The class that the ALEKS recommends you for, do I HAVE to start there or am I allowed to skip it by one and the test results are just really strongly recommended but not binding?
You are allowed to skip it by one but you would need to talk to an adviser and it is not highly recommended but if you think you can do the math go for it. Remember if the class turns out to be too hard you can drop it and add the class below it later on.
Word of warning: if you are using ALEKS for placement into chemistry, that changes things. Even with a very high ALEKS, many people who started in Chem 1 with no previous AP chem or IB chem had a rough time and they either enrolled in Study Edge or many dropped the class altogether.