Placement & Proficiency Tests
What’s the difference between proficiency tests and placement tests?
In general, proficiency exams measure your knowledge and skill in a content area, and placement exams indicate the appropriate level to begin taking courses in a specific subject. Proficiency exams are tied to the Elmhurst University Integrated Curriculum requirements, while placement exams help you choose courses appropriate for your level of learning.
Proficiency Requirements
The Integrated Curriculum requires students to demonstrate proficiency in writing, mathematics and world language.
Students may demonstrate proficiency in the following ways:
Do one of the following:
- Take the online Writing Placement exam and place into ENG 106 (email advising@elmhurst.edu for information)
- Complete ENG 105 Composition I with a grade of D or better, or bring in transfer credit for ENG 105 with a grade of D or better
- AP credit, with a score of 3 or higher, for the English Language and Composition exam (official exam scores required), IB Credit (Higher Level score of 5 or higher) or CLEP credit (see 2022-2023 Elmhurst University Catalog for more information)
- ACT composite of 29 or SAT score of 1900 or higher (prior to March 5, 2016) or SAT evidence-based Reading and Writing sub-score of 580 or higher (after March 5, 2016)
Do one of the following:
- ACT Mathematics score of 22 or SAT Mathematics score of 560 or higher (prior to March 5, 2016) or SAT sub-score of 530 or higher (after March 5, 2016)
- Complete a college-level math course with a passing grade. Most math courses satisfy the proficiency, though MTH 326, MTH 327, MTH 345, MTH 346 (or any transfer statistics course) do not.
- Pass the Mathematics Proficiency exam
- Offered in the Fall and Spring Terms
- Watch for announcements about dates, times and location
- Students are encouraged to study before taking the Math Proficiency exam
- AP, IB or CLEP mathematics credit awarded at Elmhurst (see the 2022-2023 Elmhurst University Catalog for more information)
Do one of the following:
- Complete two or more years of the same language in high school with a grade of D or higher.
- Complete one year of the same language in college with a grade of D or better (equivalent to the 102 level).
- Take the Elmhurst University Online Placement exam (in Spanish, French or German) and scoring at the 201 level or above (email advising@elmhurst.edu for information).
- AP credit, with a score of 3 or higher, for the appropriate language exam (official exam scores required), IB Credit or CLEP credit (see 2022-2023 Elmhurst University Catalog for more information).
You will learn much more about the Elmhurst University Integrated Curriculum program on your advising and registration day.
What Tests Should I Take?
- If you are a transfer student, the tests you’ll take depend on the courses you’ve already taken and the courses you plan to take at Elmhurst. Check your Transfer Credit Evaluation and speak with your admission counselor for more information.
- If you are a first-year student, you are required to take the Mathematics and World Language Placement exams at least seven days before your advising date. You can also take the optional Writing Placement exam online prior to your advising date. Taking these exams prior to your advising date ensures that your advisor will have the results at your advising appointment.
Optional Writing Test
The University requires two composition courses, ENG 105 Composition I and ENG 106 Composition II, for all undergraduate students. Many students will take both composition courses, usually during their first year.
If you have exceptionally strong writing skills, you can take the optional Writing Placement exam online at least seven days prior to your advising date.