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 a mathematics placement test. Transfer students who have received credit for IUPUC math courses, including MATH 001, 11000, 11100, M118, M119 or any calculus course only need to take the mathematics placement test if additional mathematics courses are required for the program of study. Transfer students who have completed all required math courses for the program of study are not required to take the placement test.  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 you to write a short essay that takes and supports a specific position on a social issue. The essay determines which of two writing courses is the best starting point for your college career.

If you plan to enroll in ENG-W 131 with Supplemental Instruction (SI), you are not required to complete a placement essay but you may choose to use it to help your advisor determine whether ENG-W 131 with SI is the best course for you.

ENG-W 131 is a required class that must be taken to graduate. You are eligible to register for ENG-W 131 without taking the placement test if you meet at least one of these criteria.

  • You have an SAT critical reading score of 500 or higher.
  • You have an ACT English score of 22.
  • You received a grade of D- or better in ENG-W 130.

Your placement test results indicate placement into either Eng W131 or Eng W131 with SI.

If you are transferring to IUPUC from another campus and you already have credit for ENG-W 130 or ENG-W131, you do not need to complete English placement testing.

For more information on placement testing, see the Placement Testing Web site. Placement tests in math and English are administered at no cost to the student. Placement test results are given to new students at orientation. Continuing students obtain their placement test results from their academic advisors.

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