Assessments for new students are conducted at the beginning of the year to determine the best placement in the various instructional levels. Math and foreign language are offered online, and the writing assessment is completed in person during orientation.
ALEKS Math
GC utilizes the ALEKS Math Placement Test to accurately place students in their Quantitative Literacy (QL) course, ensuring all students can be successful. ALEKS also offers learning modules for reviewing math concepts, which could help students prepare for college courses.
- Most students must complete the ALEKS placement test, which allows us to determine optimal placement for meeting the QL requirement.
- If you have earned college credit in Math or received a score of 4-5 in a Math AP exam or 4 or higher on an IB exam, you will NOT need to take the ALEKS math placement assessment unless you plan on a Science major.
Students should plan to take the online test before attending New Student Orientation (NSO). If you need a computer to take the placement assessment, you can access the Union computer lab during NSO.
- If your ALEKS score is lower than desired, we encourage you to access the Prep and Learning review modules in ALEKS.
- After spending three hours in the review modules, you are ready to retake the test for a new score.
- All students in the Science or Nursing programs should have a strong math background; therefore, we encourage you to review the ALEKS modules in preparation for your courses.
Click here to read more about the ALEKS mathematics placement scores
Writing
The writing assessment is completed in person during orientation. Students will be given a prompt and asked to write two academic paragraphs in response. The assessment is used to place students in the correct section of CORE 110, Academic Voice. Some students may have earned dual credit to meet the first part of the writing sequence in the Core requirement and are ready for the second course, Research & Writing.
Foreign Language
Who should take a language placement test?
As part of the Global Education Core requirement, students must demonstrate proficiency in two semesters of a foreign language. Language is also required as part of the Study Service Term (SST). Students who have completed at least three years of foreign language study in high school can opt to take an online language placement exam for Spanish, French, German, or Chinese to determine their appropriate language placement for enrollment in Spanish courses or to meet foreign language proficiency requirements:
You do not need to take a language placement test if:
- You have never studied the specific language you wish to pursue at GC.
- You have college-level transfer credit in a foreign language.
- Your native language is not one of the testing languages
Students who wish to take a placement test for Spanish, French, German, or Chinese should contact Michelle Blank (mblank@goshen.edu) for access to the exam link. You need to have your student ID number and GC email to access the test. Note: If you would like to retake the test, a $40 fee applies.
Students interested in taking an ASL placement exam should contact Colleen Geier (cageier@goshen.edu) to schedule a time.
International students can request a foreign language waiver by contacting the Global Education office upon arrival on campus.
Interpreting your placement/competency test scores
- I scored below 40 on my foreign language placement test: You should start with the beginning course, 101.
- My score was 40-69: You are ready for 102-level language classes.
- I scored 70-89 on the foreign language placement test: You will be most successful in the 201 level.
- I scored 90 or higher on the foreign language placement test: Talk with your advisor and language professors about your goals for further language learning. You are qualified to take 202, 205, or 300-level courses. Your decision depends on your major and future dreams.