Aleks Exceptions

Most, but not all, new students need to take the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment; you will find the list of exceptions below. If after reading the list of exceptions below you are still unsure whether you meet one of the exceptions, contact the Academic Advising & Student Achievement Center  at (360) 650-3100 or the Department of Mathematics at (360) 650-3785. Please note that taking the MPA may allow you to place in a higher level course than the exceptions will allow for.

• Western will continue to allow APTP Math Placement Test scores for students who entered Western prior to Fall 2017; scores are valid for 5 years from original test date.
• The MPA is not required for entrance into Math 099 (Review Algebra – no degree credit).
• Students who earned a C- or better in a college Intermediate Algebra course within the last 5 years may register for Math 107, Math 108 or Math 112 without taking the MPA.
• Students who earned a C+ or better in a transferable college Precalculus I course are eligible for Math 157 or Math 240 without taking the MPA.
• Students who earned a C+ or better in the second/final course in a college Precalculus sequence may register for Math 124 (Calculus) without taking the MPA. Completing only the first course in such a sequence (i.e. Precalculus I) will not meet this requirement.
•  The MPA is waived for students who scored a two or higher on the College Board AP Calculus Exam (AB or BC). Students who scored a two or higher and who plan to take another Math course are advised to discuss their options with a Math advisor at (360) 650-3785. Exception: Students seeking admission to Honors Math 134 MUST take the MPA.
• The MPA is waived for students who have college credit (and grade of C- or better) for a Calculus course equivalent to Math 124 (Calculus and Analytical Geometry).
• Students who plan to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Education – Elementary or Special Education and have earned a C or better in a college Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra, or Precalculus course within the last five years may, after admission to Western’s Elementary or Special Education programs, register for Math 381 without taking the MPA.
• Students who have completed a proctored ALEKS MPA at another college may be eligible to use those scores for placement here at Western. See FAQ titled Can I use my ALEKS scores from another institution? (Located within the ALEKS Most Asked Questions section).
• ALEKS MPA taken one or more times in a proctored setting at another school – requires verified scores.