What other special directions do I need to follow when taking the WSU MPA?

A: Solve all problems on the ALEKS Assessment on your own. You should not use any books, online resources, or other people for assistance. Work the problems with pencil and paper and enter only your final answer into ALEKS. Use a calculator only when the ALEKS calculator is given.

At the beginning of the ALEKS assessment, you will go through a brief tutorial that will introduce you to the ALEKS system and interface. You will be shown how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator, and how to graph something by hand. Although the interface is reasonably intuitive and the tutorial is very helpful, there may be times when you need help using the ALEKS system; in these situations, click on the "Help" button at the top of the screen. Sometimes you might have to use new tools to submit your answers during the ALEKS Assessment. When this happens, Quick Help will be available to show you how to use these tools.

Don't worry if you get a problem that seems too difficult- this is normal. Try your best to solve any problems that you think you might be able to solve, and only click "I don't know" if you really don't know how to solve a problem. Once you move on from a question, you cannot go back and change your answer.

Don't rush through the assessment. Although we prefer that you take the assessment in one sitting, there may be situations in which you must leave your computer. If that is the case, just close the ALEKS window. When you log back in through the WSU Math Placement portal, ALEKS will bring you to the point at which you left off. However, you must complete the assessment within the 24-hour time limit.