Taking the Exams
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Exams
All incoming first-year and transfer students are required to take the Math and Writing exams. An exam in Chemistry and Biology as well as several language exams will also be available to students who are planning to take courses in these fields. Incoming first-year and transfer students will register for each exam they plan to take and complete the exam by the end of the exam period.
These exams are meant to provide students with recommendations for the most appropriate level of math, writing, language, and science courses to begin with. There is no need to study for these exams.
Math
May 29-June 16
Required Exam. All students regardless of a plan to study Math must take the placement exam. Students are encouraged to complete this exam by June 16.
Writing
May 29 – June 16
Required Exam. Students should complete the exam by the deadline. Those that are completed after the deadline will be read on a rolling basis.
Sciences
June 18- August 1
Recommended Exam. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the exam by August 1 for the purpose of course registration.
Languages
June 18 – August 1
Recommended Exams. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the exam by August 1 for the purpose of course registration.
Exam Timing and Length
Students should plan ahead to make sure they have sufficient time to complete the exams. The length of each exam varies according to subject area.
Math (required)
This exam consists of three 30-minute parts (maximum of 90 minutes), to be taken consecutively without a break in between each section. Do not close the exam before you are finished with all parts you plan on completing. This exams should be completed without a calculator.
Writing (required)
Students will be given a 5- hour period of time to write responses (usually 2-3 paragraphs each) to several questions. The exam should take 2-3 hours to complete; the exam will be open for each student for 5 hours. In order to have the full 5 hours, students must begin the exam at least 5 hours before the exam closes at 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on the last day of the exam period. If the exam is not submitted by that deadline, access to the assessment is closed.
Languages (recommended)
Depending on the language, these exams range from 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Chemistry & Biology (recommended)
This exam consists of a 45 minute Chemistry section and a 45 minute Biology section. Both parts should be taken at once.
Rescheduling the Math and Writing Exams
Students are expected to take the Math and Writing exams during the exam period ending on June 16. In exceptional circumstances, students with legitimate unavoidable conflicts may receive extensions. It is in a student’s best interest to complete the Math exam by the deadline, but students may access the exam beyond June 16 without petition. An extension to complete the Writing exam requires a petition for an alternative deadline; please go to the Online Placement Exam Registration (OPER) application. Once you’ve registered for the Writing exam, you will see a “Request Change of Exam Period” button. The OPER application will open on May 29.
Exam Accommodations
The Disability Access Office (DAO) is the primary point of contact for undergraduate students seeking reasonable accommodations for a disability. You are encouraged to work with the DAO to discuss any potential accommodations you may need for the exams. Please note that if you have already registered with the DAO to receive accommodations for your coursework, you will also need to request accommodations for placement exams. Do not begin the exams until your accommodations have been approved and are in place.
Required: Math and Writing
Math: The math exam consists of three 30 minute sections. The parts are meant to be completed at the same time within a period of 90 minutes. Before you begin this exam make sure you have reviewed the exam details to know if you should move on to part II after completing part I.
Writing: Students will be given a 5- hour period of time to write responses (usually 2-3 paragraphs each) to several questions. The exam should take 2-3 hours to complete; the exam will be open for each student for 5 hours. In order to have the full 5 hours, students must begin the exam at least 5 hours before the exam closes at 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on the last day of the exam period. If the exam is not submitted by that deadline, access to the assessment is closed.
| Exam | Date Open | Date Closed | Link to Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | May 29, 2025 | June 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM | ACCESS THE MATH EXAM |
| Writing | May 29, 2025 | June 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM | ACCESS THE WRITING EXAM |
Recommended: Languages and Sciences
| Exam | Date Open | Date Closed | Link to Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Languages* | June 18, 2025 | August 1 2025** | ACCESS THE LANGUAGES EXAM |
| Chemistry & Biology | June 18, 2025 | August 1, 2025** | ACCESS THE CHEMISTRY & BIOLOGY EXAM |
** Students are strongly encouraged to complete the exams by August 1st for the purposes of advising conversations and course registration. Continuing students should make sure they complete the exams before the Add/Drop period.
All Language Placement Exams
Select a language to find departmental contacts and more information about each placement exam.