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To ensure that you are placed in appropriate courses during your freshman year,
you will be asked to take a set of online placement tests. The tests will
be administered online via Blackboard from December 1-7, 2009 and January
5-11, 2010. Students should sign-up for placement testing using the online Orientation and Placement Testing Reservation form.
The results of these tests will be used
to place you in the appropriate level English composition and
math courses. All students will need to take courses in these
areas during their studies at UMBC; the placement tests will
help you make the best choices in planning your schedule for
the spring semester and beyond. It is therefore important that
students complete their required placement testing prior to their
Orientation Course Selection Day. Full details on each placement
test, as well as sample tests are provided in the Placement
Testing Brochure. If you need special testing accommodations
because of a learning or physical disability, please call Student
Support Services at 410-455-3250.
English Composition
Placement Essay
As an entering UMBC student, you must write an English Composition
Placement Essay. Your score on this essay determines your placement
in an English Composition course. Because the university cannot
administer the Composition Placement Essay more than once to
the same student, the score and placement decision are not subject
to appeal. Therefore, you need to demonstrate your writing strengths
in this essay. Please allow 50 minutes to complete this test.
UMBC Reading
Test
The UMBC Reading Test is required of all new freshmen. The Reading
Test is designed to assess your vocabulary and comprehension
abilities, and takes approximately 60 minutes. The test is composed
of six reading passages, each with six questions. These questions
are a combination of vocabulary within context and critical reading
applications. A percentage score is calculated upon completion
of the test.
Mathematics
Placement Test
The UMBC Mathematics Placement Test was prepared by the Mathematics
Association of America. The test is designed to assess your current
level of mathematical skill as it relates to a variety of courses
at UMBC. The entire test takes 90 minutes. Students are not permitted
to use a calculator.
For more information, please see the Placement Testing Exemptions page. |
