The information compiled below is intended to answer basic placement testing questions, but since placement testing can vary slightly among Ohio State campuses, it is best to find information specific for your campus. Find more details through the following campus websites:
Placement testing in English, foreign languages and mathematics helps determine the appropriate first course for you to take in Ohio State's course sequence in these academic areas. Your ACT/SAT scores, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credit, and any college-level course work you have completed will determine your placement testing requirements.
You may bring a copy of your ACT/SAT scores, AP test results and transcripts of college-level course work with you to orientation, but you still must arrange to have the official scores and official transcripts sent to the following address:
The Ohio State University
Undergraduate Admissions
P.O. Box 182646
Columbus, OH 43218-2646
Some course credit in English composition is required in all undergraduate programs at Ohio State. Your ACT/SAT scores or college credit initially determine if you should complete the English placement test prior to registering for courses at orientation.
If you are an international student, the requirement to complete the English as a Second Language (ESL) Composition Placement Exam does not depend on ACT/SAT scores. For more information, visit esl.ehe.osu.edu/home/testing/undergraduate.
Unless you have college credit for a foreign language (through AP/IB scores or previous college course work), the foreign language placement test is required to determine where in the language sequence you should begin.
Because most undergraduate programs at Ohio State require some work in mathematics, all entering students are required to take the math placement exam unless one of the following is true:
There are two versions of the math pacement exam: Test B (algebra skills) and Test D (pre-calculus skills). Which test you take is determined by status (freshman vs. transfer, domestic vs. international) and ACT/SAT scores on file. Scoring high enough on Test B will allow you to take Test D, which may result in a higher placement level.
Providing self-reported ACT or SAT scores will not be enough to test out of Test B. If you have not already sent your ACT or SAT scores and now wish to do so, you will need to have them sent directly from the testing agency. If you have any questions about submitting your scores, please contact Undergraduate Admissions at (614) 292-2241 or askabuckeye@osu.edu.
You will be asked for information about high school math courses and grades before taking the exam, so have this information ready.
The math placement exam is used only as a placement tool. No course credit will be given, nor will the exam fulfill any math requirements for your chosen major. The exam has a maximum time limit of 75 minutes. Please provide yourself with an environment that will give you uninterrupted time and an atmosphere conducive for working math problems.
Students with disabilities should contact a disability counselor at the Ohio State Office for Disability Services, 614-292-3307, or a regional campus disability services office to make alternate arrangements for taking the math exam. This includes students with disabilities who may need extended time, as well as students who need a scribe, a reader or other support services. Documentation must be provided to determine eligibility before authorization can be given for accommodations.
The math placement exam is used as a placement tool: It is designed to place you into the proper math class according to your existing knowledge and skills, and you can only take it once. Regardless of your results, you will receive no course credit nor fulfill any math requirements for your chosen major by taking the exam. Still, we recommend reviewing sample problems and exam topics before taking the exam.
In order to complete the Math Placement Exam, you must have your Ohio State username. Go to my.osu.edu for more information. If you experience problems related to your username, contact the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) Support Center by email at 8help@osu.edu, by phone at 614-688-HELP, or by TDD at 614-688-8743. It is important that you remember to write down your username (lastname.#) and password and bring it with you to orientation.