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Academic Enrichment

 

Placement and Testing Information

All entering degree-seeking students less than 21 years of age will be assessed for prescribed course placement initially according to valid ACT/SAT scores. Permissible scores are less than three years old. Students with ACT subscores that are 18 or lower in the areas of reading, English, or math are automatically placed in the courses in the appropriate area. Students with mathematics or verbal SAT scores of 450 or less are placed in the appropriate areas, and students with SAT composite scores of 890 or below are placed into the reading area. In an effort to minimize the number of courses that must be taken, students with prescribed course requirements in reading or English are required to verify this placement by taking the COMPASS test prior to registration.  Students with only a math prescribed course requirement have the option of challenging this placement with COMPASS testing. Many students taking the COMPASS tests reduce or eliminate the number of prescribed courses they are required to take. The results of the COMPASS tests will never place students lower than their original ACT/SAT placement.

Non-traditional students without ACT/SAT scores are required to undergo assessment to determine appropriate placement in the prescribed courses. Applicants who will be 21 years of age or older at the time of admission are required to undergo University assessment for each area or may elect to provide ACT/SAT scores that have been taken within three years prior to the first day of the first term of enrollment. For these purposes, University assessment includes: (1) a test in writing; (2) a test in reading comprehension; and (3) a test in mathematics covering prealgebra, elementary algebra and intermediate algebra.  The assessment exam is administered at MTSU through the Academic Assessment Center . Please call (615) 898-2568 for an appointment.  Additionally, transfer students who have not earned college-level, algebra based math or English credits must undergo University assessment in appropriate areas.

Students admitted as Adult Special who have not completed the first college-level course in English or algebra-based mathematics must undergo assessment in the appropriate subject area and must complete courses indicated by test placement prior to enrolling in the respective college-level English or mathematics course.  Adult Special students must also enroll in the prescribed courses prior to enrolling in any college-level course that has the needed prescribed course as a prerequisite.

Students admitted with high school English or algebra deficiencies must undergo assessment based on valid ACT/SAT scores or University testing for the purpose of meeting high school unit admission criteria.  GED students are included in this category.

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