Placement Assessments
Placement assessments help determine which courses are the best fit for your academic preparation and degree plan. CGS students may complete placement assessments in writing, math, languages, and music theory.
Writing Placement Assessment
The College of General Studies’ Online Writing Placement Assessment is available to incoming CGS students who do not have SAT or ACT writing scores. This assessment is an essay-based exam written in response to one of two prompts. Results of the assessment will help advisors determine which ENGCMP course a new student should enroll in.
- The majority of undergraduates will take ENGCMP 0200 Seminar in Composition (SC) to fulfill the first of three writing-intensive requirements at the University of Pittsburgh.
- In some cases, Seminar in Composition is preceded by ENGCMP 0150 Workshop in Composition or ENGCMP 0152 Workshop in Composition: ESL for students who may benefit from additional support. Placement in these courses is normally based on the student’s SAT or ACT writing scores.
Students without valid scores will be identified upon acceptance to CGS and notified of their eligibility to take the assessment. The assessment is available online through the University of Pittsburgh Canvas Learning Management System and may also be taken in person upon request.
At their first advising meeting, students will have the opportunity to learn more about the assessment process from their advisor and decide whether they would like to take the writing assessment and in what format.
Students who do not complete the assessment will be placed automatically in ENGCMP 0150 Workshop in Composition.
Math, Language, and Music Theory Assessments
Math
If students plan to take a math course such as Math 0120, Math 0125, Math 0200, Math 0220, or Math 0400, they must take the ALEKS math placement assessment. Exceptions apply.
Visit the Department of Mathematics website for more detailed information.
Languages
French, German, Italian, and Spanish placement assessments are coordinated by the respective language departments.
Music Theory
The music theory placement assessment is offered online.
Review the Full Placement Guidelines
Find additional information about placement assessments and requirements.