The ALEKS is a placement test designed to measure a student’s understanding of advanced mathematics. Colleges and universities use it to ensure that a student is capable of carrying out the curriculum of designated advanced math courses. ALEKS exam practice ensures that you’ll get placed into the right classes.   

Unlike most other tests you’ve encountered in your academics, the ALEKS is not multiple-choice. This test is also adaptive, meaning that questions will scale in difficulty based on previous answers. Students are given 20-30 questions that are chosen depending on whether the previous answer was correct or incorrect. More difficult questions always follow a correct answer while the difficulty lessens after an incorrect answer. However, this also means that answers cannot be changed once submitted. 

The test is designed using a state-of-the-art interface that simulates manual writing, which is explained in the beginning. There’s even a tutorial to help you get a feel for it. 

Here are some key features of the ALEKS assessment test:

• Questions adapt to a student’s knowledge based on the way they answer each question. 
• No grade or raw score is given. Instead, the ALEKS is designed to identify areas where you might need some extra studies. 
• Students must solve problems using the interactive writing interface. There are no multiple choice questions. 
• There isn’t a time limit for taking the ALEKS.

ABOUT ALEKS MATH PLACEMENT TEST PRACTICE

When searching for the right ALEKS practice test, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. However, not all practice tests are created equal. It’s important that you find ones that cover the necessary topics. 

Here are some of the topics that you should expect to find on an ALEKS math practice test. 

INTEGERS AND REAL NUMBERS

Real numbers are what we all use every day. However, you’ll also encounter integers on the practice test. Integers include both real numbers and negative numbers. 

POLYNOMIALS

This is the most basic math concept and it is guaranteed to show up in a practice test. In this type of equation, only basic math concepts like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and real number based exponents are used. 

ORDER OF OPERATIONS

The order in which a math problem must be solved. Needless to say, this will be used to solve every question. The way most people remember this is PEDMAS:

1. Parenthesis
2. Exponents
3. Division
4. Multiplication
5. Addition
6. Subtraction

FRACTIONS, PERCENT, AND PROPORTIONS

You can expect to find the majority of questions on the ALEKS to be based on fractions. It’s just that some equations will be more difficult than others. Fractions, percentages, and proportions can be converted into each other. Expect to have everything on the test presented using one of these three conversions. 

ALGEBRAIC EXPRESSIONS

Algebra will be a standard type of question found on the practice exam. Students are expected to have the ability to solve basic algebraic expressions so be sure you brush up on these beforehand. 

EXPONENTS

This is another basic mathematical component that will show up in just about every test. An exponent tells you that a number must be multiplied by itself a specific number of times. 

LOGARITHMS

These are the opposite of exponents because they undo them, much like subtraction is the opposite of addition. Logarithms are found in more advanced questions on the ALEKS. 

EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES

Expect to find several questions using inequalities. These are just statements that use a symbol other than an equal sign. Compound inequalities might also show up, which are multiple inequalities in a single statement. Keep in mind that these questions might be presented in word form. 

LINEAR FUNCTIONS

Linear functions are always graphed in a straight line and contain both an independent variable, as well as a dependent variable. Expect these questions to show up as you get into more advanced areas. 

QUADRATIC FUNCTIONS

Intermediate algebra questions are found when you answer several questions correctly in a row. So be prepared to see quadratic functions on the ALEKS practice test. 

RADICAL EXPRESSIONS

Problems containing a radical expression will show up during ALEKS placement test practice. Be sure that you’re ready to tackle these tricky questions. 

GEOMETRY

Geometry is another core mathematical concept that is going to be found in a lot of problems on the ALEKS. Any questions that involve shapes fall under this category. 

PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS

Statistics is used to measure past events while probability uses that information to predict the likelihood of a specific future event. Both are mathematical concepts that will be found on the ALEKS practice test. 

COMPLEX NUMBERS

Complex numbers are created when real numbers are combined with imaginary ones. You’ll find these with more advanced problems on the ALEKS. 

TRIGONOMETRY

This advanced mathematical concept is designed to simplify certain equations and plays an essential role in a lot of career paths such as electronics and engineering. You’ll probably be presented with trigonometry at some point during the ALEKS.

HOW DO YOU PASS THE ALEKS TEST?

The ALEKS is infamous for the anxiety it creates. Fortunately, this anxiety can be held at bay with proper ALEKS math placement test practice. But remember that this test is supposed to be difficult since its sole purpose is to determine what level program you start in college math. 

In the end, your goal should be to view this test for exactly what it is – a tool used to optimize your placement in college. This saves you time and money in the long-term. 

With that said, you should study efficiently so that you are placed at the highest level possible. Here are some tips that you should follow:

#1: CHOOSE THE RIGHT STUDY RESOURCES

Taking an ALEKS practice test on a regular basis will ensure that you’re prepared for the real test but it’s not the only preparation you should make. You’ll need to find the appropriate study resources as well. I recommend that you start with the resources given to you by the college providing the placement test. They will point you in the right direction. 

#2: GET A HANDLE ON BASIC MATH

Having a solid foundation is an absolute must when taking the ALEKS test so be sure you dedicate some study time into brushing up on all of your basic math skills. Without this knowledge, you’ll have a tougher time tackling more advanced math concepts. Regular ALEKS placement test practice will help ensure you’re ready! 

#3: SOLVE A FEW PRACTICE PROBLEMS EVERY DAY

Make sure you solve some problems related to the specific area you studied for the day. This helps you memorize what you learned by putting it into practice. The absolute best way to learn math is through practice. 

#4: TAKE AN ALEKS PRACTICE TEST EVERY WEEK

Don’t skip this important step. Weighing your study progress will reveal your strengths and weaknesses. This ensures that you’re able to focus your future studies in the right areas. Additionally as stated earlier, putting your math skills into practice is the best way to learn essential skills.

 The ALEKS test is considered by most test-takers to be difficult due to its adaptive nature. It will push you to the limits so there will be a point in the test where you simply don’t have the knowledge to correctly answer the question. That’s a cause for stress for most people.

Just keep in mind that the ALEKS is designed to place you into the correct college curriculum. It’s supposed to push all of your limits.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Always keep in mind that the goal of the ALEKS is not centered on the concept of passing or failing, but to ensure that you are placed into the correct college math program. So don’t stress too much.

CONGRATULATIONS! Welcome to the class of (insert year) at (insert college name)....”

This is often as far as the excited college applicant reads in their acceptance letter. Even if you did read the next few sentences, rarely does the warning stand out. The wording differs from school to school, but usually, it reads something like this: “Keep working hard because we will be doing a final transcript review at the end of the year and your offer of admission is contingent upon the successful completion of high school with the same commitment to excellence that you demonstrated in your application.” In other words, “don’t take your foot off the gas, beware of your actions, and don’t screw this up!”

But what really happens if you do not hold up your end of the deal? Perhaps your grades sink, you face disciplinary trouble, or you make a misstep on social media. You are likely to receive a letter stating that your acceptance is in jeopardy. Yes, this does occur and most high school counselors and college admission deans have examples from unfortunate experiences where seniors have slipped. These instances can seem hypothetical, so I asked colleagues to share some specific examples and advice.

Let Us Count the Ways

There is not only one reason that a student could have their admission revoked. It is at the discretion of the school to determine when you have, or have not, upheld the same standards as when you were admitted. The following are circumstances that high school counselors shared in which a student lost their admission:

·  Arrested on drug charges.

·  Punched another 12th grader in the face in the second semester.

·  Falsified their high school record.

·  Dropped rigor in the classes that they were taking.

·  Grades fell seriously and the explanation that the student provided- was not enough to explain or provide context.

·  Violated the Early Decision agreement by applying to several schools ED.

·  Inappropriate social media activity.

·  Assault of a sexual nature.

·  Dismissed from high school for threatening a community member.

·  Admission to a UK college was rescinded for falling short of the predicted results in the IB exam.

A college counselor explains test-optional, test-blind and test-flexible policies and why you might have fewer reasons to stress as you prepare for college.

The college admissions experience involves different levels of stress. In my years as a higher education professional, I’ve observed that preparing for and taking the SAT or ACT is one of the biggest stressors for my students.

This isn’t surprising; even if it’s never actually been said, students often think the SAT or ACT will determine how successful they will be in life. When discussing a testing plan with clients each year, one of my first priorities is to ensure students are aware this isn’t a life-or-death situation. Their SAT or ACT score is not a reflection of their future success, or an indicator of their self-worth. It’s just one test, and it’s just one data point in an application evaluation.

Many colleges view test scores as important factors in admission. However, the most important aspects of any college application, for most colleges, are the classes you take and the grades you earn. You’re applying to be a student on campus, so one of the best ways for colleges to find out if you’re a good fit is to see what kind of student you’ve been over the last three-plus years. That doesn’t mean students shouldn’t still put thoughtful effort into preparing to do their best on an SAT or ACT, though.

Like it has with so many aspects of life, COVID-19 has turned the college admissions standardized testing landscape upside down. This has led to students and families hearing a lot of unfamiliar admissions jargon, so I’d like to break it down and explain the differences.

WHAT DOES TEST OPTIONAL MEAN?

Simply put, test-optional colleges let students decide whether or not they want to submit test scores with their application. Most test-optional schools will consider SAT and ACT scores if they are submitted but focus on other factors they believe are stronger predictors of a student’s potential.

The pandemic forced many colleges to adopt test-optional policies for at least the high school graduating Class of 2021. Some colleges announced multi-year test-optional pilots; others implemented temporary test-optional policies or were test-optional for only some groups of students or academic programs. Penn State University recently announced it will remain test optional through 2023. Hopefully, other colleges will follow suit sooner rather than later so that students have ample time to plan and study for tests.

The idea of being test optional became mainstream once COVID-19 began wreaking havoc on the world, but it’s actually been around for a while — since 1969, to be exact. Before the pandemic took hold, more than 1,000 colleges and universities were already evaluating students’ applications without the presence of test scores. 

So, how will you know whether a college you’re researching is test optional or not? You can search for the standardized testing policy on official websites, but all the accurate information is at your fingertips with CollegeData. Let’s use Wake Forest University’s college profile as an example. Upon navigating to the school’s dashboard, clicking on “Admissions” and scrolling down a smidge to the “Examinations” section, you’ll see that for the SAT and ACT, Wake Forest will “consider if submitted,” meaning they’re test optional. 

WHAT DOES TEST BLIND MEAN?

Test-blind admissions is exactly what it sounds like: whether or not a student decides to send their test scores, they won’t be considered as part of the application evaluation.

Test blind schools are not nearly as common as test optional ones, but COVID-19 has led to more colleges and universities to adopt test blind policies. Prior to the pandemic, only a handful of schools were test blind. Now, there are more than 50 that have decided to not consider test scores throughout the admissions process. This is happening because admissions offices are seeing how difficult it is for certain students to test. Instead of leaving it optional – and letting those who can’t test feel like they’re at a disadvantage (even though they wouldn’t be) -- they’ve taken testing completely off the table. 

Here is a list from FairTest detailing the colleges that are currently test blind, and if they’re not adopting that policy permanently, the details of how long it’ll be in place are included. 

WHAT DOES TEST FLEXIBLE MEAN?

If you’re not a good standardized test-taker but don’t want to simply not submit a test score, there are test flexible schools. Test flexible colleges or universities allow students to choose which type of test (or tests) they’d like to submit with their application. If students want to submit the SAT or ACT, they’re welcome to do so. Other options include an International Baccalaureate exam or an Advanced Placement test. SAT Subject Tests were previously an option before the CollegeBoard discontinued them on January 19, 2021.

New York University adopted a test flexible policy long before COVID-19, and its policy is reflected on their CollegeData college profile page. Each college or university will likely have its own range of tests it is willing to consider, so after getting initial information from CollegeData, it’d be helpful to read the complete policy on a school’s official website. As you can see with NYU, there’s a lot more detail and nuance that goes into their policy, which they explain here. 

WHAT TO DO FROM HERE

The high school graduating Class of 2022 are still dealing with uncertainty regarding standardized testing for college admissions. While this uncertainty adds another layer of stress on top to the admissions experience, it’s important to control what is controllable. 

As you uncover schools you love, there are three main things to find out when it comes to testing:

• The school’s testing policy and required tests (if any).
• The average scores for admitted students (which you can see in the “Admissions” tab of the college profile by scrolling down to the bottom).
• How multiple scores are used, and if the schools superscore the SAT, ACT, or both.

Once you find out this information, put together a testing plan and prepare to sit for the test, if you can. Once the time comes to actually take the test, do the best you can, and don’t get too hung up on what your highest score is. This is not to say that SAT and ACT scores aren’t important or will have no impact on your application. Top-tier or highly competitive schools still place weight on test scores. However, an individual test score is simply not a complete determination of your worth or how successful you’ll be. After you’ve completed your test (s), move on to the other important parts of your application. If the hard shift to test optional, test blind, and text flexible policies have shown us anything, it’s that colleges are evaluating the effectiveness of the ACT and SAT, and for now, it’s not worth stressing too much over. By Matt Musico

If you’re a senior, chances are that by now the application process has come to an end, and most results are already in for those who applied early. So now what? This is a great time to research and apply for scholarships. Many scholarships are seen as hallmarks of commendable work and some scholarships may even grant you extra access to research or study-abroad opportunities.
There are several types of scholarships available to college students. To help you get started on your search, LF Educational Consulting expert counselor have created an introduction to the four basic types of scholarships. It’s important to keep in mind that there are different criteria and benefits associated with each type, so read on for more information.

Need-based
Need-based scholarships are distributed by the college or university and are generally awarded using the information provided by your family on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile). The award is based solely on income and reported assets, meaning there are generally no additional essays or requirements to fulfill, though these scholarship grants will vary in amount for each university. The difference between these scholarships and other types of financial aid, such as student loans or work study wages, is that you don’t have to repay the funds via monthly payments or through working on campus. In recent years, some schools, such as Vassar College, replaced loans with grants and scholarships for students whose families demonstrated a certain amount of need. However, in light of current economic conditions and shrinking endowments, at least one school, Williams College, has had to abandon this policy (beginning with the class entering in the fall of 2011).

Merit-based
If you excel in academics, the arts, sports or a particular extracurricular such as chess or debate, your college may take this into consideration when it comes to financial aid (they definitely already noted your achievements during the admissions process). As with need-based scholarships, merit-based scholarships may be awarded from your school without the completion of an additional application. However, some schools do require additional essays, activities, or applications for their merit-based scholarships. You should research available scholarship opportunities at the schools to which you have applied. You can often find this information by using the admissions or financial aid page on each college’s website. You can also contact the admissions office.
Many independent organizations have established scholarships devoted to recognizing accomplished students. We have included information on these in the “Specialty Scholarships” section below.

Career-based
Career-based scholarships are often awarded to students entering into specific or high-need fields such as education and healthcare. They help reduce the cost of education for students entering careers that benefit society, particularly because those careers may be less lucrative in the years immediately following graduation. For example, the Journalism Education Association awards scholarships to students majoring in education who intend to teach journalism. Some of these scholarships are contingent on working in a particular field, such as cardiovascular nursing. Overall, they tend to not be as competitive, due to their specialization, and they may help to distinguish your resume for future employers and graduate schools.

Specialty Scholarships
Specialty scholarships award money to students who have a specific background, interest or ability. You can find one for almost any passion you may have, such as environmental sustainability, vegetarianism or diplomacy. Also included in this category are regional scholarships and scholarships based on heritage or personal attributes.
Capitalize on your unique skills, talents and interests by applying for one of these. Often times, the purpose for these scholarships is to allow the recipient to have time to pursue their interests and to reward his or her achievements. For example, the Public Relations Society of America Foundation has several different awards specifically for undergraduate students who show promise in the field of public relations.

It can be difficult to research all the different scholarships that might be available to you.

If you’re wondering where to look, you can start with a scholarship search engine, which will often help match your interests and background to available awards. This is particularly useful for these smaller, specialized scholarships, as they may not be advertised elsewhere. Be wary of scams and use trusted sources like www.FastWeb.com and www.FinAid.org. As with all sites, even those you may trust, you should use caution or ask a parent before submitting any personal information. You can also speak with your high school’s college counselor or contact the financial aid office of the college to which you’ve been accepted for more information.

Scholarship Tips and Hints
Reach out to any organizations to which you or your parents belong. For example, if your family belongs to a volunteer organization, such as Kiwanis, inquire into their potential scholarship options.

·  Constantly update your search. New scholarships become available all the time, and announcements and deadlines don’t always correspond to other admission dates. Furthermore, if your GPA or test scores change, you may be qualified for additional scholarships.

·  Read the fine print and follow instructions. If you’re applying for multiple scholarships, you will have to keep track of many different dates and requirements. Use a calendar to help you establish goals and deadlines for completing applications.

·  Generally, if a scholarship asks for an application fee, it may not be legitimate. You should not have to pay money for the opportunity to earn money. While this is a good rule of thumb, if you are unsure about a potential scholarship you should conduct additional research. You can do this through the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org), which advises students to watch out for phrases like, “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.” and “We will do all the work.”

·  Nationwide corporate scholarships often offer large rewards. For example, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards between $10,000 and $20,000 to its recipients.

·  Your summer job might be more profitable than you thought. Many national retail and food service chains offer employee scholarships. Taco Bell, McDonalds, and Borders are just a few.

Applying for scholarships can potentially bring in important financial assistance and the process may help you develop important academic skills, such as the ability to communicate clearly and prioritize multiple deadlines. Now that you’ve got a few ideas, use the research skills you picked up during your college search to compile your list of possible scholarships. A few extra hours of effort may result in new opportunities, as well as additional honors commending your years of hard work. Good luck!

The mental health benefits of exercise are well documented! Although this colder weather (in other parts of the country) can make it daunting to leave your cozy place, don’t underestimate how much better you will feel even after a 30 minute walk around your neighborhood! Exercise can help clear your mind, or you can view it as a time to catch up on your favorite podcast or show. Get moving!

One of the biggest mistakes many families make is assuming they won’t receive any aid from colleges and universities. Parents frequently put a stranglehold on their child’s college list and tell them that they can only attend an in-state institution because that’s all they believe they can afford. The myth of one price for all is simply not accurate.

The reality is that paying for college is more similar to paying for an airline ticket, i.e., you could be sitting next to someone who paid twice what you paid or, unfortunately, that person across the aisle or in the dorm room next door may have paid remarkably less than you.

Financial aid is more available and abundant than a lot of families realize. This is especially true at the most selective and most expensive colleges. These colleges and universities have exceptionally large endowments. As college tuition has soared beyond the grasp of many families, these institutions have been pressured to raise the income threshold that allows families to receive aid.

Lynn O’Shaughnessy, my go-to guru for all things related to financial aid as well as a best-selling author and nationally recognized higher education expert who shares advice on her blog wwe.collegesolution, illustrated this phenomenon with this example:

“The parents in my hypothetical family have a gross income of $300,000, with $100,000 in taxable assets. (Aid calculations don’t take into account retirement assets, so a family could have millions in retirement accounts without jeopardizing aid.) My couple has one Princeton-bound student and another headed to another university. When I ran the numbers, Princeton would provide the student with a grant of nearly $26,000 for freshman year.”

It does seem remarkable that a family earning $300,000 annually would qualify for $26,000 in need-based aid. It also seems counter-intuitive that a pricier college might end up being cheaper than the sticker price on a less expensive school, but that is why financial advisors recommend that everyone complete the financial aid forms.

There’s a pattern to the way the media, as a whole, covers college admissions. A typical year of coverage for most—that’s most—media outlets goes something like this:

Mid-September—The US News rankings come out, and everyone clamors over the top-ranked college. It’s typically the same top-ranked college from last year; if isn’t, one of the top five from last year climbed the pile, which is seen as a real shocker. Like we’d never heard of that college until now, and this suddenly makes it a better school.

Late September/Early October—Coverage turns to the upheaval of applying to college, with every article featuring seniors discussing the anxiety of applying to Brown, Yale, Smith, or one of the only 25 colleges mainstream media acknowledges as existing.

Late March—Admissions decisions are out, and in a paean to the principles of mathematics, every media article cites increased application numbers at The Big 25, and—wait for it—decreased admission rates at all of them as well. Not a single one of these articles points out that the former is the cause of the latter—but that involves math, so there we are.

What’s wrong with this picture?

College Lists The media spotlight on the Top 25 launches many parents into action, for all the wrong reasons. If these are the best colleges, why isn’t my child applying to them? This upends a wealth of work done by the student and (one hopes) their school counselor; it also upends the self-esteem of more than one student who knows these schools are bad fits. But arguing with Mom and Dad’s “let’s see what happens” is a tough hill to climb, so off they go to apply, much like Faramir’s efforts to recapture Osgiliath in Return of the King.

Unnecessary Panic More than a few seniors are indeed intimidated by the college application process in mid-September. That’s normal, since they’re just getting started. If I handed a student a plumber’s wrench on September 15 and said “show me how it works”, that too would be stressful. Now, if I came back in a week and asked, “How’s it going?”, they would have mastered the thing with ease, because they had time to understand what they were doing. Huh.

Those “Other” Schools The media myopia pays a big price on the other 2000 colleges that serve all kinds of students in personalized and appropriate ways, but now appear to be second rate. This keeps students from looking at some schools just right for them, because—well, you know…

To be fair, not all media outlets treat college admissions like a celebrity sighting, although Varsity Blues hasn’t helped. Eric Hoover writes moving human stories about the real challenges some students face in this process, stories so good they have led to admissions policy changes. Inside HigherEd isn’t a household name, but their coverage of the entire range of colleges is nothing short of inspiring.

Still, the best-selling papers run up the same limited coverage of college admissions every year, and their effect is palpably bad on the college plans and psyches of far too many students. A modest step in the right direction would be running an October story that returns to the freaked out students of September, revealing they’ve largely got the hang of things right now. Even better, interviews with students applying to a great school like Northern Michigan, where the application takes a whopping 25 minutes to complete and the admit rate is 65%—a reminder that the current media lens on college admissions is clear, but too tightly focused.