Starting your academic journey at Arcadia begins with understanding where you’ll thrive. Placement exams in Writing, Mathematics, and Modern Languages help us place you in courses that match your current skills, so you feel confident, supported, and challenged from day one.
Placement exams are not pass/fail. They do not affect your GPA or admission status. Their purpose is to ensure you begin in courses that build on what you already know and keep you on track toward your academic goals.
Your Next Steps
- Log into PortalGuard. PortalGuard is the University’s single sign-on (SSO) system and is different from MyKnight Portal.
- Select the Canvas tile.
- Open the Pre-registration course in Canvas. All placement exams are located within this same Canvas course.
- Review the information below to determine which placement exams apply to you.
- Complete all placement exams on a computer, not a phone or tablet.
Because they will help us appropriately advise you, placement exams should be completed as soon as possible but no later than June 1. Placement exams should be completed as soon as possible, but must be completed before your Summer Welcome Day. Finishing all required exams by the published deadline will avoid registration delays.
New First-Year Students
Most first-year students will complete placement exams in Writing and Mathematics. Modern Language placement depends on your prior language experience.
New Transfer Students
Transfer students will be contacted directly by a member of the Admissions team if placement exams are required. Requirements vary based on prior coursework and program of study.
Placement Exam Details
Writing Placement
Most first-year students complete a writing placement to determine whether they will begin in EN 100 or EN 101. This ensures that you start in the writing course best suited to your preparation.
The writing placement is completed online and typically takes 45–60 minutes. It includes reading and writing activities designed to assess your current preparation for college-level coursework.
You are exempt from the writing placement if:
- You have transferred an equivalent English composition course from a regionally accredited college or university (you can verify eligible courses using the Transfer Equivalency Tool), or
- You completed AP English Language or AP English Literature with a B or better (placing directly into EN 101)
Mathematics Placement
All first-year students complete a mathematics placement exam. Your results help determine the math course that best aligns with your background and intended major. You must complete Parts 1 and Part 2. Part 3 is only for students who have taken a Precalculus course in high school. The course may have had a different name but would include trigonometric functions (sine, cosine, tangent) and logarithmic and exponential functions. If you took a precalculus course or are unsure, please complete Part 3.
The mathematics placement exam is taken online and generally takes about 60 minutes to complete. A calculator is allowed during the exam.
In addition to helping place you into the appropriate math course, your results also provide insight into your analytical and computational skills, which can help guide course placement in majors such as Computer Science, Chemistry, and some Business, Accounting, and related programs.
Starting at the appropriate math level helps you succeed in future coursework and stay on track for graduation.
Modern Language Placement
Students who wish to continue a language studied in high school are required to take a placement exam in that language.
Modern language placement exams are completed online and assess your current proficiency in a language you have previously studied. Students starting a new language or with no prior experience do not take a placement exam.
Placement exams are offered in:
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
Students who have not previously studied a language or who wish to start a new language are not required to take a placement exam and will begin at the 101 level.
Language placement may allow students to:
- Begin at an intermediate or advanced level
- Fulfill part or all of the university language requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the placement exam?
Each placement takes about 60 minutes to complete.
Do I need to complete all of the exams at one time?
You don’t! Once you start one of the placements (mathematics, writing, modern language) you must complete it, but you can take one placement at a time if you wish.
Can I retake a placement exam?
It depends on the circumstances! If a technology error has arisen for you (for example, the exam timed out) we can certainly give you access to a retake. Retaking the placement exam to try to earn a higher score is not necessary.
Do placement exams affect my GPA?
No. Placement exams are for course placement only and do not affect your GPA.
What if I disagree with my placement?
You may discuss your results with an academic advisor, who can help determine next steps.
Is there a cost to take placement exams?
No. Placement exams are included as part of the enrollment process.
Accessibility & Accommodations
Arcadia is committed to providing equal access to all students. If you require accommodations for placement exams, please contact the Office of Disability Support Services as early as possible.
Need Help?
Arcadia University is here to support you throughout the placement process. If you have questions about placement exams or your results, the Admissions team is available to help. We look forward to welcoming you to Arcadia and supporting you as you start your academic journey with confidence.
