Do I have to take the math placement tests?

Math Skills Competency
Unless they are exempt from the math exam based on the standards stated below, all students pursuing a first undergraduate degree , including transfer students , are required to take this test before they register for a second quarter of classes at SPU. The exam is offered during Early Registration.

Exemption from the Math Proficiency Test
Students who submit official documents indicating they have achieved one of the following will be exempt from the Mathematics Proficiency Test:

1. A quantitative score of 500 or above in the math portion of an SAT exam taken prior to April 1995 , or
2. A quantitative score of 580 or above on the math portion of an SAT exam taken April 1995 or later , or
3. An ACT math score of 21 or above on a test taken prior to April 1995, or
4. An ACT math score of 25 or above on a test taken April 1995 or later, or
5. A grade of C (2.0) or better in a college calculus class. (NOTE: Survey of Calculus and Elements of Calculus type courses do not meet this requirement.).
6. Completion of an approved DTA associate degree.

Students who do not pass the Mathematics Proficiency Test will be required to enroll in and complete a specified number of credits in MAT 0121-0126, or MAT 0131 and 0132, “Arithmetic Review.” These credits are not considered college level work, and thus do not count toward the minimum 180 credits required for graduation.

Do I have to take the English Placement Test?
The ability to write well, in English, is essential to becoming a liberally educated person and an able Christian communicator. During their first quarter, students who have not already taken and passed, with a “C” or better, a college-level writing (composition) course on a college or university campus are required to take the English Placement Exam, which samples their writing. (AP credit in English composition taken during high school does not substitute, in this context, for a college-level writing course, nor does any composition course taken as part of “Running Start” or other “college in the high schools” programs.)

Freshmen take the English Placement test toward the end of fall quarter in their University Seminar courses. Most transfer students are exempt from the test based on prior coursework. Those transfers who need to take the test may arrange to do so by contacting the English department and arranging a test date and time (206/281-2036). The test must be completed before registration for a second quarter at SPU.

Students whose scores on this test indicate they do not yet write on the college level will be required during their first year of registration to enroll in ENG 0102, which will raise their ability to the college level, and ENG 2201. ENG 0102 is not considered a college-level course. Credits earned in this course do not count toward the 180 minimum credits required for graduation.

Students whose scores indicate that they can write minimally at the college level but need the introductory course in writing (ENG 2201) in order to succeed in college will be required to take that course.

All required coursework in writing must be completed by the end of a student's fourth quarter at SPU.

FAQ Home