Students interested in taking math, language classes, College Writing, or general chemistry at WashU may be required to take placement exams. Most of these exams can and should be taken online during the summer. 


Placement Testing Accommodations for Disabled Students

Students who need testing accommodations on placement exams due to a disability must submit their request to Disability Resources by completing a New Student Application, along with any necessary documentation. When accommodations are supported, Disability Resources will generate a verification letter students may provide the placement test coordinator.

Calculus and Math

The Mathematics Department provides a placement exam for all students taking calculus. We ask that all students (Architecture, Art, Art & Sciences, Business, and Engineering) who are planning to take a calculus course during their time at Washington University in St. Louis take this test online.

If you are planning to take Calculus this fall, be sure to take the Placement Exam prior to talking to your adviser and registering for classes.

Questions about Mathematics should be directed either to Dr. Silas Johnson or to Dr. Blake Thornton.

Access the Calculus Placement Exam on the Math Department website.

Chemistry

All first-year students registering for Introductory General Chemistry I (Chem 105) or General Chemistry I (Chem 111A) in the fall are expected to take the online diagnostic exam and complete the Chemistry Background Survey before they register for fall courses. The two-hour timed exam can be accessed from the Chemistry Department website. For more information about this diagnostic exam, which will require your WUSTL Key for access, visit the department’s FAQ here.

Questions about Chemistry should be directed to either Dr. Jia Luo or Dr. Megan Daschbach.

Information about Chemistry at WashU.

Computer Science

Information can be found on the Computer Science Placement Exam website.

For any questions regarding the computer science placement exam, please contact Bill Siever.

Dance

For Fall 2023, there will be a dance placement class for incoming students on Monday, August 21 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.  

All new students with interest in dance at WU are strongly encouraged to attend the Dance Placement Class. This class is not an “audition” for admission to the program, but a chance for students new to dance at WU to meet dance faculty, dance majors, and learn information about program curriculum, events and performance opportunities. The class format is informal, including a short ballet barre, followed by modern and jazz combinations to determine appropriate entry level to these course sequences. No signup or preparation required. 

For more information, please contact Cecil Slaughter at cslaught@wustl.edu or David Marchant at marchant@wustl.edu.

Learn more about the Dance Placement Course.

Languages

You will be placed in the appropriate level class based on your placement score, previous study of the language, as well as recommendations from your four-year adviser. Policies for credit vary by department.

You do not need to take the on campus Language Placement Exam if:

  • You do not wish to study a language.
  • You will be starting a new language.

You do need to take a Language Placement Exam if you wish to continue your study of a language.

Students must register online to take a Language Placement Exam. Placement Exams should be taken prior to speaking to your academic adviser about course registration.

Learn more about Language Placement Exams.

Music Auditions

The Department of Music is happy to welcome all students, regardless of year or major, to continue to pursue their interest in music during their time at Wash U.  Auditions for music ensembles – such as the Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band, Choir, and Wind Ensemble – take place during the first week of the semester.  Students can learn more about auditions and ensembles through the department website and can sign up for an audition appointment through our auditions website.

The Department also offers private instruction in a wide variety of instruments including voice.  Students interested in private lessons should register for the appropriate pre-registration course on WebSTAC, and sign up for a placement appointment to meet with a member of our faculty during the first week of the semester.

Questions about Music Auditions and Lesson Placements can be directed to Jamie Perkins.

Writing

If you need to take the Writing Placement Exam, you will be notified via email in late May with instructions about the online exam. The College Writing Program will notify you and your academic adviser of your placement via email one to two weeks after you complete the exam. It is important you complete this before you speak with your academic adviser about fall courses. 

For more information about College Writing or about writing placement, visit the College Writing website or contact the College Writing Program.