Placement Testing
Contents
Placement Testing at the UO consists of tests in Writing, Mathematics, Second Language and AEIS (Academic English for International Students). Questions concerning placement testing can be sent to the University Testing Center.
Most score results are available immediately after the completion of the test and are posted to DuckWeb within 24 hours. To review your placement test scores for mathematics or languages go to Student Menu > View Placement Test Scores.
Writing Requirement and Exemptions
Students are required to complete two terms of Writing in order to receive their degree and can satisfy this requirement by completing WR 121 and either WR 122 or 123. Consult with your advisor to determine the appropriate section of WR 121 for your needs. Students who believe their writing skills to be in advance of what they would learn in WR 121 and/or WR 122 can take a waiver exam, during the first week of the Fall, Winter and Spring terms.
Some students will be exempt from WR 121 based on SAT-CR or ACT-English scores. Students who have taken and received qualifying scores on either the AP or the IB English exam may receive credit for WR 121 and WR 122.
Standard Writing Requirement
Fall 2016 Forward
| Code | Exam | Score | Standard Writing Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRD | SAT Reading Score | 10-25 | WR 121 (With option to co-enroll in tutorial WR 195) |
| and* | |||
| STWL | SAT Writing/Language Score | 10-25 | |
| or | |||
| ACTE | ACT English | 18 or below | |
| STRD | SAT Reading Score | 26-36 | WR 121 |
| and* | |||
| STWL | SAT Writing/Language Score | 26-36 | |
| or | |||
| ACTE | ACT English | 19-31 | |
| STRD | SAT Reading Score | 37 or above | WR 122 or 123 (Exempt from WR 121) |
| and* | |||
| STWL | SAT Writing/Language Score | 37 or above | |
| or | |||
| ACTE | ACT English | 32 or above | |
- * Both the STRD and STWL scores must be in this range to qualify
Writing Requirement Exemption
| Test | Score | Advanced Writing Placement |
|---|---|---|
| AP Language and Composition | 3, 4, 5 | WR 122 or 123 (Exempt from WR 121) |
| IB English A (Higher level exam) | 5 | Writing requirement completed |
Note: Clark Honors College students satisfy the writing requirement as part of the honors college curriculum
Through Summer 2016
| Code | Exam | Score | Standard Writing Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| SATV | SAT Critical Reading | 470 or below | WR 121 (With option to co-enroll in tutorial WR 195) |
| or | |||
| ACTE | ACT English | 18 or below | |
| SATV | SAT Critical Reading | 480-700 | WR 121 |
| or | |||
| ACTE | ACT English | 19-31 | |
| SATV | SAT Critical Reading | 710 or above | WR 122 or 123 (Exempt from WR 121) |
| or | |||
| ACTE | ACT English | 32 or above | |
See also:
Mathematics Placement
Placement tests are designed to assess your skills and recommend the math class that you’re ready to take – classes that are challenging but manageable.
All freshmen are expected to take a math placement test prior to attending orientation to assess your current readiness for college-level math. Additionally, your placement scores provide academic advisors with the most up-to-date information prior to your first advising appointment.
Mathematics placement testing is available online. Before you take a placement test, please claim your Duck ID. After 24 hours, your placement test will be ready for you.
After you complete the online mathematics placement test, allow two business days for your scores to appear in Duckweb. Follow these Duckweb links to see your scores:
Student Menu > Records & Registration > View Placement Test Scores
When viewing your scores in DuckWeb, use the charts below to determine your placement level:
Fall 2019 Forward
| Placement Score | Student should register for: |
|---|---|
| 0 - 34 | Please work through the ALEKS learning modules and retake the assessment to improve your score. |
| 35 - 48 | MATH 101 |
| 49 - 65 | MATH 105, 106, 107, 111, 211, 243 |
| 66 - 79 | MATH 112, 241 |
| 80 - 100 | MATH 231, 246, 251 |
Through Summer 2018
| Placement Score: | Equivalent Course Completed | Students should register for: |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | High school | MATH 070 |
| 15 | MATH 070 | MATH 095 |
| 20 | MATH 095 | MATH 105, 106, 107, 111 or 243 |
| 25 | MATH 111 | MATH 112, 241 or 243 |
| 35 | MATH 112 | MATH 231, 251 or 246 |
See also:
Second Language Placement
Second language placement test are for those students that have prior knowledge or coursework in a language and want to continue their studies above the 101-course level.
Students who have earned college credit for French, German, or Spanish, either with coursework or through the Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or CLEP programs may not need to take a placement test. For example, a student who has earned credit for SPAN 101, 102, and 103 would be recommended to register for the next class in the sequence, SPAN 201, and would not need to take a placement test. Information on credits and course equivalencies awarded through the AP, IB, and CLEP programs can be found at the Office of the Registrar.
Students who have earned prior credit, either through coursework or the AP, IB, or CLEP programs, need to be sure that an official transcript has been sent to the university. Until the official transcript has been received and the credits posted to the student's academic record, a student may not be able to register for the appropriate class. Students can check on DuckWeb to be sure that their transcripts have been received and credits posted. The Transfer Evaluation Report will list the credits and course equivalencies for any academic work transferred to the University of Oregon as well as credits awarded through the AP, IB, and CLEP programs.
Students with previous background in Japanese, Chinese, or Korean are highly encouraged to take the placement test even if the student has earned credits through AP or IB tests.
See also:
AEIS - Academic English for International Students
Students whose native language is not English must supply results of a standardized language-proficiency test. Please see the International Admissions website for more detailed information.
With some exceptions, international students must take the AEIS placement test after arriving at the university. Placement test results determine whether students are required to take language support courses in the Academic English for International Students (AEIS) program. Students placed in AEIS courses also concurrently enroll in regular university credit courses.
Chemistry Placement
The University of Oregon Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a placement assessment to help students decide which introductory course is right for them.
Students wishing to enroll in General Chemistry I (CH 221) or Advanced General Chemistry I (CH 224H) are required to take the assessment prior to registration.
- The assessment is not required for students wishing to enroll in Introduction to Chemical Principles, CH 111.
- Students who already have credit for CH 221 (either through AP or IB) are not required to take the placement assessment and are encouraged to register for CH 224H.
Find information about the Chemistry Placement on the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry's website.
More information about all placement testing can be found at the University Testing Center.
See also: