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Instructions for satisfying the General Education Quantitative Reasoning Requirement

The General Education Quantitative Reasoning (QR) requirement is designed to help students develop “the capacity to understand and explain the world in quantitative terms; to interpret numerical data; and to evaluate arguments that rely on quantitative information and approaches” (Aims, “Intellectually Enlarging”). It can be satisfied either through coursework or, by demonstrating proficiency in quantitative reasoning and obtaining a GE QR waiver.

Courses that satisfy the QR requirement can be found in the University Catalog under the “Quantitative Reasoning” heading. Many majors require classes that also satisfy the QR requirement.

Students who have a score of 22 or better on the math subsection of the ACT exam (or 540 or better on the SAT math subsection) automatically receive a GE waiver (although a GE waiver does not satisfy the requirement prescribed by a major). Most students are required to submit an ACT or SAT score when applying to the university, but for those who did not submit a score but now wish to do so in order to satisfy the QR requirement, please follow the instructions listed on the Enrollment Services website. Reporting your test scores will in no way affect your admission status. Once the test scores have been received and processed, the QR requirement will automatically be satisfied.

For the academic year 2021-2022, there is another option for satisfying the QR requirement. If you did not take the ACT or SAT, or if you did not score 22 or higher (SAT: 540 or higher) on the math subsection, you can register to take the ALEKS PPL exam. ALEKS is a math placement and tutoring program adopted by the university for this year to help students demonstrate proficiency in QR and receive a QR waiver. Please note: the ALEKS exam can help you get a GE waiver, but it will not replace any class required by a major. If you have any questions about GE or major requirements, contact your academic advisor or the university advisement center.

If you take the ALEKS exam and score at least 46, your score will automatically be recorded by the university and you will receive a QR waiver that fulfills your GE Quantitative Reasoning requirement. There is a $15 fee to register for the ALEKS exam, but once you register you can take the exam up to five times and take advantage of the built-in tutoring between attempts to improve your score. You are required to wait at least 24 hours between attempts, and after the second attempt you will be required to complete a certain number of on-line modules before attempting the exam again.

Instructions for taking the ALEKS placement exam:

To register for the ALEKS PPL, follow this link and use your BYU netid for secure login.

After logging in with your Net ID, you need to click “add class” and use the class code: YD6N3-DE3QQ. You will then be prompted to pay the registration fee and answer several questions. To start the exam you will need to enter the cohort password: “BYUALEKS2021”. You are not permitted to use outside help or internet resources while taking the exam, and it must be completed in one sitting. The exam is adaptive and quickly establishes your level. You make take up to 2.5 hours for each attempt. You can take the placement exam up to five times although you must wait at least 24 hours between attempts. ALEKS provides targeted modules to help you improve your score and after the second attempt, you are required to use the modules before taking the exam again. Technical support is available through ALEKS if you have trouble with the system. If you have questions about satisfying GE or major requirements, you can reach out to your college academic advisor or the university advisement center.