ALEKS PPL
The University of Mississippi wants you to succeed when it comes to math.
Please read the information below! If you have further questions about ALEKS, contact Anabell Elsner at aelsner@olemiss.edu.
Success in math starts with taking the right course. It is important that you are placed in the appropriate math course so you do not waste time and money in courses for which you are over- or under-qualified.
The University has implemented a program called ALEKS PPL for placing students in appropriate math classes. ALEKS – Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces – is a web-based learning system that uses artificial intelligence.
Who is eligible to take the ALEKS PPL ASSESSMENT?
This assessment is available only to students who have not previously taken DS 099 (Intermediate Algebra) or any college-level math course and who meet at least one of the following criteria. (If you have taken the SAT since spring 2016, this is designated in our catalog as SATR.)
- Students with no ACT/SAT score.
- Incoming freshmen who have an ACT math sub-score of 17-18 (or SAT math score 460-500).
- Incoming transfer students, as officially classified in our system, who have an ACT math sub-score below 19 (or SAT math score below 510).
- Incoming freshmen (or incoming transfer students) who have an ACT math sub-score of 22-23 (or SAT math score 540-570) wanting to enroll in MATH 261, CHEM 105, or BISC 160.
Students who meet one of the first three criteria and either choose not to take the ALEKS test or are unable to achieve a sufficient score for their desired class will need to enroll in DS 099 (Intermediate Algebra). If you’re unable to enroll yourself into DS 099, email Hope Menzel at hcmenzel@olemiss.edu to be added to the DS 099 waitlist.
Please note that once a student starts their math pathway by enrolling in their first math course, they will no longer be permitted to use the ALEKS placement test to bypass that course.
Mississippi students who have earned an 80 or higher on their Essentials for College Math course in high school, are eligible for any 100-level math course and will not be allowed to take the ALEKS PPL. These students should be able to add the math course themselves; however, if the student has difficulty, the student will need fill out a Math Add Form. (Talk to your advisor before filling out the add form.)
How does it work?
Students will be provided with two (2) proctored placement assessments to reach their desired score for math placement and one (1) learning module in between each assessment. The cost to take the ALEKS PPL Placement Assessment is about $25 (plus tax). Students are given up to four (4) hours to complete each proctored assessment.
Your ALEKS score shows what course, or courses, you would be eligible to register for after taking the placement test. Below is a chart showing which course(s) corresponds to your score.
If you wish to take the assessment, after you’ve read the information above, you must apply so that we can verify your eligibility. Click the link below to apply.
To apply to take the ALEKS PPL Placement Assessment click HERE!
What else is important to know?
- All placements have an active web camera and will be monitored/reviewed. The University of Mississippi’s Academic Discipline and Conduct policy will be enforced.
- The application for the ALEKS will be taken down the Friday before the first day of classes of the Fall and Spring semester.
- To place into a math course for a specific term, students must take the ALEKS test before the start of each term; it will not be accepted once classes have started.
Check with your academic advisor to determine which math course(s) are required for your degree program.
| Needed ALEKS PPL Score | Corresponding UM Course(s) |
| 30 or higher | Math 115, Math 120 |
| 38 or higher | Math 167 |
| 46 or higher | Math 121 |
| 61 or higher | Math 123, Math 125, Math 267 |
| 76 or higher | Math 261, Chem 105, Bisc 160 |