Placement Testing
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Placement Testing
Placement tests help determine the right classes for you. Before you attend orientation, there are a few things to do:
UA will review your ACT or SAT test scores and determine which COMPASS tests are required. Your orientation confirmation letter will tell you which COMPASS placement tests you need to take, if needed.
Complete your COMPASS placement tests at least 3 business days prior to your orientation date. (If you are required to take placement tests, tests MUST be completed before orientation in order to attend the orientation program.)
Schedule your placement test
Note: Additional math testing is required for the following majors:
- Engineering
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Computer science
- Geology
Placement Test FAQs
COMPASS is a computer based testing system used by The University of Akron to determine appropriate placement in first semester courses. Learn more about COMPASS.
Am I required to take a COMPASS test?
COMPASS tests are required based on your ACT or SAT scores and your major, and will help us place you in the right class.
This chart indicates the highest level course you are permitted to take, based on your ACT or SAT test scores and your major.
| ACT Math Score | SAT Math Score | Course Placement |
| 28-higher | 630-higher | Calculus 3450: or 2030:255 |
| 24-27 | 560-629 | Pre-calculus 3450:149 or 3450:215 |
| 22-23 | 531-559 | College Algebra 3450:145 Basic Statistics 3470:260, 3470:261 |
| 21-lower | 530-lower | COMPASS Math Test Required |
| Biology Majors | ||
| 23-lower | 560-lower | COMPASS Math Test Required |
| Engineering & Additional Science majors* | ||
| 27-lower | 629-lower | COMPASS Math Test Required |
| ACT English Score | SAT Verbal Score | Course Placement |
| 28-higher | 610-higher | English Composition II 3300:112 |
| 25-27 | 570-600 | English Composition I 3300:111 (Honors) |
| 18-24 | 430-560 | English Composition I 3300:111 |
| 17-lower | 420-lower | COMPASS Writing Test Required |
| ACT Reading Score | SAT Verbal Score | Course Placement |
| 16-higher | 410-higher | No COMPASS Reading Test required |
| 15-lower | 409-lower | COMPASS Reading Test Required |
*Additional majors requiring math testing: All engineering disciplines, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, and others if indicated on enrollment packet or requested by advising.
Do I need to come to the main campus to take a COMPASS test?
No. You can test at a branch location. Choose from:
- Wayne College
- Medina County University Center, or
- Midpoint Campus, a partnership between University of Akron and Lorain County Community college.
Or you can find a remote test center closer to home:
Visit the ACT site to find a remote testing center
Note: Some remote testing centers may charge a fee. Arrange the test at the location of your choice by calling us at 330-972-6511.
What if I didn't take the ACT or SAT test?
If you have not taken the ACT or SAT, or your test scores are not on file with The University of Akron, you will be required to take COMPASS tests in math, writing, and reading.
I took the COMPASS test for Post-secondary classes. Do I need to take the test again?
We can use your Post-secondary COMPASS test scores if they are less than one year old.
I need accommodations for my placement tests. What is available?
Accommodations may include a quiet testing environment, test reader services, or alternative testing formats such as Braille. Contact Testing Services, at 330-972-7084, to request accommodations.
I took the AP test in high school. What should I do with those scores?
Bring your score report to orientation. If your orientation occurs before you receive your score report, tell your academic adviser so that adjustments can be made when scores are received.
UA currently accepts passing CLEP scores for many general education courses. Learn more.
Can I take a foreign language test for college credit?
Students who have taken several years of foreign language in high school, or who are fluent in a second language, may choose to test for bypass credit. Learn more.
You can take a COMPASS test to try to place into a higher level course with written permission from your adviser.
New Student Orientation
| The University of Akron Office of New Student Orientation Simmons Hall 209 Akron, OH 44325-4716 |
|
| Phone: | 330.972.2622 |
| Fax: | 330.972.5278 |
| Email: | orientation@uakron.edu |
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325
Phone: 330-972-7111
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