Placement Tests

This test is used to place you into the appropriate math course at USF. Previous college-level coursework will also be used when determining the appropriate course. This is a 40-minute algebra and trigonometry test, with 32 multiple-choice questions. No calculators are permitted.

Required of the following majors: Architecture and Community Design, Biology, Business (all majors), Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Exercise and Sport Science (B.S. only), Economics, Math, Physics. All other majors do not need to take the Math Placement Test.

You do not have to take this test if you have submitted a SAT or ACT score to USF, or if you already took this test from home (link to test sent via email).

Undeclared students: If there is even a remote chance that you may choose a Math, Science, Business, Exercise and Sport Science, Architecture and Community Design, or Economics major, and you have not taken the SAT or ACT, then you should take the math test.

Take the online Math Placement Test>>

This test is used to place you into the appropriate calculus course at USF. This is a 30-minute test, with 25 multiple-choice questions. No calculators are permitted.

Required of the following majors: Architecture and Community Design, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Math, Physics.

You do not have to take this test if you have completed and passed Calculus I at another college, or if you have submitted an AP Calculus score of 4 or 5.

Note: If you are interested in going to medical, dental, pharmacy or veterinary school after attending USF, one semester of Calculus is strongly recommended by many schools.

Take the online Calculus Readiness Test>>

Foreign Language Test scores are used to place you into USF language courses. You only need to take this test if you plan on studying a foreign language at USF that you have previously studied.

French, Chinese, German, Tagalog, Japanese and Spanish tests are available online. Please take these tests prior to Webtrack. Latin, Italian and Russian must be taken on-campus. Call the Foreign Language department at (415) 422-2802 to make arrangements. The format of these tests vary.

You do not have to take this test if you are beginning a new foreign language, or if you are bilingual and wish to apply for an exemption to the foreign language requirement.

A foreign language is required of all Arts & Science as well as International Business majors.

Take the online Foreign Language Placement Test>>

Starting in Fall 2013, all incoming students who need a chemistry class should review a web based tutorial site, then take our on-line diagnostic test.  The diagnostic test results will determine if you are prepared for General Chemistry I (Chem 111/112L) or should take Foundations of Chemistry (Chem 001). The goal is to place you into a course where you will have success. 

Step 1: We have obtained permission for you to use the Washington University Chemistry Website Tutorials. Review topics and complete practice problems (you cannot take their quizzes or Diagnostic Exam). This may take you several hours or longer in order to help you prepare for college chemistry.

Step 2: Take the USF Chemistry Diagnostic Test, a 45 minute test with 42 multiple-choice questions on material from a typical full year high school chemistry course. You will need a pencil, scratch paper, calculator and periodic table. Relevant equations are provided.
 We suggest you print out a periodic table from: http://science.widener.edu/~svanbram/ptable_6.pdf. You may not use a chemistry textbook or online sources of help.

Notes: A score of 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam gives you credit for General Chemistry I (CHEM 111) and possibly General Chemistry II (CHEM 113) (do not take the test, but speak with a chemistry advisor).  If you did not take high school chemistry,we strongly advise you to take Foundations of Chemistry (CHEM 001) in Fall.  If you completed a college pre-general chemistry course at another institution with a minimum grade of C, you may register for General Chemistry I (CHEM 111/112L) if the course shows on your USF transcript.  We recommend you take the diagnostic test to gauge your readiness.

Take the Chemistry Diagnostic Test>>