You've taken the ALEKS PPL test and received your score. This page will show you how your score translates to the appropriate Math or other STEM course at USC.
The ALEKS Placement, Preparation, and Learning (PPL) score is a number between 0 and 100 that represents the percentage of math topics you have mastered, based on an adaptive online assessment. The test measures readiness for college‑level mathematics.
A higher ALEKS score indicates a stronger level of preparation in mathematics. USC uses this score to determine which math or other STEM course you are eligible to enroll in, helping ensure you begin in a course where you are most likely to succeed. Your academic advisor will work with you to interpret your placement score and may also consider your intended major or degree pathway, high school math background, AP scores (if applicable), or course prerequisites and program requirements when determining the appropriate math or other STEM class for you.
| USC Course Number | Course Name | MPT (ALEKS) Brackets | C or Better in MATH | Math Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH 111i | Intensive Basic College Mathematics | 0-35 | _ | Basic |
| MATH 111 | Basic College Mathematics | 36 | - | Basic |
| MATH 112 | Trigonometry | 61 | MATH 111,111i | Intermediate |
| MATH 115 | Precalculus Mathematics | 51 | MATH 111,111i | Intermediate |
| MATH 122 | Calculus for Business Administration & Social Sciences | 61 | MATH 111,111i or 115 | Intermediate |
| MATH 141 with 151 | Calculus I with Calculus Workshop I | 71 | MATH 112 OR 115 | Advanced |
| MATH 141 | Calculus I | 76 | MATH 112 or 115 | Advanced |
| MATH 170 | Finite Mathematics | 61 | MATH 111 | Intermediate |
| MATH 172 | Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences | 61 | MATH 111, 112, 115 | Intermediate |
| MATH 174 | Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science | 71 | MATH 112, 115, 122, 141, or 170 | Advanced |
| Other STEM Courses | Course Name | MPT (ALEKS) Brackets | C or Better in MATH | Math Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I | 61 | MATH 111i | Intermediate |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II | 61 | - | Intermediate |
| CHEM 141 | Principles of Chemistry I | 61 | - | Intermediate |
| PSYC 220 | Psychological Statistics | 61 | MATH 111i | Intermediate |
| STAT 201 | Elementary Statistics | 61 | MATH 111i | Intermediate |
| STAT 205 | Elementary Statistics for the Biological and Life Sciences | 61 | MATH 111i | Intermediate |
| STAT 206 | Elementary Statistics for Business | 61 | MATH 111i | Intermediate |
| STAT 515 | Statistical Methods I | 71 | MATH 112, 115, 122, 141; 61 with a C or better in STAT 110 or above | Advanced |
The official source for all prerequisite information is the Undergraduate Bulletin. The prerequisite usually involves successful completion (C or better) of another course or a qualifying score on the ALEKS PPL Math Placement Test before you can register for a course.
Prerequisites exist to ensure you are prepared for each course and set up for success. Some classes build directly on earlier material, and taking them without the proper background can make the course much more difficult.
When you register for classes, the registration system may allow you to sign up for a course even if you haven’t finished the prerequisite yet, as long as you are currently enrolled in that prerequisite course at USC.
However, there are important things to know:
✅ You must successfully complete the prerequisite course with the required grade.
⚠️ If you do not earn the required grade, you will not be eligible to stay enrolled
in the next course.
If you do not earn the required grade, you are responsible for adjusting your schedule before the next term begins (for example, by dropping the course or enrolling in the correct next course).
If you do not make the change yourself, the university will review your record and automatically drop you from the course that requires the unmet prerequisite once it is identified.
This can happen if you have taken a course outside the USC system, including AP Calculus or IB Mathematics. You are responsible for ensuring the Office of Undergraduate Admissions receives all dual enrollment credit, AP and IB scores, and credit from other institutions.
Transcripts should be sent to:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Lieber College
902 Sumter Street Access
Columbia, SC 29208
Electronic Transcripts Email Address: admissions-ugrad@sc.edu
Note that there are certain instances when courses will not transfer. For example, USC policy does not allow you to get credit for a course from outside the USC system if you have already attempted the course inside the USC system.
If you are waiting for scores to be transferred and need an override to register, please submit an override application.
If you are taking the prerequisite course at USC in the summer, register for the summer course first then refer back to the second question on this list.
If you are taking the prerequisite course outside of the USC system, check the appropriate transfer equivalency table to ensure the credit will transfer to USC the way you intend. If you are waiting for your scores to transfer, you can submit an override application to register for classes in the Fall.
If you are satisfied with your math placement score, no further action is required. If you want to try to improve your math placement, you can retake the assessment. After your first attempt, you may retest immediately. However, after your 2nd attempt, you will need to wait at least 3 hours and complete at least 3 hours of personalized learning modules before each additional attempt.
You can take this test up to 5 times within one year. Your highest score will be used for placement.
MATH 141 requires advanced Algebra and Trigonometry knowledge and skills gained after completing a Precalculus course. MATH 122, Applied Calculus, doesn't require or teach these skills.