Placement tests are an important element in helping you and your advisor select courses for your first semester at UMBC.
Most freshmen are required to take placement tests prior to their orientation date to determine their writing ability, mathematics ability, and reading level. If you are coming into UMBC with College Credit, through AP Exams, transfer classes or anything else, you may be exempt from Placement testing. You can find more information on our Placement Testing Exemptions page.
Transfer students who have completed a prerequisite course in mathematics and English composition are not required to take the UMBC placement tests. However, transfer student who have not completed a prerequisite course in these disciplines with a grade of "C" or better must complete the appropriate placement test(s). If you have not had your transfer evaluation yet, you may find ARTSYS helpful in determining if your English or Math courses will exempt you from testing. Transfer student are still strongly encouraged to take the mathematics test to ensure that their skills are current.
Students with a documented disability may request reasonable accommodations for Placement Testing (e.g., extended time, use of calculator, use of computer to write essay, etc.). In order to do this, a student must have a "Request for Services" form on file in Student Support Services (410-455-3250) with appropriate documentation attached. Students are encouraged to complete and submit the necessary paperwork as soon as possible.
As an in-coming Freshman or Transfer student, you can sign up for Placement Testing through the Orientation's Placement Testing Page.
If you are a visiting student, who is just interested in taking a summer or winter Math course, you can email Sam Riley at sriley4@umbc.edu to enroll in testing.
You can find more information about Placement Testing and some sample tests in these documents:
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