below. Remember, to receive accommodations in JMU classes, you must register with the Office of Disability Services.
LockDown Browser
We use a lockdown browser during access to the ALEKS assessment. You will need to download the lockdown browser, Respondus, through the ALEKS website. Follow the instructions below.
- Close all web-based programs and browsers before opening the ALEKS Math Assessment.
- Log in using your eID and password. Complete the Duo authentication step, if prompted.
- Click on the Fall 2024 block.
- Click the GET STARTED button.
- Download LockDown Browser, by selecting the link and then the correct system (Windows, Mac, iPad). The assessment will not begin until you have downloaded Respondus.
- Once downloaded, save the .exe file, then complete the installation of Respondus.
- When the installation is complete, return to the ALEKS system tab and click the Launch LockDown Browser button to begin your assessment.
- If you are using a school-issued device, or if you are taking the ALEKS on a device owned by a school or public library, you will likely be unable to download the required lockdown browser, Respondus. If this is the issue please contact Dr. Quentin Alexander, Associate Vice Provost for Advising at 540-568-8925 or alexanqr@jmu.edu for further assistance. For technology or technical issues please contact the JMU IT Help Desk at helpdesk@jmu.edu or call at 540-569-3555.
Take the Assessment.
- Utilize your One Book steps (unless you are requesting disability accommodations for the assessment) to access the ALEKS system.
- Work through the tutorial until you are comfortable with how to operate the system.
- Upon completion of the assessment, you will see a score. The table below indicates your math course based on your score.
- Your score will populate in the JMU MyMadison portal within 24 hours. The enrollment system does not allow you to enroll in a course higher than your recommended placement. Check out the tutorial on locating your JMU placement scores.
Interpret your score.
Your placement result (overall score) is a number between 0 and 100. It represents the percentage of topics ALEKS has identified you have mastered. The scores are listed in the table below. Math course requirements vary by major.
Use the ALEKS Assessment Matrix by Major to determine which math course is required for your major. Refer to the enrollment worksheets in Module 3 of the Prepare for Class Enrollment step for information to determine if your selected major requires a math course for your first semester.
| Course | ALEKS Score |
|---|---|
| MATH 235 | ≥ 81 |
| MATH 231 Calculus with Functions I | ≥ 66 |
| MATH 231 + MATH 199 Calculus with Function s I+ Algebra/Precalculus Gateway | 56 - 65 |
| MATH 205 Introductory Calculus | ≥ 66 |
| MATH 205 + MATH 199 Introductory Calculus+ Algebra/Precalculus Gateway | 56 - 65 |
| MATH 229 Introduction to Applied Statistics Using R | ≥ 61 |
| MATH 220 Elementary Statistics | ≥ 46 |
| MATH 105 Quantitative Literacy and Reasoning | ≤ 45 |
| MATH 155 College Algebra | ≤ 55 |
| MATH 103 The Nature of Mathematics | Any |
Learning Modules and Retakes
You have THREE attempts to take the ALEKS. The first attempt is required for first-year first semester enrollment and orientation. The last two attempts can be completed during or prior to the first-year first semester enrollment period or your orientation date, but must be completed during your first-year at JMU and by the expiration date assigned to you in the ALEKS site.
The One Book ALEKS link is available until the first day of classes. After this time, if you would like to retake the ALEKS you should contact Dr. Quentin Alexander, Associate Vice-Provost for Advising, at alexanqr@jmu.edu to receive permission and a valid ALEKS link. NOTE: You will not be permitted to retake the ALEKS after your assigned expiration date. It is advised you speak with your academic advisor by the end of your first semester to receive guidance about retaking the ALEKS, if needed.
One of the benefits of the ALEKS system is the opportunity to retake the assessment after you brush up on your math skills. The system recommends specific learning modules based on your initial assessment performance and score. If you wish to use the modules and retake the assessment to improve your placement, you must
1. Spend a total of three hours reviewing learning modules before each attempt at retaking the assessment.
2. Wait 48-hours as a cooling off period between each retake attempt.
**You only have access to the ALEKS for one year from the first time you log into the ALEKS during the One Book process. You can access the ALEKS via the One Book until the first day of classes. After that time, you will need to contact the Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment, Dr. Quentin Alexander, at alexanqr@jmu.edu to request access. Access will not be granted once your one year access has expired.
| Learning Module | ALEKS Score |
|---|---|
| Calculus | 55 |
| Pre-Calculus | 40-54 |
| College Algebra | 25-39 |
| Intermediate Algebra | 10-24 |
| Beginning Algebra | <10 |
To access the ALEKS system to use the learning modules or to retake the assessment, you must use the link in your One Book steps, or, if you requested disability accommodations for the assessment, you must use the link you received in your approval email.