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Placement Testing at IUPUI

 

The faculty, staff, and students of IUPUI are pleased to have you join our community. Your academic career begins with placement testing. The purpose of placement testing is to help place you into appropriate courses to help ensure your success at IUPUI. For your convenience, we have compiled an information sheet that answers the most frequently asked questions about placement testing at IUPUI. More specifically, the "Student" information link includes important information on the respective placement tests offered at the Testing Center, namely, the COMPASS Mathematics and Reading tests, and the online tests in English and world languages (French, German, and Spanish). Detailed information including sample questions on the COMPASS Mathematics and Reading Tests is available at the ACT website. We hope that this information will be helpful in contributing to your success as a student at IUPUI.

Placement Testing: Overview & FAQs

Advisor Information

  Retest Administration Request
  Guidelines for Chemistry C105 Enrollment
  Overview of ACT's Compass/ESL Placement Test
  Test Score Information

Student Information

  English Guided-Self Placement
Instead of using a writing test to determine where you should start, the English department requires you to reflect on your writing experiences using structured materials before you attend orientation. After you have reviewed the information about IUPUI's three first-year writing courses, answered questions the Writing Program provides, and looked at writing samples to see what college writing really looks like, you will be able to select the writing course that's right for you.
  World Languages
  Mathematics Placement
  Guidelines for Chemistry C105 Enrollment

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I schedule for placement tests?
To schedule placement tests in Mathematics, Chemistry, English for Academic Purposes tests and/or World languages (French, Spanish and German), please register via http://welcome.iupui.edu.
When do I need to schedule for placement tests?
Please schedule your placement tests as soon as possible, and do not wait until the last weeks of the final registration periods.
When are placement tests administered?
The placement tests in mathematics, chemistry, EAP tests and the online world languages tests are administered during regular testing hours from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Placement testing is not conducted on Sunday or on campus holidays.
Where do I go for placement testing?
The Testing Center is located in the Room BS3003 of the Business / SPEA Building, 801 W. Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202. For placement into Freshman Writing Courses, students may complete the Guided Self Placement process online at the following web site: http://english.uc.iupui.edu.
If I have taken my placement tests, how do I get my results?
If you are a new student at IUPUI, your test results will be given to you by your academic counselor/advisor during the Orientation Program. This is a one-day program of orientation, academic advising, and registration for classes. If you are a continuing or returning student at IUPUI who has been instructed to take placement tests, you should meet with your academic advisor to receive and discuss the results of your placement tests. Please note: The Testing Center cannot consult with you on your placement test results or make course recommendations.
How do I know which placement tests I need to take?
All students must take the placement tests in English and Mathematics, except for the students who fall in any of the following categories: Students with transfer credit (i.e., a grade of C and above) in English or Mathematics Honors students Students in the Paralegal Program take the English essay only. These students are not admitted to the University, but will eventually be in Continuing Studies. Students admitted through the Office of International Affairs who are non-native speakers of English take the EAP Placement Test instead of the English Placement Test (based on the Guided Self Placement process).
If I am a transfer student, do I need to take placement tests?
Check your Credit Transfer Report from the IUPUI Office of Admissions. If that report shows credit for or W131 you do not need to take the writing placement tests. Similarly, students with credit for Math 001, 111, 118, 119 or any calculus course do not need the mathematics placement test. If you have questions about your transfer credit and placement testing, consult your academic advisor and/or faculty in the English or Math departments.
How much time do I need for each placement test?
The Guided Self Placement process for placement into freshman ENG writing courses is untimed. The COMPASS Mathematics placement tests (though not timed) last about forty-five minutes, respectively. The EAP Placement Tests take about two hours. (The placement tests in French, Spanish, German, and Chemistry take one hour per test). Please allow appropriate time according to the number of tests you are taking.
What do I need to prepare for placement tests?
Placement tests typically do not require any special preparation. However, come to the Testing Facility early, well rested, and prepared to demonstrate your current skills in chemistry, writing and/or in world languages (French, German, or Spanish). In order to prepare for the math placement test, please visit the COMPASS website and begin reviewing the Number Skills/Pre-Algebra and Algebra sample exam and then move forward to review the College Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry sample exam as appropriate. By reviewing this material, you will better understand the set-up of the exam and the type of material on the test.
What items should I bring along for placement testing?
On the actual day of testing you should bring a picture ID for identification purposes. Also, it is recommended that you bring two #2 pencils.
Will a temporary parking space be provided when I attend placement testing?
Yes, if you park in the North Street parking garage, your parking will be validated for the time of testing.
How much does it cost to take placement tests in EAP, Chemistry, English, Mathematics?
Currently, there is no exam fee associated with Chemistry, English (writing) and Mathematics. However, there is an exam fee of $30.00 to students taking the EAP placement tests paid at the Bursar's Office before testing. Also, a rescheduling fee ($7.00) is charged to students who do not provide the Testing Center with notification of reservation changes at least 24 hours in advance.
How much does it cost to take each world language placement test (French, Spanish, German, or Chinese)?
Currently, there is no exam fee associated with the world language placement tests administered by the IUPUI Testing Center.
Do you offer placement testing accommodations for students with disabilities?
Yes, if you have a physical or learning disability, you should contact the office of Adaptive Educational Services at (317) 274-3241 to make arrangements to take the placement test(s) under modified testing conditions.
Are calculators allowed during math placement testing?
Yes, use of calculators is permitted for COMPASS and Chemistry placement tests. Note that an on-screen calculator is available for the COMPASS Math placement test. However, if you are taking the Chemistry placement test, please bring your own calculator on the actual day of testing.

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Important Phone Numbers

Placement Test Test Reservations   Contact
Chemistry http://welcome.iupui.edu   (317) 274-6872
English http://welcome.iupui.edu   (317) 274-3824
English (EAP For Academic Purposes) http://welcome.iupui.edu   (317) 274-7294
Mathematics http://welcome.iupui.edu   (317) 274-6284