Math (MATH) and English (ENGL) placements are determined by ACT, SAT, or Viterbo Placement Exam scores. Viterbo University utilizes these standardized exam scores to help match a student’s level of skill and knowledge with proper coursework as well as provide appropriate levels of academic support for students who may benefit. If a student is unable to submit an ACT or SAT score, Viterbo will provide an equivalent placement exam for them to complete prior to the Student Transition and Registration (STAR) event.
Students should work with their academic advisor and refer to their catalog requirements to determine appropriate MATH and ENGL courses needed based on placement and major-specific requirements. If students do not feel they are placed appropriately, they are encouraged to ask their advisor about opportunities to challenge their placement score.
Students who are interested in the Spanish Placement Exam (optional) will complete a written examination which is evaluated by a faculty member in the World Languages department.
For more information about Math, English, and Spanish placement, please see the corresponding sections below and contact Academic Advising with additional questions by emailing advising@viterbo.edu or calling 608-796-3084.
Math (MATH) placement is determined by ACT Math, SAT Math, or Viterbo Math Placement Exam scores in accordance with the following levels. Students should work with their advisor to determine appropriate MATH courses needed for their selected program.
| ACT Math Score | SAT Comparable Score* | Math Placement |
|---|---|---|
| 27 (or higher) | 630 (or higher) | MATH-220 |
| 24 - 26 | 570 -620 | MATH-113, MATH-230, MATH-255, or MATH-270 |
| 19 - 23 | 510 - 560 | MATH-112, MATH-130, or MATH-155 |
| 17 - 18 | 460 - 500 | MATH-112 and MATH-081 (JIT), MATH-130 and MATH-083 (JIT), or MATH-155 |
| 1 - 16 | 260 - 450 | MATH-091 |
*Based on ACT/SAT Concordance in conjunction with the comparable scores outlined by ACT.
English (ENGL) placement is determined by ACT, SAT, or Viterbo Placement Exam scores in accordance with the following levels. Students should work with their advisor to determine appropriate ENGL courses needed for their selected program.
| ACT English Score | SAT Comparable Score* | English Placement |
|---|---|---|
| 23 (or higher) | 580 (or higher) | ENGL-105 (or ENGL-195 for Honors Program) |
| 18 - 22 | 490 - 570 | ENGL-103, ENGL-104 |
| 17 (or below) | 480 (or below) | ENGL-103 with Workshop, ENGL-104 |
*Based on ACT/SAT Concordance in conjunction with the comparable scores outlined by ACT.
An online Spanish placement exam is available for students who have taken Spanish in high school, have been exposed to Spanish as a first or second language, or have lived in a Spanish speaking country for an extended period of time. Students will be placed into the appropriate Spanish course after the exam has been evaluated by a faculty member in the World Languages department. Students who then complete the course with a C or above will receive between 3 and 12 retroactive credits depending upon the course they completed.
Students who have successfully completed a college Spanish course (with a grade of C or higher) do not need to take the Spanish Placement Test; however, a transcript from the college where Spanish credit was earned must be submitted to Viterbo for the credits to be applied to the students’ requirements.
Students can take the Spanish Placement Exam at any time. To enroll in the online exam, please contact Lisa Konkel by calling 608-796-3467 or emailing lmkonkel@viterbo.edu.