Undergraduate Programs
Placement Testing
A student’s academic career begins with placement testing, followed by attending orientation. The placement test results indicate the student's level of preparedness and the proper or recommended course placement in writing and mathematics.
Mathematics Placement Testing
All beginning students must complete the COMPASS Mathematics test. Transfer students who have received credit for IUPUC math courses, including MATH 001, 11000, 11100, M118, M119 or any calculus course do not need to take the mathematics placement test, if the course was completed within 5 years. The mathematics placement scores are valid for two years from the test date.
Click here for detailed mathematics test information including sample questions: Compass Mathematics Test
English Placement Essay
The English placement test requires students to write a short essay that takes, and supports, a stand on a social issue. The essay determines which of the two writing courses is the best place for students to begin their college writing career.
Students who plan to enroll in ENG-W 130, the lower-level of the two beginning English courses, are not required to write the placement essay, but are welcome to write it to help determine whether ENG-W 130 is the best placement. ENG-W 130 does not count for most degree programs but is required of students who place into it. On the other hand, ENG-W 131 is a required class for graduation. Students are eligible to register for ENG-W 131 if at least one of the following criteria is met:
- student has an SAT critical reading score of 500 or higher, or
- student received a grade of D- or better in ENG-W 130 or
- student’s placement test result recommends placement into ENG-W 131.
For more information on placement testing, see the Placement Testing Web site at www.iupuc.edu/ students/placement_testing.asp. Continuing students obtain their placement test results through their academic advisors. Placement test results are given to new students at orientation. If students have not taken the placement tests or their results are not available, they are limited to a restricted list of courses that do not require placement tests. Placement tests in math and English are administered at no cost to the student.
Additional resources
- Testing for Students Whose Native Language is Not English/English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement Testing
- Accommodations for Placement Testing