Placement Tests
To make sure you choose courses that are best for your skill level, you will take placement exams before you register for classes.
Math Placement Exam
You must take the online Math Placement Exam before attending your orientation session. All students should take this exam because math courses are required for a large majority of majors at the university. Even if your major has no relation to math, some General Education courses have a prerequisite based on this exam, and all students need to fulfill the Basic Math Skills (R1) and the Analytical Reasoning (R2) requirements. (There is a separate optional exemption exam for R1.) The Math Placement Exam covers the basics of algebra, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry. It will ensure that you choose the right courses for your skills, which is essential for your success.
Your first step is to go to the Math Placement Exam directions page. Read the directions very carefully, and make sure you have plenty of time to complete the exam and a quiet place to work. When you’re ready to begin, follow the instructions for logging into the exam and get to work.
Bring your exam score with you when you come to your orientation session.
Writing Placement Exam
You will also need to take an essay exam to determine your placement in freshman writing courses. This test takes place during your orientation session. Students are exempt, with credit, from the First-Year Writing Requirement if they received a total of 1460 or more on the SAT Critical Reading and SAT Writing tests, or if they received a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Language and Composition Test. (If a student received a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Test, they are not exempted from the First-Year Writing Requirement, but will receive three English credits.)
Foreign Language Placement Exams
Students who have studied a language for three or more years may want to take the Foreign Language Exam for placement and/or credit. Exams are offered in French, German, Latin and Spanish during orientation.
