Students must send any official ACT/SAT scores and any final, official transcripts to MSU prior to Orientation/Class Registration so they can be used for placement purposes. If a student does not have official test scores nor college credit, alternative placement methods are outlined below.

Math Placement

If you have a math placement listed on your Undergraduate Admissions Checklist.

  • You are not required to take the EdReady Initial Math Placement assessment.
  • Please still reference the the math flowchart and what math placement is recommended for your major by viewing the Majors by Required Math list.
  • If your math placement will allow you to take the recommended course for your major, you do not need to do anything else. If you have a math placement level that is lower than what is recommended for your major, you are strongly encouraged to take the EdReady Initial Math Placement to ensure that your placement reflects your most current knowledge.
  • EdReady Initial Math Placement can only bring your placement up; there is no risk that your placement will drop.

If you do not have a math placement listed on your Undergraduate Admissions Checklist.

  •  You are required to take the EdReady Initial Math Placement assessment.
  • The assessment will be available at the start of your Online Orientation through your Undergraduate Admissions Checklist. You will log into EdReady using your MSU Net ID and password.
  • Students will need to complete this placement exam prior to meeting with their Advisor. 
  • After a student completes the EdReady math placement, there will be a message informing them of their designated math placement.
    • If students are content with their math placement, they can exit the program.
    • If students would like to increase their math level, students can opt into the EdReady study paths allowing them to study (20 hours or less) and potentially improve their math placement.

Writing Placement

If a student has test scores and/or college credit, MSU will use these to place students in the appropriate writing course.

If a student does not have test scores and/or college credit, they will be required to take an online writing assessment available within the online Orientation pathway in CatsConnect.

  • Students will need to complete this placement assessment prior to meeting with their Advisor.
  • After a student completes the placement assessment, they will self-select into a writing class. Students will have a writing placement suggestion as soon as they conclude the assessment.

Language Placement

  • A webCAPE, CLEP, or AP exam is required for students with previous experience (at least one year of high school language) wishing to take French, German or Spanish classes.
  • To take an exam, students must go to ly/2vartoJ and create an account. The cost to take a webCAPE exam is $10.
  • Students must print their results or take a screenshot/picture of the score and bring it to The Department of Modern Languages in Gaines 117 (phone: 406-994-4448, fax: 406-994-6199). Students seeking placement into Spanish must also complete an oral proficiency interview. After discussing scores and placement, the Department of Modern Languages will register students for appropriate classes.
  • For more information regarding webCAPE, AP and CLEP exams, visit http://www.montana.edu/admissions/orientation/placement.html.