{"id":1256,"date":"2025-05-22T14:28:58","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T19:28:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/registrar\/?page_id=1256"},"modified":"2026-03-27T16:22:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T21:22:01","slug":"freshman-course-placement","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/registrar\/enrollment\/freshman-course-placement\/","title":{"rendered":"First-Year Student \/ Freshman Course Placement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"uwm-u-py-80\"><div class=\"uwm-l-container--base uwm-l-container--overflow-hidden\">\n<div class=\"uwm-l-row\">\n<div class=\"uwm-l-col\"><header class=\"page-header\"><h1 class=\"entry-title heading-separator\">First-Year Student \/ Freshman Course Placement<\/h1><\/header>\n\n\n<p>Your academic journey at UWM begins with course placement, a process that ensures you&#8217;re in the BEST classes for you from the start!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list uwm-c-list--cleanlist\">\n<li><strong>Enroll in the Right Classes<\/strong> &#8211; Placement ensures you&#8217;re in courses that match your skills, saving time and tuition money.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Multiple Placement Options<\/strong> &#8211; Choose whether to submit official ACT\/SAT scores, use our free online placement tools, or both!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Free, Flexible Tools<\/strong> &#8211; UWM\u2019s online placements are free and available anytime to self administer. Campus computers are available if needed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be Ready for Orientation<\/strong> &#8211; Meet with an advisor at orientation to review your placements and enroll in courses. Delaying placement may limit your course options. Getting it done prior to orientation means one less thing to worry about!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-u-flex uwm-u-flex--left\">\n<a class=\"uwm-c-button uwm-u-mr-20 uwm-u-mb-20\" href=\"mailto:nftest@uwm.edu\" rel=\"\">Contact Us at nftest@uwm.edu<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-l-col uwm-l-col--4 uwm-l-offset--1\"><div class=\"uwm-block-otp-nav \"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"uwm-bg-gray uwm-u-py-80\"><div class=\"uwm-l-container--base uwm-l-container--overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-course-placement-options\">Course Placement Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Course placement is required in math and English for all new students. If you plan to continue your study of a foreign language or enroll in chemistry, you will also need to complete placement &#8211; please see those sections on this page for more information. <strong>Placement must be complete 2 weeks before your New Student Orientation<\/strong>, where you&#8217;ll meet with an academic advisor to enroll in your courses. Your placement determines the math and English courses you will start with in your first semester at UWM and supports you in completing your <a href=\"https:\/\/catalog.uwm.edu\/policies\/undergraduate-policies\/#generaleducationtext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">General Education Requirements <\/a>which are required for all majors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Two options to fulfill required course placement in math &amp; English:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Submit your official <a href=\"https:\/\/www.act.org\/content\/act\/en\/products-and-services\/the-act\/scores\/sending-your-scores.html\">ACT<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/satsuite.collegeboard.org\/scores\/send-scores-to-colleges\/sending-sat-scores\">SAT<\/a> scores<\/strong> (sent directly from ACT\/SAT to UWM)<br><br>OR<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Utilize UWM\u2019s free online placement tools<\/strong> for <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/registrar\/panther-math-prep\/\">Math<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/english\/composition\/gep\/\">English<\/a> anytime, anywhere using your own computer\u2014it\u2019s quick, easy, and doesn\u2019t require scheduling.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Computer access is available on campus as well!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International students can use their TOEFL or IELTS score for their English placement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Please note that UW Milwaukee does <strong>not<\/strong> accept the results of the UW System Placement math and English tests unless you previously tested prior to the year 2020.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"uwm-u-py-80\"><div class=\"uwm-l-container--base uwm-l-container--overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-completing-online-course-placements-and-submitting-act-sat-scores\">Completing Online Course Placements and Submitting ACT\/SAT Scores<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You must fulfill course placement in the required areas of math and English. We also have information linked below for the online placement tests for those who will be enrolling in foreign language or chemistry courses. Please read the sections on this page about placement information in each subject to ensure you understand how you are placed into courses and to explore any additional placement options you might want to pursue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You have two options for satisfying your course placement in the required areas of math and English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Submit your official <a href=\"https:\/\/www.act.org\/content\/act\/en\/products-and-services\/the-act\/scores\/sending-your-scores.html\">ACT<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/satsuite.collegeboard.org\/scores\/send-scores-to-colleges\/sending-sat-scores\">SAT<\/a> scores to UW Milwaukee. Your ACT\/SAT scores will have no affect on your admission status; the scores will be used for placement purposes only.<ul><li><ul><li>If you have already submitted your official ACT\/SAT scores with your application, you do not need to submit them again.<\/li><li>If you have not submitted your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.act.org\/content\/act\/en\/products-and-services\/the-act\/scores\/sending-your-scores.html\">ACT<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/satsuite.collegeboard.org\/scores\/send-scores-to-colleges\/sending-sat-scores\">SAT<\/a> scores, you need to request that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.act.org\/content\/act\/en\/products-and-services\/the-act\/scores\/sending-your-scores.html\">ACT<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/satsuite.collegeboard.org\/scores\/send-scores-to-colleges\/sending-sat-scores\">SAT<\/a> send your scores directly to UWM.<\/li><li><strong>Only<\/strong> scores that have been sent directly to UWM from ACT or SAT are official scores. Scores are <strong>not official<\/strong> if you self submit them or send your own copy of your scores to UWM.<\/li><li>UWM will accept scores submitted to UWM from your high school on your official high school transcript. Please note that very few high schools include ACT\/SAT scores on transcripts. If you think your high school puts scores on transcripts, please email us at nftest@uwm.edu to review your transcript.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><strong>OR<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use our free online placement tools in <strong>BOTH<\/strong> math and English. You can take them on your own computer any time it is convenient for you; no scheduling is required.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Math<\/strong> \u2013 Panther Math Prep is a free online placement tool that allows you to assess your current math skill level and receive a course placement via an online proctored math placement test in a platform called ALEKS. You also have the opportunity to utilize the free prep, review, and practice tools within ALEKS to build and refresh your math skills and take the placement test up to five times. The test is completed at home on a computer or laptop with a webcam. If you do not have access to the required equipment, free walk in testing options are available during designated hours on campus. More information about testing on campus is on the Panther Math Prep website. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/registrar\/students\/panther-math-prep\/\">Visit the Panther Math Prep website to learn more and complete the online math placement test<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>English <\/strong>\u2013 UWM offers a free online placement option called Guided English Placement (GEP). The GEP is not a standardized test and there are no right or wrong answers. You will be asked a variety of questions about your educational experiences, writing and reading skills, and academic mindset. You will also be given reading and writing samples to reflect upon; no writing is required from you. The GEP takes about 30-60 minutes to complete. You can only take the GEP <strong>once<\/strong> so please take your time and take the assessment seriously.<br>The GEP can be completed on any computer, laptop, tablet, or phone with internet access; no webcam is required.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/english\/composition\/gep\/\">Visit the Guided English Placement website to learn more and complete the online English placement.&nbsp;<\/a><br>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>International students can also use their TOEFL or IELTS scores for placement into their English courses. If you submitted TOEFL or IELTS scores to UWM, you do not need to complete the Guided English Placement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"uwm-bg-gray uwm-u-py-80\"><div class=\"uwm-l-container--base uwm-l-container--overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-course-placement-required\">Why is course placement required?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of your major, all UWM students need to satisfy general education requirements to earn a bachelor\u2019s degree. It is important that you are placed into courses that properly reflect your skills and strengths to give you the greatest chance to be successful in your courses.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"uwm-u-py-80\"><div class=\"uwm-l-container--base uwm-l-container--overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-if-i-have-multiple-test-scores-or-placement-tools-how-is-placement-determined\">What if I have multiple test scores or placement tools\u2014how is placement determined?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have multiple sets of scores, for example multiple ACT\/SAT scores or ACT\/SAT scores plus scores from our Panther Math Prep program and\/or our Guided English Placement (GEP), you will be allowed to utilize whichever score places you highest when enrolling in your courses.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"uwm-bg-gray uwm-u-py-80\"><div class=\"uwm-l-container--base uwm-l-container--overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-can-i-take-the-uw-system-s-online-placement-tests-in-math-english-and-world-languages\">Can I take the UW System\u2019s online placement tests in Math, English, and world languages?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>UW Milwaukee does not accept the results of the online UW System placement tests in math or English. We only utilize the UW System world placement tests which are offered in French, German, and Spanish.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"uwm-u-py-80\"><div class=\"uwm-l-container--base uwm-l-container--overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-math-placement-information-and-course-placement-charts\">Math placement information and course placement charts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of your major, all UWM students need to satisfy general education requirements in mathematics and quantitative reasoning to earn a bachelor\u2019s degree. You may also have specific math course(s) required by your particular major to attain your degree above and beyond these requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Math placement is determined by the math score on your ACT\/SAT plus high school GPA, prior college credit earned in math courses or on AP\/IB tests, or by completing an ALEKS placement test via the free online Panther Math Prep program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is very important that you assess the math placement chart below and consider the math placement level you have earned along with the recommended math courses required for your major to determine if you would like to utilize our free online <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/registrar\/students\/panther-math-prep\/\">Panther Math Prep program<\/a> to try and attain a higher placement level. Panther Math Prep is a free online placement tool that allows you to assess your current math skill level and receive a course placement via an online proctored math placement test in a platform called ALEKS. You have the opportunity to utilize the free prep, review, and practice tools within ALEKS to build and refresh your math skills and take a placement test up to five times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a1\">2026\/27 Math Test Placement Chart<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"uwm-c-table uwm-c-table--stripe\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Aleks Placement Test Score<\/th><th>ACT-Math<\/th><th>ACT-Math PLUS &gt;= 3.0 HS GPA*<\/th><th>SAT-Math<\/th><th>SAT-Math PLUS &gt;= 3.0 HS GPA*<\/th><th>Math Placement Level<\/th><th>Math Course Eligibility<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>0\u201321<\/td><td>17 or below<\/td><td>0-15 + 3.0 HS GPA<\/td><td>480 or below<\/td><td>0-410 + 3.0 HS GPA<\/td><td>0<\/td><td>Math 092 or L&amp;S NS 100**<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>22\u201345<\/td><td>18\u201323<\/td><td>16-20 + 3.0 HS GPA<\/td><td>490\u2013560<\/td><td>420-520 + 3.0 HS GPA<\/td><td>10<\/td><td>Math 098, 102, 103 &amp; 111<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>46\u201360<\/td><td>24\u201327<\/td><td>21-24 + 3.0 HS GPA<\/td><td>570\u2013660<\/td><td>530-580 + 3.0 HS GPA<\/td><td>20<\/td><td>Math 102, 103, 105, 111, 116, 175<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>61\u201367<\/td><td>28\u201331<\/td><td>25-26 + 3.0 HS GPA<\/td><td>670\u2013710<\/td><td>590-620 + 3.0 HS GPA<\/td><td>30<\/td><td>Math 115, 116, 117, 175, 205, 208, 211, S215<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>68\u201375<\/td><td>\u2013\u2013<\/td><td>\u2013\u2013<\/td><td>\u2013\u2013<\/td><td>\u2013\u2013<\/td><td>35<\/td><td>Math 115, 117, 175, 205, 208, 211, S215<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>76\u201386<\/td><td>32\u201333<\/td><td>27-28 + 3.0 HS GPA<\/td><td>720\u2013750<\/td><td>630-670 + 3.0 HS GPA<\/td><td>40<\/td><td>Math 175, 205, 208, 211, 213, S215, 231, 341; 115 SATISFIED<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>87\u2013100<\/td><td>34\u201336<\/td><td>29 + 3.0 HS GPA<\/td><td>760 or higher<\/td><td>680 or higher + 3.0 HS GPA<\/td><td>45<\/td><td>Math 175, 205, 208, 211, 213, S215, 221, 231, 341; 115 SATISFIED<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have multiple placement scores, you can utilize whichever method gives you the highest placement level. Each placement level includes eligibility for multiple courses. The course you take is dependent on your major. Please consult with an academic advisor to determine which course is appropriate for your major.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>*3.0 (or better) HS GPA must be on a 4.0 scale<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>**L&amp;S NS 100: Math &amp; Quantitative Reasoning Success &#8211; This course has a highly interactive format&nbsp;providing individualized&nbsp;mathematics instruction&nbsp;and&nbsp;instilling study skills&nbsp;and&nbsp;strategies for&nbsp;succeeding in&nbsp;mathematics&nbsp;courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"uwm-bg-gray uwm-u-py-80\"><div class=\"uwm-l-container--base uwm-l-container--overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-english-placement-information-and-course-placement-charts\">English placement information and course placement charts.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>English placement is determined by the English or ERWS score on your ACT\/SAT, prior college credit earned in English courses or via AP\/IB test scores, or by completing the online <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/english\/composition\/gep\/\">Guided English Placement<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Students placed into English 100 or 101 will need to complete that course with a grade of C or higher (you only need to complete either English 100 or 101, not both courses) then complete English 102. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have never taken the ACT\/SAT or are not satisfied with your placement via your ACT\/SAT scores, you can utilize our free online <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/english\/composition\/gep\/\">Guided English Placement (GEP)<\/a> to attain an English course placement. The GEP is not a standardized test and there are no right or wrong answers. You will be asked a variety of questions about your educational experiences, writing and reading skills, and academic mindset. You will also be given reading and writing samples to reflect upon; no writing is required from you. The GEP takes about 30-60 minutes to complete. Completing the GEP does not generate a score; it generates a course placement. You will be placed into English 100, 101, 102, or place out of 102. You can only take the GEP <strong>once<\/strong> so please take your time and take the assessment seriously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2026-27-english-placement-chart\">2026\/27 English Placement Chart<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"uwm-c-table uwm-c-table--stripe\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Course Placement<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>ACT English Score<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>SAT ERWS<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>English 100<\/td><td>1-16<\/td><td>200-460<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>English 101<\/td><td>17-24<\/td><td>461-590<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>English 102<\/td><td>25-28<\/td><td>591-650<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Placement Out of English 102<\/td><td>29-36<\/td><td>651-800<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"uwm-u-py-80\"><div class=\"uwm-l-container--base uwm-l-container--overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-if-my-native-language-is-not-english\">What if my native language is not English?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We have a great option for you! As a non-native speaker and\/or writer of English, you can complete your English general education courses by taking English for Academic Purposes (EAP) writing courses instead of the English writing courses designed for native speakers of English. Our EAP courses offer smaller class sizes, and instructors that specialize in working with students from various language backgrounds. The support provided in the EAP writing courses can also help you do better in all of your university courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recommendations for EAP course enrollment can be made based off of scores on the ACT, SAT, IETLS, TOEFL, and\/or Guided English Placement (GEP). During your academic advising appointment at your New Student Orientation, you can let your advisor know that you are interested in our EAP courses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on EAP courses, you can contact Brooke Haley at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:HaleyB@uwm.edu\">HaleyB@uwm.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"uwm-bg-gray uwm-u-py-80\"><div class=\"uwm-l-container--base uwm-l-container--overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-should-i-do-if-i-want-to-continue-my-study-of-a-world-language\"><strong>What should I do if I want to continue my study of a world language?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-placement\">Placement <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Foreign language course enrollment recommendations are based on either previous college credit earned or recommendations from the online options listed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>If you plan to continue your studies in study French, German, or Spanish:<\/strong> \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You will need to complete the <a href=\"https:\/\/exams.wisc.edu\/placement\/regionaltesting\/information.php\">UW System Placement Test in World Languages<\/a>. Please follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/exams.wisc.edu\/placement\/regionaltesting\/information.php\">link to the UW System Placement website<\/a> to complete your test(s). Please note that UW Milwaukee <strong>ONLY<\/strong> accepts results from the UW System Placement Tests in French, German, and Spanish. We do <strong>NOT<\/strong> accept results from the UW System placement tests for English or math. You do not need to schedule a time to complete the test; you can complete it online whenever it is convenient for you. It takes 1-2 weeks for UW Milwaukee to receive the results of your UW System Placement Test.<em>Retest policy for the UW System placement tests in French, German, and Spanish: Students must wait one calendar year in between test attempts. Students who violate this policy will have their placement scores invalidated.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If you plan to continue your study of a world language other than French, German, or Spanish:<\/strong> \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>UW Milwaukee offers a free, online <a href=\"https:\/\/milwaukee.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_6xvwEGOHG6e5r6K\">UWM World Languages Self-Assessment Tool<\/a> for you. You and your academic advisor will use a combination of the results from this self-assessment and your previous coursework to determine the appropriate semester of a world language at UWM for you to begin your language studies at UWM. In addition to questions about your language abilities, it asks about your language learning experiences, whether in the classroom or beyond. The UWM World Languages Self-Assessment Tool is <strong>NOT<\/strong> for those wishing to study French, German, and Spanish. You will be able to complete the <a href=\"https:\/\/milwaukee.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_6xvwEGOHG6e5r6K\">UWM World Languages Self-Assessment Tool<\/a> on a computer or mobile device. It takes about 5 minutes to complete. You do not need to schedule a time to complete the self-assessment; you can complete it online whenever it is convenient for you. You will see your placement recommendation immediately at the end of the self-assessment and will receive a copy at your UWM email address.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Languages that utilize the UWM World Languages Self Assessment Tool<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>The UWM World Languages Self-Assessment Tool can be used to help determine a placement recommendation in the following languages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ancient Greek<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anishinaabe<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Arabic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chinese<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hebrew<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hmong<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Irish Gaelic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Italian<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Japanese<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Korean<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Latin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Portuguese<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Russian<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-retro-credits\">Retro Credits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you enroll in a foreign language course higher than the level one\/introductory course and earn a grade of B or better in that course, you can earn retroactive credits for the courses leading up to it without taking them. For example, if you enroll in the level three Spanish 203 course and earn a B or better, you can fill out paperwork with your academic advisor to request retroactive credit for Spanish I (103) and Spanish II (104).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"uwm-u-py-80\"><div class=\"uwm-l-container--base uwm-l-container--overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-if-i-have-taken-ap-or-ib-courses-in-math-english-and-or-a-world-language\">What if I have taken AP or IB courses in math, English, and\/or a world language?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use the credit earned from your AP\/IB test scores to fulfill your course placement requirement if your scores are high enough. Please review our policies on awarding credit for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/registrar\/transfer-credits\/transferring-non-coursework-credit\/\">AP and&nbsp;IB scores.<\/a> If you have earned non-elective credit in&nbsp;both&nbsp;math and English via your AP and\/or IB scores, then you have fulfilled your course placement requirement. If this applies to you, please be sure to email us at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:NFTest@uwm.edu\">NFTest@uwm.edu<\/a> so we can update your PAWS account accordingly. If you have earned non-elective credit in one subject area (math or English) but not both, you will still receive credit in that area but you will need to submit your ACT\/SAT scores or fulfill your course placement requirement with one of our free online math or English placement options outlined above.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"uwm-bg-gray uwm-u-py-80\"><div class=\"uwm-l-container--base uwm-l-container--overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-chemistry-placement\"><strong>Chemistry Placement<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to ensure that you are enrolled in the entry level chemistry course that best matches your ability and experience, the chemistry department utilizes an <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/chemistry\/students\/undergraduate\/chemistry-placement-testing\/\">online&nbsp;Chemistry Preliminary Placement<\/a>&nbsp;that students are required to complete before enrolling in chemistry 101, 102, or 105. This tool is available online 24\/7 and only takes a few minutes to complete. It can be completed on a phone, tablet, or computer.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After completing the Chemistry Preliminary Placement, students will earn a placement level of 0 or 1.&nbsp;Along with meeting designated math prerequisites, students wishing to enroll in CHEM 101, 102*, or 105*&nbsp;must have a chemistry preliminary placement level of 1. Students wishing to enroll in CHEM&nbsp;100&nbsp;must meet math prerequisites and&nbsp;are not required to&nbsp;complete the Chemistry Preliminary Placement.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&nbsp;will take 1-2 business days for your&nbsp;Chemistry Preliminary Placement&nbsp;result&nbsp;to be updated in PAWS and&nbsp;utilized&nbsp;for course enrollment.&nbsp;The results will also be&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;emailed to your UWM email account for reference and planning.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>*Please note that students enrolled in CHEM 102 and 105 will also complete a&nbsp;comprehensive in-person chemistry&nbsp;placement test during the first week of classes. You must earn a passing score on this test&nbsp;in order to&nbsp;retain&nbsp;your seat in CHEM 102 or 105. Students who do not earn a passing score on this written test will need to change their course to CHEM 100.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Students pursuing the following majors\u00a0will need\u00a0to complete the\u00a0online\u00a0chemistry preliminary\u00a0placement\u00a0a minimum of two days prior to their New Student Orientation session.\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Biochemistry <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biological Sciences <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biomedical Engineering <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BMS: Biomedical Science <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BMS: Public Health Microbiology <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chemistry <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Civil Engineering <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communication Sciences and Disorders <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Computer Engineering <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conservation and Environmental Science <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Education: Science Education only <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electrical Engineering <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environmental Engineering <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Freshwater Science <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Geosciences <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Industrial Engineering <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Material Engineering <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mechanical Engineering <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical Laboratory Science <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Microbiology <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Neuroscience <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nursing <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nutritional Sciences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-Health Programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-Anesthesiologist Assistant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-Chiropractic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-Dentistry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-Medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-Optometry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-Pathologist Assistant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-Pharmacy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-Physician Assistant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-Podiatry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-Veterinary Medicine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-Dietetics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pre-Physical Therapy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"uwm-u-py-80\"><div class=\"uwm-l-container--base uwm-l-container--overflow-hidden\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-placement-accommodations\">Placement Accommodations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Our online Guided English Placement is untimed and our online math placement test has built in extended time for everyone so there is no need to submit a request for an extended time accommodation.<br>The English placement is screen reader compatible. If you require a screen reader for your online math placement, please email panthermathprep@uwm.edu. We can schedule a time to administer a screen reader compatible version of the math placement test either in person or via Zoom.<br>Please email nftest@uwm.edu with any other accommodation questions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"has-alpha-channel-opacity uwm-c-hr--thick uwm-u-my-0\" \/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":0,"parent":94,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/full-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":"","uwm_wg_additional_authors":[313]},"class_list":["post-1256","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Registrar&#039;s Office<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how first-year students (freshman\/freshmen) at the University of Wisconsin\u2013Milwaukee receive course placement for math, English, and foreign languages, including placement tests, exemptions, and advising guidance.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/registrar\/enrollment\/freshman-course-placement\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"First-Year Student \/ Freshman Course Placement\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how first-year students (freshman\/freshmen) at the University of Wisconsin\u2013Milwaukee receive course placement for math, English, and foreign languages, including placement tests, exemptions, and advising guidance.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/registrar\/enrollment\/freshman-course-placement\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Registrar&#039;s Office\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-27T21:22:01+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"16 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/registrar\\\/enrollment\\\/freshman-course-placement\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/registrar\\\/enrollment\\\/freshman-course-placement\\\/\",\"name\":\"First-Year Student \\\/ Freshman Course Placement - 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