In order to ensure a smooth academic transition, the University of South Carolina offers placement tests in two areas:  mathematics and foreign language.  Tests must be taken prior to Orientation and academic advisement.  New students to the university are required to take these tests to determine proficiency level and therefore placement or exemption for each subject area; therefore, it is to the students’ advantage to perform honestly and achieve accurate scores so that they may register for appropriately challenging courses in which they will be successful.  These exams are NOT pass/fail, nor do results affect admission status.  Placement scores are considered binding.  Students may not re-test without written permission from their academic advisor and approval of the Office of Orientation and Testing Services.

NOTE:

The University of South Carolina is in the process of converting its placement test from a paper-based format to a computerized examination.  The Math examination is available online now and can be accessed at http://assess.math.sc.edu.  At this time, foreign languages will still be administered to students on campus as paper-based tests the day before each Summer Orientation session. 

Summer Administrations:  Foreign Language placement tests will begin at 3:00 p.m.  Report no later than 2:45 p.m.

All foreign language test sessions begin at the Moore School of Business (corner of Barnwell and Pendleton Streets).   Make sure to bring a drivers license or other photo ID and sharpened number two pencils. You should also know your social security number so you can put it on your answer sheet(s).   No registration is required other than signing up for Orientation; check your Orientation confirmation for exact date, time, and location.

MATH:

No knowledge of calculus is required.  Calculators are not needed and are not allowed.   Additional information about the content of the Math Placement tests, including sample tests, can be viewed at http://www.math.sc.edu/placement/.  If there are any additional questions concerning the Math Placement Tests, contact the Department of Mathematics at 803-777-4224.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE:

The University of South Carolina requires that all students demonstrate proficiency in one foreign language, either through testing, coursework, or a combination of both.  No student may register for any foreign language course at USC without ONE of the following on record: a proficiency score, course placement form, or appropriate transfer credit.

The Office of Orientation and Testing offers testing to gauge proficiency levels in French, German, Latin, and Spanish, which are the most common languages studied in high school. Tests are multiple choice and consist of listening (except for Latin) and reading comprehension questions.  No dictionaries or other test aids are allowed.

If a student wishes to study a second foreign language at other than the beginning level, he/she should also take the test in that language for placement purposes.  Only one test may be taken during any one session, so a second test must be done on a separate date.

All students must take the Math Placement Test.  All students must take the Foreign Language tests unless they have college-level credit from previous institutions (e.g. transfer credit, high school/college dual enrollment programs, or Advanced Placement exams) deemed adequate by the current major or college of enrollment at USC.  Refer to the Exemption Chart for the specifics of each college as the individual colleges are the authority. 

Other exceptions include the following:   

1)    The student studied a language other than French, German, Latin, or Spanish.  If the student studied a language other than those listed above, he or she should contact the Department of Languages, Literature and Culture (www.cas.sc.edu/dllc/geninfo/testing.html or 803-777-4881) prior to the beginning of classes for more information or to schedule a placement test in that language.  

2)    It has been more than five years since the student took a language course.  Students with language study more than five (5) years prior to enrolling at USC may elect to complete a Course Placement Form and enroll in the beginning course, OR take the proficiency test and enroll where placed.  Placement test scores are considered binding. 

3)    The student has never studied a foreign language.    Students with no prior language study are exempt from the test.  Instead, they will complete a Course Placement Form to start at the beginning of the language of their choice.  This form is available through their college advisement office or the appropriate language department.

4)    The student has satisfactory college level-credit in a foreign language.  Students who transfer credits for one semester of first-year Spanish are considered to have earned the equivalent of SPAN 109 and may enroll in SPAN 110 without placement testing; students who transfer credit for two semesters of first-year Spanish  are considered to have the equivalent of SPAN 109 and 110 and may enroll in SPAN 122 without placement testing. 

Students who transfer credits from at least one college language course in French, German, Latin, or Spanish at the intermediate level need not take placement tests.   However, if continued study is desired, students may be required to take a Phase II placement test.  Phase II tests are administered by the language department and consist of both written and spoken tests.  For more information on Phase II testing, see   http://www.cas.sc.edu/dllc/Geninfo/testing.html

5)     The student has received a score of ‘3’ or above on their Foreign Language AP exam. These students are exempt from their respective placement tests.   Course placement is determined by the AP score.   Make sure official score reports have been submitted to the University of South Carolina (institution code 5818) so that proper credit is received.

Students can also receive college credit in other courses besides math and foreign language through Advanced Placement examination.  Please click here for more information.  Students who have received a ‘3’ or above on their Foreign Language exams are exempt from their respective placement tests. Students who have taken the Calculus AP are still required to take the test.  Make sure to have your scores submitted to USC (institution code 5818), Office of the Registrar. Course placement is determined by the AP score.

Students may receive college credit in other courses besides math and foreign language through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).   Students who receive course credit on any of the CLEP Mathematics exams are not exempt from the Math Placement Test.  Students cannot exempt the Foreign Language Test nor receive course credit by taking any of the CLEP language examinations at this time.  Our office administers College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams on Mondays.  Click here for more information.