Placement Exams

Owned by Allison Urbanczyk
Last updated: Feb 15, 2023
2 min read

Please visit the Placement Assessments page, Math Placement and AP Credit page, and Language Placement page for more information.

 

Question:
Do I have to take the Valparaiso University Math Placement Exam?

Answer:
Upon entry to Valparaiso University, all students who do yet not have college credit for mathematics are given a preliminary placement into appropriate mathematics classes through an evaluation process that includes ACT or SAT math scores and high school GPA. The preliminary placement for students in the College of Engineering and College of Nursing and Health Professions also takes into account the level of math classes taken in high school.  The possible placement levels are 0, 1, 2, or 3, which are described in detail below. If a student determines the preliminary placement level is suitable, there is no need to take the math placement assessment.  If a student wishes to improve the preliminary placement, then he or she should take the math placement assessment.


Question:
Do I have to take the Valparaiso University Language Placement Exam?

Answer:

All students who have studied a world language prior to Valpo are encouraged to complete placement; it is required of some students. Students may take the exam in more than one language.


Question:
I have Transfer Credit or Credit by Examination for either Math, Chemistry, or a Language. What does this mean for me?

Answer:
You will need to have the official college transcript or official credit by examination transcript sent to the Office of the Registrar at Valparaiso University. An evaluation of the credit will then be communicated to you by email and may exempt you from taking a Valparaiso University Placement Exam.


Question:
I would like to study a new language at Valparaiso University that I have not studied in high school. Am I still required to take the Valparaiso University Placement Exam in that language?

Answer:

No. If you plan to study a language that you have not studied previously, you do not need to take the exam in that language.


Question:
Does Valparaiso University accept placement exams from other schools?

Answer:

No. Valparaiso University does not award credit for placement exams from another institution. Also, students cannot be placed into advanced courses based on placement exams from another institution.


Question:
Can I get credit for a course if I test out of it?

Answer:

Yes, but only with the Language Placement Exam. The higher-level courses must be taken and passed at Valparaiso University to be eligible for retroactive credit in that language. For more information, please read the Placement and Retroactive Credit section under the World Languages and Cultures heading of the General Catalog.


Question:
May I take a placement exam more than once?

Answer:

Yes. You will need to coordinate with the director of the specific exam to schedule a retake.



Still need help?

For additional assistance, contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@valpo.edu.