Placement Examinations
Composition Placement Examination
Certain entering freshmen, including those who receive a combined score lower than 1100 on the Critical Reading and Writing sections of the SAT or an ACT English score below 24, are required to take the Composition Placement Examination (CPE). Those who do not score above the minimum standard must complete WRIT 120 before enrolling in WRIT 150. Entering freshmen who are required to take the CPE will be notified during the admissions process.
Placement Tests
Placement Tests are required for the following courses:
Mathematics – MATH 108, 116, 117, 125
Chemistry – CHEM 050, 102, 105a.
Quantitative Reasoning – GE-F (see below for important information)
Math, chemistry and quantitative reasoning placement tests are administered by Academic Counseling Services. The exam must be taken during the first year of enrollment for students entering as freshmen and during the first semester of enrollment for students entering as transfers. Foreign language placement tests are administered by the Language Center.
Placement Test Dates
Reservations are required for math, chemistry and quantitative reasoning placement tests. Contact Academic Counseling Services for test times, dates and sites at testing@usc.edu or sait.usc.edu/academicsupport/cta.
Foreign language placement tests are administered by the Language Center on scheduled dates throughout the academic year and during summers. Results are valid for one calendar year. Students must wait six months before retaking. For additional information concerning foreign language tests, contact the USC Language Center, THH 309, (213) 740-1188 or language@usc.edu, or visit online at language.usc.edu.
Only students admitted to USC may take the placement tests and are required to show their USC ID upon arrival. Students who do not have their USC ID can show another form of identification, but must also show proof of enrollment. Two #2 pencils are required. Calculators are not permitted.