Nearly all new students at IU Indianapolis take one or more placement tests. Here’s your guide for which ones apply to you.
What placement tests should I take?
ALEKS Math Placement
All students should take ALEKS.
Be sure to take this exam seriously! You can re-take the exam up to five times at no additional cost. Use the ALEKS study modules if you hope to improve your score.
If you are a first-year student and your dual math credits are from another IU campus, you do not need to take this exam.
If your dual math credits are from any university other than IU, you still need to take the ALEKS math placement exam.
If you are a transfer student and have taken a transferable math class in the last three semesters with a C– or higher, you do not need to take the placement test.
If you have taken the ALEKS placement test at another IU campus, it is not transferrable and you should plan to retest.
English Guided Self-Placement
All students should complete this questionnaire.
This is a quick questionnaire to complete. This 10-question survey has no wrong answers. Instead, it’s all about getting to know you so we can recommend the writing course that will match your interests and abilities. You can choose to accept our recommendation or make a different choice.
Chemistry
Students who need to take CHEM-C 105 should take this exam.
Most STEM majors require CHEM-C 105: Principles of Chemistry I. Search for your major using iGPS Degree Map to see if CHEM-C 105 is needed for your degree.
If you have taken a college-level transferable chemistry class and earned a grade of C or higher, not C–, within the past 18 months, you do not need to take the chemistry placement test.
World Languages
Students who intend to take a Spanish, German, or French class and already have proficiency in that language should take this test.
If you plan to continue studying a language and have taken courses for two or more years, taking this test will help you start your college-level studies at a level that matches your knowledge. If you plan to take a foreign language for the first time, there is no need to take this test.
English for Academic Purposes
Non-native speakers of English should take the EAP placement test.
Most international students are required to take this test; your letter of admission from the Office of International Affairs will indicate whether this applies to you. Learn more about EAP requirements for international students. Other non-native speakers of English have the option to take EAP courses to improve their English academic skills.
I think I have college credit for one of these classes. What should I do?
Placement tests help you and your advisor select the best course for you. Unless you are certain your credit completes a degree requirement here at IU Indianapolis, you should still take the placement test.
When should I take my placement tests?
Complete your placement tests at least three days before your orientation session to ensure a seamless experience registering for classes.