Math Placement Instructions

Welcome to Whittier College! Before you enroll in your courses, you will have to complete a proctored math placement exam.

Please read all of the following information carefully.

What is ALEKS?

Whittier College requires an ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses.

ALEKS consists of three parts:

  1. An initial Placement Assessment
  2. The Prep and Learning Module, an individualized, self-paced online review
  3. Access to 4 additional Placement Assessments

Whittier College encourages each student to spend time in the Prep and Learning Modules, even if the desired score is achieved, because time spent in ALEKS will ultimately lead to better preparation and improved scores.

What do I need to do?

Step 1: Sign into ALEKS.
Sign in using your MyWhittier credentials.

Sign into ALEKS

Step 2: Take a Proctored Exam
Exam Password
THIRTY45GOOSE

Whittier College requires a proctored exam for a student’s final course placement. In other words, a student must take a proctored exam to register for their math course or any course requiring a math prerequisite. Only one (1) proctored exam is required, but students may take the exam up to 5 times.

  • You have 48 hours to complete the assessment.
  • You will be asked up to 30 questions.
  • If you do not know an answer you can select “I Don’t Know” at the bottom left of the screen.
  • The assessment can be stopped and started during that 48-hour period.
  • Do not use any outside help.
  • Only use the calculator provided on the screen. It will appear only on questions that require the use of a calculator.

Online (detailed instructions)

You will immediately receive your results and corresponding course placement.

Step 3: Study and Retest
Whittier College suggests between 3 and 5 hours of study time.

Only one (1) proctored exam is required, but students may take the exam up to 5 times.

Exam Password
THIRTY45GOOSE

For more information visit ALEKS FAQ or contact Paige Sturley at psturley@whittier.edu.

In-person Math Placement Exams

If you would like to take your math placement exam in person, please register below to reserve a spot on campus.

Sign Up