Students interested in taking math, language classes, College Writing, or general chemistry at WashU may be required to take placement exams. Most of these exams can and should be taken online during the summer.
Placement Testing Accommodations for Disabled Students
Students who need testing accommodations on placement exams due to a disability must submit their request to Disability Resources by completing a New Student Application, along with any necessary documentation. When accommodations are supported, Disability Resources will generate a verification letter students may provide the placement test coordinator.
Chemistry
All first-year students registering for Introductory General Chemistry I (Chemistry 105) or General Chemistry I (Chemistry 111A) in the fall are expected to take the Online Chemistry Diagnostic Exam and complete the Chemistry Background Survey. For more information about this diagnostic exam, which will require your WUSTL Key for access, visit the department’s FAQ about General Chemistry Diagnostic Exam HERE. Questions about Chemistry should be directed to either Dr. Jia Luo or Dr. Megan Daschbach.
College Writing
If you need to take the Writing Placement Exam, you will be notified via email in late May with instructions about the online exam. The College Writing Program will notify you and your academic adviser of your placement via email one to two weeks after you complete the exam. It is important you complete this before you speak with your academic adviser about fall courses. Find information about College Writing Placement Exam HERE or visit the College Writing Program website to learn more.
Computer Science
Access the Computer Sciences placement exam HERE. Pleae direct any questions to María Sanchez.
Dance
All new students with interest in dance at WashU are strongly encouraged to attend the Dance Placement Class. Please keep in mind that this class is not an “audition” for admission to the program, but a chance for students new to dance at WashU to meet dance faculty, dance majors, and learn information about program curriculum, events and performance opportunities. The class format is informal, including a short ballet barre, followed by modern and jazz combinations to determine appropriate entry level to these course sequences. No signup or preparation required. This year's placement class will be held Monday, August 21, 3 to 5 p.m. in Mertz Dance Studio, 207 Mallinckrodt Center (Main Level). Find more details about the event HERE.
Languages
If you wish to continue your study of a langage, you must take a Language Placement Exam. You will then be placed in the appropriate level class based on your placement score, previous study of the language, as well as recommendations from your four-year adviser. Policies for credit vary by department. You do not need to take the on-campus Language Placement Exam if you do not wish to study a language, or if you will be starting a new language.
Students must register online to take a Language Placement Exam, which should be taken prior to speaking to your academic adviser about course registration. Find more information about language placement HERE.
Mathematics & Statistics
The Mathematics Department provides a placement exam for all students taking calculus. We ask that all students who are planning to take a calculus course during their time at WashU take this test online. If you plan to take calculus this fall, be sure to take the Placement Exam prior to talking to your adviser and registering for classes. Learn more about the Calculus Placement Exam HERE. Questions about Mathematics should be directed either to Dr. Silas Johnson or to Dr. Blake Thornton.
Music
The Department of Music is happy to welcome all students, regardless of year or major, to continue to pursue their interest in music during their time at WashU. Auditions for music ensembles–such as the Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band, Choir, and Wind Ensemble–take place during the first week of the semester. Students can learn more about Ensemble audition requirements and sign up for a placement audition HERE.
The Department also offers private instruction in a wide variety of instruments including voice. Students interested in private lessons should register for the appropriate pre-registration course on WebSTAC, and sign up for a placement appointment to meet with a member of our faculty during the first week of the semester. For information on music lesson registration, visit the website HERE. Questions about Music Auditions and Lesson Placements can be directed to Jamie Perkins.
