What placement tests should I take?

Take the Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS) math placement exam to assess your current math skills. We strongly encourage you to take this exam seriously. Use the ALEKS study module to help improve your score. Note: you can retake the test up to five times at no additional cost.

Nearly every undergraduate student needs to take ALEKS, but you may qualify for an exception. Check to see if any of these apply to you.

I have credits from a dual-credit math course

• You do not need to take ALEKS if you are a first-year undergraduate student, and your dual math credits are from another IU campus.
• You do need to take ALEKS if your dual math credits are from any university other than IU.

I have taken a math course at another university

If you are an undergraduate transfer student and have taken a transferable math class in the last three semesters with a C- or higher, you do not need to take ALEKS.

I already took the ALEKS test through IU.

If you have taken ALEKS at another IU campus for your undergraduate degree, it is not transferable, and you should plan to retest.

For more information about math placement testing, please contact your academic advisor.

Taking this mandatory, 10-question survey helps us recommend the writing course that best matches your interests and abilities. There are no wrong answers on this survey. You can choose to accept our recommendation or make a different choice.

Students who need to take CHEM-C 105: Principles of Chemistry I need to take the chemistry placement exam. Most STEM majors require CHEM-C 105. Search for your major using iGPS Degree Map to see if CHEM-C 105 is needed for your degree. If you have taken a college-level transferable chemistry class and earned a grade of C or higher (not C-) within the past 18 months, you do not need to take the chemistry placement test.

For more information about chemistry placement testing, please contact your academic advisor.

Students who intend to take a Spanish, German, or French class and already have proficiency in that language should take this test. If you plan to continue studying a language and have taken courses for two or more years, taking this test will help you start your college-level studies at a level that matches your knowledge. If you plan to take a foreign language for the first time, there is no need to take this test.

For more information about language placement testing, please contact your academic advisor.

The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) test is primarily for international and non-native English-speaking students. The EAP program prepares you to meet academic expectations. Specialized resources will help you improve your writing, research, and communication skills to start a successful academic career at IU Indianapolis and beyond.

Do I need to apply to EAP?

Please apply for admission to the University. If you meet the academic criteria and need English language support, your admission letter will place you in EAP and the next step will be to schedule your EAP test.

How does EAP work?

The EAP program is both a test and a course. The EAP test is your initial assessment. EAP courses take place in a sequence of four sessions, two in each of the first two semesters, taken alongside other undergraduate courses. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty help you experience a friendly, collaborative environment with maximum student-teacher interaction to promote active learning.

You’ll engage in classroom instruction for cross-cultural awareness and critical thinking skills. Individual attention and conferences will be provided as the need arises. You can also participate in social, cultural, and academic events on campus to ease your transition into US culture and the campus community.

In addition to modern high-tech classrooms and computer labs, IU Indianapolis language facilities include digital and multi-media labs for classes and self-monitored, independent practice in listening, speaking, and pronunciation. An ESL tutoring center and the University Writing Center have specialized staff to assist you.

When does EAP testing take place?

The EAP test usually takes place during fall orientation in August and spring orientation in January. You’ll register for a test time during your orientation activities. International students can find more information in their pre-arrival checklist on Atlas.

If you do not take the test during the August or January orientation weeks, you can schedule a time at the IU Indianapolis Testing Center.

Before taking the exam, please be sure you have set up your IU computing account, launched Canvas at least once, and downloaded the Duo app for Two-Step Login at IU.

For graduate students enrolling online, please note: Some students, including full-time online students, may not have immediate access to EAP. In this case, enroll in the EAP summer online G513 course prior to taking any other courses. Please work with your academic advisor and seek advanced permission from your graduate program director and the EAP director.

What happens if I don’t take the EAP test?

If you don’t take the test as required, your account will be placed on hold. This prevents you from registering for your second-semester classes until you take the test.

What happens after I take the EAP test?

Depending on the results of your EAP testing, you may need to take EAP courses simultaneously with your academic courses for one or two semesters. These courses are required, and you can’t graduate without completing them. Discuss your EAP results and plan your EAP courses with your academic advisor.

Can I wait to take the EAP test after being admitted to IU Indianapolis?

After university admission, you cannot submit updated English proficiency exams. Whether or not you need to take the EAP test will be based on the materials you submitted when you applied. Keep this in mind when choosing how to show your English proficiency.

Who qualifies for EAP?

If you were required to provide proof of English proficiency as you applied to IU Indianapolis, you may also be required to take the EAP test. Most admitted international students, and most admitted U.S. students whose native language is not English, fall into this category. This includes both undergraduate and graduate students.

High-intermediate and advanced EAP courses are for students entering IU Indianapolis degree programs and non-degree students interested in enhancing their English language skills. EAP courses are also open to IU Indianapolis international staff and faculty.

The charts below will help you understand whether you are required to take the EAP test. However, always follow instructions from your admissions office. If you are an international student, additional materials included with your admission letter from the Office of International Affairs will provide more information.

For more information about EAP testing and programs, please email esl@iu.edu.