ALEKS Recommended Cut Scores for Common Courses - Placement and Evaluation Guidelines

Q: How were ALEKS recommended cut scores developed?

They were developed by ALEKS Math and Applied Research teams using analysis of math content, the ALEKS Knowledge Structure, data from ALEKS users, and experience from other institutions using ALEKS PPL.

Q: Why should institutions not apply cut scores blindly?

Because each institution differs, and determining cut scores depends on multiple variables. The document recommends evaluating course content and outcomes to confirm appropriate cut scores.

Q: How should institutions evaluate whether their cut scores are effective?

After the first placement year (and possibly later years), math faculty or researchers should review results such as D/F/W and pass rates. They can use the Cut Score Optimization and Efficacy Tool within ALEKS PPL to compare student performance against current cut scores, then fine-tune placements.

Sep 26, 2026

Uploaded by SANS

Document outlines ALEKS placement cut score recommendations developed using analysis of math content, the ALEKS Knowledge Structure, and data from ALEKS users. It covers placement guidance across common college math courses from Basic Math/Prealgebra through Calculus I, including examples of comparable “Similar Courses.” It also explains why cut scores are only recommendations, and instructs institutions to evaluate course outcomes after placement cycles, using ALEKS tools to optimize and refine cut scores for success rates.

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Cut Score Recommendations

ALEKS Recommended Cut Scores for Common Courses

Utilizing the Prep and Learning Module

Cut Score Evaluation

| Cut Score Recommendations | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ALEKS Corporation's Math and Applied Research teams have developed recommended placement cut scores based on the analysis of math content, the ALEKS Knowledge Structure (Artificial Intelligence), data collected from ALEKS users, and the experience of other institutions using ALEKS PPL. Recommendations are offered for the most frequently taught college math courses, ranging from traditional Basic Math to Calculus I, and includes courses outside the "traditional sequence" such as Business Calculus and Finite Math.
These are only recommendations as every institution is different. While significant effort has gone into arriving at these recommendations, given the range of variables that each institution must consider when determining cut scores, it is important to evaluate the content of your courses to determine cut scores. For this reason, your ALEKS Strategic Placement Consultant will provide specific recommendations for your courses and tips for how to evaluate the effectiveness.
ALEKS Recommended Cut Scores for Common Courses | | | | | Cut Score | Range | Course Placement | | | < 14 | 0-13 | Basic Math/Prealgebra | | | ≥ 14 | 14-29 | Beginning Algebra | | | ≥ 30 | 30-45 | Intermediate Algebra | | | ≥ 46 | 46-60 | College Algebra
Similar Courses*:
• Topics/Excursions in Mathematics or Math for Liberal Arts Majors (courses that cover voting systems; graphs; symmetry; population growth; probability)
• Foundations of Elementary Mathematics or Mathematics for Elementary School Teachers (courses for the training of Elementary School Teachers)
• Elementary Data Analysis (statistics courses where anything beyond descriptive statistics concerns the use of a computer software) | | | ≥ 61 | 61-75 | PreCalculus/Business Calculus
Similar Courses*:
• Trigonometry
• Finite Mathematics (matrices; linear programming; probability; game theory)
• Calculus for Management, Calculus for Social Sciences, Calculus for Agricultural Sciences, Applied Calculus, or Introduction to Calculus (calculus courses with no trigonometry requirement)
• Statistics (courses with College Algebra as a prerequisite) | | | ≥ 76 | 76-100 | Calculus I
Similar Courses*:
• Calculus for Biological/Life Sciences
• Linear Algebra | | *Courses listed under “Similar Courses” in each section need a thorough evaluation as the content of these courses can vary significantly institution to institution. For other courses your institution may offer that are not listed here, please work with your Strategic Placement Consultant. ©2016 McGraw-Hill Education 1 Utilizing the Prep and Learning Module The unique benefit of ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning is that it allows students to improve their levels of preparedness and likelihood of success in the course. Students who spend time mastering topics inan ALEKS Prep and Learning Module prior to starting any course perform better in that course. The impact of higher cut scores is to encourage students to use an ALEKS Prep and Learning Module and, therefore, to achieve better success in whatever math course they take. Cut Score Evaluation At the end of the first placement year (and possibly also subsequent years), the math faculty and/or other institutional researchers should evaluate the results for each course to determine if the D/F/W and/or pass rates for the course are acceptable in relation to the institution's goals and expectations. Within ALEKS PPL, your researchers can utilize the Cut Score Optimization and Efficacy Tool to examine how your students’ course performance is comparing to your current cut scores. From this data, and other measures, your institution can finetune the cut scores being used for placement. ©2016 McGraw-Hill Education 2

FAQs

How were ALEKS recommended cut scores developed?

They were developed by ALEKS Math and Applied Research teams using analysis of math content, the ALEKS Knowledge Structure, data from ALEKS users, and experience from other institutions using ALEKS PPL.

Why should institutions not apply cut scores blindly?

Because each institution differs, and determining cut scores depends on multiple variables. The document recommends evaluating course content and outcomes to confirm appropriate cut scores.

How should institutions evaluate whether their cut scores are effective?

After the first placement year (and possibly later years), math faculty or researchers should review results such as D/F/W and pass rates. They can use the Cut Score Optimization and Efficacy Tool within ALEKS PPL to compare student performance against current cut scores, then fine-tune placements.

Sep 26, 2026

Uploaded by SANS