Complete Your Placement Assessments
There are several assessments each incoming student needs to complete in order to ensure they enroll in the appropriate classes their first semester. Not all assessments are required, but you are strongly encouraged to review each assessment below to determine which is required for you. Each assessment will help identify your areas of academic interest as well as your subject matter background and preparation level. It is important that you complete all of the assessments that pertain to you as soon as possible so your results may assist us with pre-registering you for the correct level of class. Make sure you carefully review the information below and then access all assessments through your Buff Portal. If you have questions, make sure you contact the New Student & Family Programs Office for assistance.
Note: You will need your CU Boulder login and IdentiKey password in order to log in. Need help with your IdentiKey?
Math Placement
You must complete the online Math Readiness Test if you plan to take a precalculus or calculus 1 class in the summer or fall. Your score on the exam combined with other information like high school GPA and the math classes you took in high school will determine your math placement for summer or fall 2024. Placement results will be available three business days after you complete the test, beginning May 24. You can view your placement results in Buff Portal Advising or in Canvas by clicking on "Grades" in the CU Boulder Math Readiness Test course.
*The following majors may require Calculus 1: All majors in the College of Engineering & Applied Science, Applied Mathematics, Astrophysics, Astronomy, Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Geology, Integrative Physiology, Mathematics, Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, and Physics.
The math assessment is offered online through Canvas. Make sure to review the self-enroll tutorial, then complete the CU Boulder Math Readiness Test.
Before taking the online exam:
- Read about math placement at CU Boulder.
- Students are highly encouraged to review study materials and work through the practice test in Canvas.
Looking to improve your placement?
For students wishing to improve their math placements, an Online Proctored Math Placement Test will be offered. More details coming soon.
Questions about math placement?
- Connect with our Buff Info team
- Email mathplacement@colorado.edu
Chemistry Preparation and Placement Program
If you are planning to take a chemistry course in summer or fall 2024 term at CU Boulder, you should complete the Chemistry Preparation and Placement program (CHEM P3).
CHEM P3 is offered through Canvas. Clicking on the link above will take you to canvas where you can self-enroll in the class.
The CHEM P3 Canvas course will provide you with review materials to complete before taking the placement exam as well as information on what class you should enroll in based on your placement score. Once you have completed the assessment, you will be able to have an informed conversation with your advisor about chemistry course selection PRIOR to registering for fall 2024 classes. The CHEM P3 program is designed to guide students to the most appropriate course and prepare them for success.
If you are not taking Chemistry in fall 2024, you do not need to complete this assessment.
Language Placement Assessment
If you plan to study a language in which you already have some experience and/or coursework completed, you must take a Language Placement Exam so that you enroll in the appropriate class level of that language.
Access the online Language Placement Exams or review information about the proctored Language Placement Exams on the Anderson Language and Technology Center (ALTEC) website. If you need assistance or information not found on the ALTEC website, you can email altec@colorado.edu.
The language assessment is offered through Canvas. You will need to self-enroll in the appropriate Language Placement Exam course.
If you plan to begin studying a new language, you do not need to take a placement exam; simply enroll in the introductory level class of that language.
Writing Placement Assessment
Only students beginning in the College of Arts & Sciences, Program in Exploratory Studies, Program in Environmental Design, College of Music or School of Education need to take this placement assessment.
This brief questionnaire will help you determine an appropriate writing course for your first year.