Last revised May 15, 2024

• ALEKS scores should be interpreted with the assistance of your academic advisor. You will be meeting with an advisor during orientation.
• Course selection depends not just on your ALEKS score but on many other factors. These include: prior mathematics preparation, SAT/ACT scores (if available), extracurricular commitments, requirements of the school (Business, the College, etc.) you want to enter, the requirements of the major and/or minor (Finance, History, etc.) you think you might pursue, your personal interests, and your long-term career goals.
• The ALEKS score is a number between 1 and 100 and is interpreted as a percentage correctly.
• A higher ALEKS score is evidence that you have mastered more math concepts.
• The topics covered by ALEKS include precalculus, but not calculus itself.
• If you have taken a calculus class, but do not yet have credit for Math M211, Calculus 1, then you should also take the “Calculus placement test” during orientation. Example: you took the AP AB test the summer before entering IU. Your AP score is not yet known when you arrive for orientation. You should take the calculus placement test.
• The table below shows both minimum required and recommended ALEKS scores needed for you to be qualified to enroll in the indicated course.
• These placement guidelines are the result of analysis of the performance of thousands of students over several years.
• With the exception of M106, D116/117, and B 110, you are not prevented from registering for a course even though your ALEKS score falls below the minimum required.
• You are allowed up to 3 attempts at the ALEKS test in the first year. Between attempts, you will be required to complete “practice modules” to review skills. There is no additional fee for additional attempts during the initial year.  After one year, email bestexam@indiana.edu in order to retake the ALEKS. Any retakes after the initial year incur the online placement exam fee. 
• Math courses numbered “M XX” (example: M 18) are designed specifically to prepare students for 100 and 200 level courses. Work in ALEKS practice modules does not give the same amount of practice as work in courses.
• Your advisor will play a key role in explaining which of the many options is best for you. ALEKS scores should be interpreted with the assistance of your academic advisor. You will be meeting with an advisor during orientation.

Students scoring below 35 should begin with the M 125 and X 125 combo, M 18, or J111.