Placement Exams

Select a link below to find out more:

1. ALEKS Mathematical Proficiency
   
2. World Language Placement Exams
3. Optional Music Theory & Aural Skills Exam

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ALEKS Mathematical Proficiency

Lewis & Clark College requires all students take a Natural Science course for general education, and the majority of courses students may take to fulfill this requirement have an algebraic proficiency prerequisite. Demonstrating at least algebraic proficiency is also required before any students can pursue STEM or Environmental Studies majors.

To meet this algebraic proficiency prerequisite, all incoming students must take the ALEKS Mathematical Placement prior to registration unless one of the following applies:

• you have a AP Calculus AB or BC score of 4 or 5
• you have an IB Mathematics Higher Level score of 5, 6, or 7
• You have college-level transfer credit that the Registrar’s Office has deemed equivalent.

Most students take the ALEKS twice prior to the start of their first semester: once to get familiar with the exam and again after reviewing the relevant learning module. Students often score significantly higher after retaking the exam. Before taking (or retaking) the exam, students must complete at least eight hours of study with the relevant learning modules, and twelve hours are recommended.

Within a day or two after you finish the exam, you will be able to view your score in WebAdvisor (under “Test Summary”) and you may use it in this or subsequent semesters for registration. Your ALEKS score does not expire.

If, after taking the preliminary assessment and scoring anything below 76, ALEKS will suggest the Prep for Calculus learning module for study. Selecting this module will allow you to grow your study incrementally from college algebra up to calculus, not focus solely on calculus study.

What does your ALEKS score mean?

• Below 30: You should study in the ALEKS learning module and take the test again.
• Between 30 and 52: You are allowed to register for QR 101. However, it is highly recommended that you retake the test after reviewing the relevant learning modules at least twice before registering for QR 101.
• 53 and higher: You can register for courses that have a prerequisite of QR 101 or equivalent (i.e., relevant AP or IB HL scores, or transfer credit).
• 76 and higher: You can register for courses that have a MATH 115 prerequisite (such as MATH 131: Calculus I or CS 171: Computer Science I).

For advice on which learning modules to consult, and which classes your score allows you to take, please check out Placement: How to interpret your ALEKS Score.

For students who have not taken Algebra previously:

Students who do not have algebraic proficiency may take QR 101: Foundations of Quantitative Reasoning at L&C. However, it is highly recommended that students take the ALEKS placement at least twice before registering for QR 101, or keep working on ALEKS modules and retake the ALEKS exam again in the fall.

• QR 101 is a 4-credit course that requires an ALEKS score of 30 or above as the prerequisite.
• Students take this course as an elective, and, if they need to take it, should consult their College Advisor prior to enrolling.
• Students will then need to wait until a later semester to take courses in their major if in STEM, or for the Natural Science general education requirement

If you have not met the QR 101 prerequisite even after taking the ALEKS placement exam several times
prior to the start of the semester, it’s okay. Keep working on the relevant ALEKS module and retake the exam again at a later time. If your ALEKS score is between 30 and 52 after having taken the exam multiple times, you can choose to take QR 101 during your first semester. Consult your College Advisor prior to enrolling.

Having any concerns about the ALEKS, or issues with the online portal? Email questions to your College Advisor and/or aleks@lclark.edu.

World Language Placement Exams

L&C requires students gain intermediate-level proficiency in a world language, and offers courses in Arabic, Chinese, Classical Greek, French, German, Japanese, Latin, Russian, and Spanish.

To begin new language study at L&C, you should register for a language at the 101: Beginning I (e.g. SPAN 101: Beginning Spanish I) level in your first semester, if the course is offered. In the fall, you can continue language study at the 102: Beginning II level, and complete the World Language requirement by taking 201: Intermediate I in the spring of your sophomore year. 

Certain languages only offer 101 courses in the fall, 102 courses in the spring, and so on. If you would like to undertake study in a language in which the 101 course is not offered in the spring, be sure to register for that 101 course in the fall.

However, if you have previous experience in a languages and are interested in continuing study in that language, you are required to take the relevant World Language Placement Exam. This placement exam will determine the language course you may then register for.

Students may only take one placement exam per language, and each language exam typically takes roughly an hour or less to complete.

• If you place into a language at the 102 or 201 level, you should register for that level course in your first (ideally) or second semester at L&C. Placement results are considered valid for one year.
• Students who take a World Language Placement Exam and place into 202: Intermediate II or a higher level are required to take a secondary confirmation test. Once placement is confirmed, the General Education requirement in World Languages is fulfilled. 
•  AP and IB Higher Level exam scores do not meet the General Education requirement in World Languages. You need to take the World Language Placement Exam to determine the right course for you to take or to fulfill the requirement.
• Assessment for Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish can be taken online. Assessments in Arabic, Classical Greek, Latin, and Russian can be taken via Skype over the summer or in-person on campus.

 

Optional Music Theory & Aural Skills Exam

Students who are considering a major or minor in music should take the Music Theory Assessment Placement during the summer.