St. Cloud State University

Advising and Registration Days

Transfer Students

Placement Testing

Accuplacer Testing

What is Accuplacer?

Accuplacer is a test which helps students identify their academic strengths and needs to assist in planning an appropriate schedule of coursework at St. Cloud State University. Accuplacer assesses skill levels in English and mathematics to help determine which courses you should start with - we want to help you build a foundation for academic success here at St. Cloud State University.

Transfer students are required to take the Accuplacer subject tests if they have not transferred in a math and/or English composition course and one or more of the following conditions apply:

If the student has fewer than 24 credits

If the student does not have ACT or SAT equivalent test scores. The shelf life of ACT or SAT equivalent scores is 5 years from original test year in order to be considered for exemption. This shelf life applies to the following testing areas: reading, English, and mathematics.

If the ACT or SAT equivalent test scores fall below the cut scores determined for English, reading, and mathematics for exemption from placement testing. Students with an ACT score below 21 on the reading subtest AND below 18 on the English subtest must take the reading comprehension component of the Accuplacer

When are students ENCOURAGED to take Accuplacer?

A student will never have to test in the area of math. All admitted students may register for Math 070. We strongly encourage students to test in math if they have a score below 21 on the Math subtest of ACT.

When can a student CHOOSE to take the Accuplacer?

Students who are not satisfied with their placement based on their ACT scores may take the Accuplacer to place into a higher level math course (this only applies to mathematics).

For more questions regarding Accuplacer testing information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions sheet or call the Accuplacer Testing Center at 320-308-5697.

Placement Exams for Your Major

In addition to required placement exams, students also have the opportunity to test into higher level courses required for their major.

Areas of study in which students can test directly into General Chemistry I (Chemistry 210):

Biology (all majors: aquatic, biomedical, biotechnology, cell, general, ecology and field, medical technology, and Bachelor of Elective Studies), life science teaching, chemistry, meteorology, geology, hydrology, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, nuclear medical technology, radiological technology, agriculture, chiropractic, dentistry, forestry, horticulture, medicine (pre-med), mortuary science, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, podiatry, and veterinary science

Students who do not test into Chemistry 210 will need to take Chemistry 140 (Preparatory Chemistry) as a prerequisite for Chemistry 210.

Areas of study in which students can test directly into Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Biology 202):

Nursing and Occupational Therapy

Students who do not test into Biology 202 will need to talk to an advisor about an appropriate prerequisite course.

Areas of study in which students can test directly into calculus:

Aviation, biotechnology, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, economics, elementary education (math specialty only), engineering, land surveying, mathematics, meteorology, network information security systems, network modeling & simulation, physics, statistics (actuarial science), medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, veterinary science

	A-Z Index \| News \| Library \| Technology \| Support St. Cloud State \| St. Cloud State University Home Admissions Academics Student Life About SCSU Athletics Alumni & Friends Advising and Registration Days Home First-Year Students Transfer Students Advising Day Schedule Transfer Student Checklist Transfer Student Guide Transferring Credits Registration Contacting Your Major Department Placement Testing Parking International Students Register for Advising Day Academic Advising at St. Cloud State University Campus Map & Directions Disability Accommodations Contact Us Transfer Students Placement Testing Accuplacer Testing What is Accuplacer? Accuplacer is a test which helps students identify their academic strengths and needs to assist in planning an appropriate schedule of coursework at St. Cloud State University. Accuplacer assesses skill levels in English and mathematics to help determine which courses you should start with - we want to help you build a foundation for academic success here at St. Cloud State University. Transfer students are required to take the Accuplacer subject tests if they have not transferred in a math and/or English composition course and one or more of the following conditions apply: If the student has fewer than 24 credits If the student does not have ACT or SAT equivalent test scores. The shelf life of ACT or SAT equivalent scores is 5 years from original test year in order to be considered for exemption. This shelf life applies to the following testing areas: reading, English, and mathematics. If the ACT or SAT equivalent test scores fall below the cut scores determined for English, reading, and mathematics for exemption from placement testing. Students with an ACT score below 21 on the reading subtest AND below 18 on the English subtest must take the reading comprehension component of the Accuplacer When are students ENCOURAGED to take Accuplacer? A student will never have to test in the area of math. All admitted students may register for Math 070. We strongly encourage students to test in math if they have a score below 21 on the Math subtest of ACT. When can a student CHOOSE to take the Accuplacer? Students who are not satisfied with their placement based on their ACT scores may take the Accuplacer to place into a higher level math course (this only applies to mathematics). For more questions regarding Accuplacer testing information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions sheet or call the Accuplacer Testing Center at 320-308-5697. Placement Exams for Your Major In addition to required placement exams, students also have the opportunity to test into higher level courses required for their major. Areas of study in which students can test directly into General Chemistry I (Chemistry 210): Biology (all majors: aquatic, biomedical, biotechnology, cell, general, ecology and field, medical technology, and Bachelor of Elective Studies), life science teaching, chemistry, meteorology, geology, hydrology, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, nuclear medical technology, radiological technology, agriculture, chiropractic, dentistry, forestry, horticulture, medicine (pre-med), mortuary science, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, podiatry, and veterinary science Students who do not test into Chemistry 210 will need to take Chemistry 140 (Preparatory Chemistry) as a prerequisite for Chemistry 210. Areas of study in which students can test directly into Human Anatomy and Physiology I (Biology 202): Nursing and Occupational Therapy Students who do not test into Biology 202 will need to talk to an advisor about an appropriate prerequisite course. Areas of study in which students can test directly into calculus: Aviation, biotechnology, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, economics, elementary education (math specialty only), engineering, land surveying, mathematics, meteorology, network information security systems, network modeling & simulation, physics, statistics (actuarial science), medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, veterinary science Advising and Registration Days (contact information) 720 4th Avenue South - St. Cloud, Minnesota 56301-4498 Page Revised: 3/28/2008 Phone: (320) 308-1710 © 2008 St. Cloud State University Site Map \| Map & Directions \| Contact SCSU \| Accreditations St. Cloud State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer. St. Cloud State University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.