Writing and Math Placement Tests
Placement testing is an important part of your academic success and will help determine the writing and/or math course that is right for you to get started in your academic program. Placement results also provide your program advisors with information they can use to better support your success as you progress through your academic program.
Evaluation for writing placement can be determined by taking the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) assessment. UAF uses a placement assessment called ALEKS to determine placement into math courses.
How do I take the DSP?
- If you haven’t already, claim your UA student ID.
- Based on your responses, a recommendation will be provided for whether you should take WRTG 110 or WRTG 111 at UAF. When you meet with your advisor, share your results and discuss which writing course will best suit you.
Your placement result is a recommendation designed to help you succeed — you ultimately have the power to choose your writing course. We strongly encourage you to discuss these results with your academic advisor to make the most informed decision for your degree pathway.
How long will the test take to complete?
Allow approximately 30 mins to take the assessment.
Do I need to take this assessment at a testing center?
No, the DSP writing survey can be taken from any computer with an internet connection.
Is there a cost associated?
There is no charge for the DSP writing survey.
When will my results be available?
Your results will be available to you immediately after you finish the assessment.
ALEKS is a web-based assessment system that not only provides an initial assessment for math placement, but also an opportunity to practice and retest to improve your placement before you enroll. ALEKS placement is required before you will be allowed to register in any math (MATH) course at UAF.
When and Where can I take ALEKS?
ALEKS can be taken anytime, on any computer with an internet connection at
What do I need?
Pencil, paper, a computer with internet access, and up to two hours to complete 20-30
questions. The ALEKS test is adaptive, so no time is wasted answering questions you
don’t understand.
How long will the test take to complete?
After starting the test, you will have up to 3 hours to complete the placement test
and may retake ALEKS up to four times.
How much does the test cost?
No charge.
When will my results be available?
Your test results will be available immediately, along with a detailed breakdown of
your skills and instant access to online tutorials for skill improvement.
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