New Freshmen

Placement testing is open May 1 through September 4, 2026

Math is the only placement test that all new freshmen are required to take, and it is the only placement test that you can take more than once. Whether or not you are required to take any of the other placement exams depends on which college you are going into, what your academic background is, and what you chose for your intended program of study. Even if you have taken Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate tests in these subjects, you still need to take the placement exams if your college requires them. Please complete your placement testing at least two weeks prior to your New Student Registration date.

Math placement testing (Required for all incoming Freshmen)- Log in with your NetID and password.
Science placement testing - Log in with your NetID and password.
"Language other than English" placement testing - Log in with your NetID and password.
Composition placement testing - If you submitted ACT/SAT scores, you do not have to fill out the Rhetoric Placement Questionnaire. For more information, click on your college (below). International students who are required to take the EPT must take the EPT for placement into their 'Composition I' class.

Not sure which placement tests you have to take? Click on the college that you have been admitted to.

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences 2026-2027

PLACEMENT TEST	"Do I Have To Take This Test?”
Rhetoric	If your ACT/SAT scores were used in the evaluation of your application for admission, we will take your best ACT English or best SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score to place you into a Rhetoric course. If you chose not to have your ACT/SAT scores used for admission purposes, you will be placed into a Rhetoric class based on your high school coursework and/or on your responses to the Rhetoric Placement Questionnaire. NOTE: International students who were told to take the English Placement Test (the EPT) must take the EPT for 'Composition I' placement.
Math (ALEKS PPL)	Yes. This assessment is used to place you into the appropriate math course for your degree program. Not all degree programs in ACES require a certain score to complete the quantitative requirements, but it is required that all incoming freshman complete this math assessment.
Chemistry	Yes, if you are in one of the following majors or plan to be in a pre-health profession, such as pre-med or pre-nursing. Agricultural Biological Engineering Agronomy Animal Sciences Computer Science + Animal Science Computer Science + Crop Science Crop Sciences Dietetics & Nutrition Engineering Technology & Management for Agricultural Systems Food Science Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences Nutrition & Health Plant Biotechnology
Physics	Only if you are going into the Agricultural and Biological Engineering program or if you intend to go into any Engineering curriculum.
Spatial Visualization	No. However, it is strongly recommended if you are going into the Agricultural and Biological Engineering program.
IMR Biology	Yes, if you are planning to take any biology courses in your first year.
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)	No. However, it is strongly recommended for any student with AP Biology or IB Biology credit who is considering using that credit to pass out of MCB 150 and register for MCB 250.
English as a Second Language (the EPT)	Only if you received the email stating that you are required to take it.
Language Other Than English (LOTE)	Only if you studied a LOTE in high school but did not successfully complete the third level of the same LOTE, or if you plan to continue with the language at Illinois.

College of Applied Health Sciences 2026-2027

PLACEMENT TEST	"Do I Have To Take This Test?”
Rhetoric	If your ACT/SAT scores were used in the evaluation of your application for admission, we will take your best ACT English or best SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score to place you into a Rhetoric course. If you chose not to have your ACT/SAT scores used for admission purposes, you will be placed into a Rhetoric class based on your high school coursework and/or on your responses to the Rhetoric Placement Questionnaire. NOTE: International students who were told to take the English Placement Test (the EPT) must take the EPT for 'Composition I' placement.
Math (ALEKS PPL)	Yes.
Chemistry	Yes, unless you are majoring in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism (RST).
Physics	Only if you have studied physics and you plan to take a physics course at Illinois.
IMR Biology	Yes, if you are planning to take any biology courses in your first year.
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)	No. However, it is strongly recommended for any student with AP Biology or IB Biology credit who is considering using that credit to pass out of MCB 150 and register for MCB 250.
English as a Second Language (the EPT)	Only if you received the email stating that you are required to take it.
Language Other Than English (LOTE)	Only if you studied a LOTE in high school but did not successfully complete the third level of the same LOTE, or if you plan to continue with the language at Illinois.

College of Education 2026-2027

PLACEMENT TEST	"Do I Have To Take This Test?”
Rhetoric	If your ACT/SAT scores were used in the evaluation of your application for admission, we will take your best ACT English or best SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score to place you into a Rhetoric course. If you chose not to have your ACT/SAT scores used for admission purposes, you will be placed into a Rhetoric class based on your high school coursework and/or on your responses to the Rhetoric Placement Questionnaire. NOTE: International students who were told to take the English Placement Test (the EPT) must take the EPT for 'Composition I' placement.
Math (ALEKS PPL)	Yes.
Chemistry	Only if you plan to take a chemistry course at Illinois and you have completed less than two years of chemistry in high school.
Physics	Only if you have studied physics and you plan to take a physics course at Illinois.
IMR Biology	No. However, it is strongly recommended if you are planning to take any biology courses in your first year.
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)	No. However, it is strongly recommended for any student with AP Biology or IB Biology credit who is considering using that credit to pass out of MCB 150 and register for MCB 250.
English as a Second Language (the EPT)	Only if you received the email stating that you are required to take it.
Language Other Than English (LOTE)	Only if you studied a LOTE in high school but did not successfully complete the third level of the same LOTE, or if you plan to continue with the language at Illinois.

College of Fine & Applied Arts 2026-2027

PLACEMENT TEST	"Do I Have To Take This Test?”
Rhetoric	If your ACT/SAT scores were used in the evaluation of your application for admission, we will take your best ACT English or best SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score to place you into a Rhetoric course. If you chose not to have your ACT/SAT scores used for admission purposes, you will be placed into a Rhetoric class based on your high school coursework and/or on your responses to the Rhetoric Placement Questionnaire. NOTE: International students who were told to take the English Placement Test (the EPT) must take the EPT for 'Composition I' placement.
Math (ALEKS PPL)	Yes.
Chemistry	Only if you plan to take a chemistry course at Illinois and you have completed less than two years of chemistry in high school.
Physics	Only if you have studied physics and you plan to take a physics course at Illinois.
IMR Biology	No. However, it is strongly recommended if you are planning to take any biology courses in your first year.
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)	No. However, it is strongly recommended for any student with AP Biology or IB Biology credit who is considering using that credit to pass out of MCB 150 and register for MCB 250.
English as a Second Language (the EPT)	Only if you received the email stating that you are required to take it.
Language Other Than English (LOTE)	Only if you studied a LOTE in high school but did not fulfill the Gen Ed LOTE requirement, or if you plan to continue with the language at Illinois. The Gen Ed language requirement for most programs of study is satisfied by completion of the third level of one LOTE in high school or through the third level (3 semesters) of one LOTE in college. Students completing programs of study in Art History, Music History, and Music/Vocal Performance have higher language requirements for graduation. Please consult with your department's academic advisor or the FAA college office for the specific language requirements for your program of study.

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences 2026-2027

PLACEMENT TEST	"Do I Have To Take This Test?”
Rhetoric	If your ACT/SAT scores were used in the evaluation of your application for admission, we will take your best ACT English or best SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score to place you into a Rhetoric course. If you chose not to have your ACT/SAT scores used for admission purposes, you will be placed into a Rhetoric class based on your high school coursework and/or on your responses to the Rhetoric Placement Questionnaire. NOTE: International students who were told to take the English Placement Test (the EPT) must take the EPT for 'Composition I' placement.
Math (ALEKS PPL)	Yes, as changing Math courses can be very difficult at the start of the semester, students in majors which require Calculus should complete the ALEKS exam at least two weeks before their NSR appointment.
Chemistry	Yes, if you have been admitted to or if you are planning to pursue one of the LAS majors and/or pre-professional programs listed below: Majors: Atmospheric Sciences Biochemistry Biological Sciences, including Biology Teaching Option Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Chemistry, including the Chemistry Teaching Option Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability: The Science of the Earth System (SES) Concentration only Geology, including the Earth Sciences & Environmental Change option Molecular and Cellular Biology + Data Science Neuroscience Pre-Professional Program: Anesthesiology Assistant Athletic Training Chiropractic Dentistry Genetic Counseling Medicine Nursing Optometry Pharmacy Physician Assistant Physical Therapy Podiatry Veterinary Medicine Yes, if you studied chemistry in high school and you plan to take a chemistry course at Illinois Yes, if you are planning to apply for transfer to Grainger College of Engineering No, if you have been admitted to an LAS program which is not listed above and you don't plan to take a chemistry course at Illinois
Physics	Yes, if you are in one of the following programs: Astronomy (all majors) Atmospheric Sciences Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Chemistry-specialized curriculum Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability: The Science of the Earth System (SES) Concentration only Earth Science & Environmental Change (ESEC) Yes, if you studied physics in high school and you plan to take PHYS 211 at Illinois Yes, if you are planning to apply to transfer to Grainger College of Engineering No, if you plan to take PHYS 101/102 or have been admitted to an LAS program which is not listed above and you don’t plan to take a physics course at Illinois.
IMR Biology	Yes, if you plan to take IB 150, MCB 150 or any biology courses in your first year.
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)	No. However, it is strongly recommended for any student with AP Biology or IB Biology credit who is considering using that credit to pass out of MCB 150 and register for MCB 250.
English as a Second Language (the EPT)	Only if you received the email stating that you are required to take it.
Language Other Than English (LOTE)	Only if you studied a LOTE in high school but did not successfully complete the fourth level of the same LOTE, or if you plan to continue with the language at Illinois. Most programs in LAS require completion of the fourth level of a LOTE; some require only the third level. Check your degree requirements.

College of Media 2026-2027

PLACEMENT TEST	"Do I Have To Take This Test?”
Rhetoric	If your ACT/SAT scores were used in the evaluation of your application for admission, we will take your best ACT English or best SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score to place you into a Rhetoric course. If you chose not to have your ACT/SAT scores used for admission purposes, you will be placed into a Rhetoric class based on your high school coursework and/or on your responses to the Rhetoric Placement Questionnaire. NOTE: International students who were told to take the English Placement Test (the EPT) must take the EPT for 'Composition I' placement.
Math (ALEKS PPL)	Yes, and if you plan to pursue the "Computer Science and Advertising" major, you should seek to earn at least an 80 on the Math Placement Test in order to be placed into 'Calculus I'. Calc I is normally taken in your first semester, unless you have already earned credit for Calc I.
Chemistry	Only if you plan to take a chemistry course at Illinois and you have completed less than two years of chemistry in high school.
Physics	Only if you have studied physics and you plan to take a physics course at Illinois.
IMR Biology	No. However, it is strongly recommended if you are planning to take any biology courses in your first year.
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)	No. However, it is strongly recommended for any student with AP Biology or IB Biology credit who is considering using that credit to pass out of MCB 150 and register for MCB 250.
English as a Second Language (the EPT)	Only if you received the email stating that you are required to take it.
Language Other Than English (LOTE)	Only if you studied a LOTE in high school but did not successfully complete the third level of the same LOTE, or if you plan to continue with the language at Illinois.

Division of Exploratory Studies 2026-2027

PLACEMENT TEST	"Do I Have To Take This Test?”
Rhetoric	If your ACT/SAT scores were used in the evaluation of your application for admission, we will take your best ACT English or best SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score to place you into a Rhetoric course. If you chose not to have your ACT/SAT scores used for admission purposes, you will be placed into a Rhetoric class based on your high school coursework and/or on your responses to the Rhetoric Placement Questionnaire. NOTE: International students who were told to take the English Placement Test (the EPT) must take the EPT for 'Composition I' placement.
Math (ALEKS PPL)	Yes.
Chemistry	Yes
Physics	Maybe - if you are thinking of transferring into any Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics majors.
IMR Biology	Maybe - if you anticipate pursuing a major that might require biology.
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)	Maybe - if you anticipate pursuing a major that might require biology.
English as a Second Language (the EPT)	Yes, if it is listed as a requirement in your MyIllini Admitted Student Checklist (if it is not in your checklist, it is not required).
Language Other Than English (LOTE)	Maybe. If you completed three or fewer levels of language in high school, you should take the LOTE placement exams for the language you studied. You advisor will discuss LOTE options with you.

Gies College of Business 2026-2027

PLACEMENT TEST	"Do I Have To Take This Test?”
Rhetoric	If your ACT/SAT scores were used in the evaluation of your application for admission, we will take your best ACT English or best SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score to place you into a Rhetoric course. To be exempt from 'Composition I,' you must have either an ACT English score of 34 or higher or an SAT EBRW score of 720 or higher. If you chose not to have your ACT/SAT scores used for admission purposes, you will be placed into a Rhetoric class based on your high school coursework and/or on your responses to the Rhetoric Placement Questionnaire. NOTE: International students who were told to take the English Placement Test (the EPT) must take the EPT for 'Composition I' placement.
Math (ALEKS PPL)	Yes.
Chemistry	Only if you plan to take a chemistry course at Illinois and you have completed less than two years of chemistry in high school. You are required to take two Natural Sciences and Technology courses in order to fulfill the Gen Ed requirement.
Physics	Only if you have studied physics and you plan to take a physics course at Illinois. You are required to take two Natural Sciences and Technology courses in order to fulfill the Gen Ed requirement.
IMR Biology	No. However, it is strongly recommended if you are planning to take any biology courses in your first year.
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)	No. However, it is strongly recommended for any student with AP Biology or IB Biology credit who is considering using that credit to pass out of MCB 150 and register for MCB 250.
English as a Second Language (the EPT)	Only if you received the email stating that you are required to take it.
Language Other Than English (LOTE)	Only if you studied a LOTE in high school but did not successfully complete the third level of the same LOTE, or if you plan to continue with the language at Illinois.

Grainger College of Engineering 2026-2027

PLACEMENT TEST	"Do I Have To Take This Test?”
Rhetoric	If your ACT/SAT scores were used in the evaluation of your application for admission, we will take your best ACT English or best SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score to place you into a Rhetoric course. If you chose not to have your ACT/SAT scores used for admission purposes, you will be placed into a Rhetoric class based on your high school coursework and/or on your responses to the Rhetoric Placement Questionnaire. NOTE: International students who were told to take the English Placement Test (the EPT) must take the EPT for 'Composition I' placement.
Math (ALEKS PPL)	Yes. Completion is required prior to signing up for new student registration (NSR).
Chemistry	Yes. Completion is required prior to signing up for new student registration (NSR).
Physics	Yes. Completion is required prior to signing up for new student registration (NSR).
Spatial Visualization	It is required for all first-year students in Aerospace, Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Industrial, System Engineering & Design, Engineering Mechanics, and Engineering Undeclared Programs.
IMR Biology	No. However, it is required if you are planning to take any biology courses in your first year.
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)	No. However, it is strongly recommended for any student with AP Biology or IB Biology credit who is considering using that credit to pass out of MCB 150 and register for MCB 250. Yes if you are in one of the following majors: Bioengineering Neural Engineering
English as a Second Language (the EPT)	Only if you received the email stating that you are required to take it.
Language Other Than English (LOTE)	Only if you studied a LOTE in high school but did not successfully complete the third level of the same LOTE, or if you plan to continue with the language at Illinois.

School of Information Sciences 2026-2027

PLACEMENT TEST	"Do I Have To Take This Test?”
Rhetoric	If your ACT/SAT scores were used in the evaluation of your application for admission, we will take your best ACT English or best SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score to place you into a Rhetoric course. If you chose not to have your ACT/SAT scores used for admission purposes, you will be placed into a Rhetoric class based on your high school coursework and/or on your responses to the Rhetoric Placement Questionnaire. NOTE: International students who were told to take the English Placement Test (the EPT) must take the EPT for 'Composition I' placement.
Math (ALEKS PPL)	Yes.
Chemistry	Only if you plan to take a chemistry course at Illinois and you have completed less than two years of chemistry in high school.
Physics	Only if you have studied physics and you plan to take a physics course at Illinois.
IMR Biology	No. However, it is strongly recommended if you are planning to take any biology courses in your first year.
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)	No. However, it is strongly recommended for any student with AP Biology or IB Biology credit who is considering using that credit to pass out of MCB 150 and register for MCB 250.
English as a Second Language (the EPT)	Only if you received the email stating that you are required to take it.
Language Other Than English (LOTE)	Only if you studied a LOTE in high school but did not successfully complete the third level of the same LOTE, or if you plan to continue with the language at Illinois.

School of Social Work 2026-2027

PLACEMENT TEST	"Do I Have To Take This Test?”
Rhetoric	If your ACT/SAT scores were used in the evaluation of your application for admission, we will take your best ACT English or best SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score to place you into a Rhetoric course. If you chose not to have your ACT/SAT scores used for admission purposes, you will be placed into a Rhetoric class based on your high school coursework and/or on your responses to the Rhetoric Placement Questionnaire. NOTE: International students who were told to take the English Placement Test (the EPT) must take the EPT for 'Composition I' placement.
Math (ALEKS PPL)	Yes. Students pursuing Pre-Health programs, a Business minor, or minors that require calculus should seek to earn at least an 80 on the Math Placement Test in order to enroll in 'Calculus I'.
Chemistry	Only if you plan to take a chemistry course at Illinois and you have completed less than two years of chemistry in high school.
Physics	Only if you have studied physics and you plan to take a physics course at Illinois.
IMR Biology	No. However, it is strongly recommended if you are planning to take any biology courses in your first year.
Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB)	Only if you have studied biology and you plan to take a biology course at Illinois. This would include students pursuing Pre-Health programs. It is also strongly recommended for any student with AP Biology or IB Biology credit who is considering using that credit to pass out of MCB 150 and register for MCB 250.
English as a Second Language (the EPT)	Only if you received the email stating that you are required to take it.
Language Other Than English (LOTE)	Only if you studied a LOTE in high school but did not successfully complete the third level of the same LOTE, or if you plan to continue with the language at Illinois.

New Freshmen

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