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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

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Placement Tests

Placement testing in modern languages, computer science, journalism and mathematics helps determine the appropriate first course for you to take in Nebraska's course sequence in these academic areas. Your adviser will review your scores and academic history including ACT scores, AP work and high school grades before assisting you select courses.

Computer Science

All students interested in taking one of the introductory programming courses CSCE 105, CSCE 155, or CSCE 156 should take the Computer Science Placement Exam, before coming to New Student Enrollment. The exam is online, not proctored, should take under an hour, and can be repeated. It consists of 50 multiple choice exercises that probe logical and mathematical thinking as well as some computer science programming concepts, so that students of different aptitudes and backgrounds may be recommended with an appropriate introductory programming course. The exam is continuously available at http://ncite.unl.edu/cs_placement/

Journalism

College of Journalism and Mass Communications students interested in enrolling in JOUR102-The Art of Writing are required to pass the "Grammar Slammer" exam prior to enrolling in the course. The exam is a 30-minute timed test of basic grammar and punctuation and offered at New Student Enrollment.

Math

All colleges with the exception of Journalism and Mass Communications require the Math Placement test unless you have college credit with a C or better in Calculus. Students who intend to register for any math course numbered 100A/100 to 106/106C must take the exam. This exam is designed to help you and your Academic Adviser determine the appropriate Math and Science courses in which to enroll. You are allowed to bring and use any calculator EXCEPT calculators (such as the TI-89 or TI-92) which have symbolic manipulation functions. A sample math placement test is available at: http://www.math.unl.edu/resources/undergraduate/mpe.shtml

Modern Language

If students are continuing in Spanish, French, or German, they will take the Modern Language Placement test unless they have had less than two years in high school or one year in college. Students in Arts and Sciences, Journalism and Mass Communication and Fine and Performing Arts need to take the exam if they have had two or more but less than four years of one of those languages in high school. Those with four or more years wishing to do further studies in one of these languages need to take the placement exam. This is a computerized multiple-choice test. Students will be advised immediately after the test. The test will be given at NSE. Those who wish to start over in another language may of course do so and are thus not required to take the placement exam.

University Libraries Library 110 Proficiency Exam

A few colleges list Library 110 as a degree requirement. Check with your advisor as to whether your college does require this course. If it does, and you feel you have extensive experience in using an academic research library, you may have the opportunity to take the Library 110 Proficiency Exam in replace of the course.

Orientation Leaders

Christopher Fripp Christopher Fripp
Frisco, TX
Business Administration

After adjusting to college life, Chris offers the following advice: "Don't think of your goals as dreams, but assignments worth 95% of your grade."