I don’t know which forum to post this on, so I thought I’d try here. I need to get at least a 46% to get into the required math course for my major later. I know that’s literally like a F, but I’m scared that I won’t even get it. I’m currently taking pre-calculus honors for my senior year in HS. My pre-calculus teacher said I could get a 46 though… I ended up previous the semester with a C in her class. Including this last one. I had a B in Algebra I, an A in Geometry, and a B in Algebra II H. I wouldn’t say I’m terrible at math. It’s just that I don’t have a real knack for it like English. I have to try significantly harder for math. Over these next five days before my placement exam, I’m going to review everything I can.
Anyways, I was hoping to see if anyone on here could give me more insight. Any advice you guys have to score at least a 46 or above on the ALEKS? Any thoughts on my chances of achieving that cut score for Math 120? Thanks in advance.
@gracewithin The Aleks Placement Test is designed to help you not only place in the correct course for your ability but also to help you place into the class you want to take. Since there is only one test for all levels of math and the topics could be determined by the college, it is hard to say how hard it will be for you to get a 46.
However, if you don’t get the score you want/need on your first try, you will be able to study using Aleks to prepare for another try. Most colleges require 5 hours in Aleks before a second attempt at the placement test is allowed.
Depending on how close your score is to your desired 46, I would recommend spending more time than your college requires before your second attempt. If your college has a choice of preparation “pies” or courses, make sure you choose the highest one for the course you want to take because you cannot change to a higher one later. Then spend time each day over at least one week, learn the topics in Aleks and try to complete the “pie”. Use the Review feature for any topic that you had trouble learning, needed help on, or took more than 4 questions to learn.
Your math teacher, who knows you and can access just what you know, is a far better resource than strangers on the internet.
My advice is to be sure you know what you’ve been taught and not to worry about what you haven’t. Be sure to review formulas-- all the geometric, from slope and distance to the special triangles to all the area formulas, quadratic formula, and so on. You can google “Algebra I formulas”, “Geometry formulas” and so on to get a decent list. Make sure you know how to use each of them…
depending on what college/university math 120 class you’re referring to, there is a better than decent chance that you can google the text book the class uses, the syllabus, prior year exams, lecture notes and problem sets. If you can get comfortable with that material, the placement test ought to be a breeze.