Timely completion of your math requirement is a big part of that. Students who complete their math requirement at the beginning of their education are far more likely to graduate than those who put it off. There probably isn't anything more important for you to get started on. Time is of the essence! This page will help you get started and help you succeed along the way.
Students who complete their Math and English GE within
their first year are 3X more likely to graduate.
Do I have to take a placement test in order to register for a math class?
UVU requires that in order to register for a math class you must have an active placement score through the ACT, SAT, or ALEKS placement test in the last two years. If you have questions about your eligibility to enroll in a course, please contact your advisor.
I have taken college level math in the past. Can I use that for placement?
If you have taken a college level mathematics course with a passing grade, you may be eligible for a Math Refresher workshop instead of taking a placement exam.
What is the best way to prepare for the ALEKS placement test?
Because the test is designed to gauge your current math knowledge and understanding of material, we don’t recommend any material before you take the test. Instead, we recommend taking the first test and then using the ALEKS learning modules that you will be given access to after your test.
It’s asking me for a password before starting the test. How do I get the password?
We do not send passwords to students. The password is entered for you by your proctor at the time of your placement test.
ALEKS is asking me for a 10-digit code, how do I get the code?
If you receive this error when accessing ALEKS through myUVU, please contact [email protected] or contact Cole Bertelsen in the First-Year Advising Center at [email protected].
Can I take a practice exam before taking a proctored placement exam?
If you would like to take practice exam, please contact [email protected] or contact Cole Bertelsen in the First-Year Advising Center at [email protected].
If I don’t like my score, can I take the test again?
You can take the test up to 5 times during the calendar year. We also recommend that you study in the ALEKS modules provided after you take your first test. This will help you target specific material in order to improve your score.
You will also need to wait 24 hours and study in the ALEKS modules for 4.5 hours before taking another test.
How long will my score last before I have to take the test again?
We recommend taking a class the semester after you complete the placement test, but your score will last for two years from the date of your test before you need to retest.
What can I use when taking the exam?
You are allowed scratch paper and a writing utensil. You are not allowed to use an external calculator.
The notes for the exam say that I am allowed to use an online calculator. How do I access that?
ALEKS provides an on-screen calculator for specific questions where it is needed. You should only use the calculator provided by ALEKS when it is displayed.
What do I do if I have accommodations?
Contact the Accessibility Office. They will coordinate with the Math Success team to ensure that the accommodations are met.
I have taken my placement test, and I am still not able to register for my class. What do I do now?
After taking your test, please wait a minimum of 1 hour to allow the system to update with your score. If you are still unable to register, please reach out to your advisor for assistance in choosing the right course.