Placement

Placement testing at Stevenson University is used in determining placement in mathematics, reading, English, and foreign language. Information regarding placement tests and testing dates is sent to all students after they deposit to attend the University. To schedule mathematics or English placement tests, students should register online. Questions may be directed to the manager of the Owings Mills Academic Link at 443-352-4123.

Placement Testing in Mathematics, Reading, and English

First-time Stevenson University students will need to complete one or more Stevenson University placement tests prior to registration.

Mathematics Placement – All incoming freshman students are required to take the Accuplacer® mathematics placement test prior to registering for classes.

Reading Comprehension and English Placement - The Sentence Skills and Reading Comprehension Accuplacer® exams are required prior to registration for all students with one or more of the following:

  • SAT evidence-based reading and writing score below 550
  • ACT combined score of English and Reading below 440.

Placement Information in Developmental Courses

Developmental courses in the areas of mathematics, reading, and English (MATH 005#, MATH 036# and ENG 006#) are designed to improve skills in these content areas. Placement in and successful completion of developmental courses are required of students who do not demonstrate proficiency in the basic skill areas on the SAT, ACT, or the Stevenson placement tests. Students who are placed into developmental courses are required to complete them during their first year at Stevenson. These courses do not receive college credit, are not calculated in a student's GPA or count toward the calculation of dean's list, but they do count toward enrollment status for financial aid and full-time student status.

Placement Testing for Transfer Students

Placement testing is required for any student who

  • Did not receive an SAT Evidence-based reading and writing score of at least 550 or has not completed a college English writing course equivalent to Stevenson's ENG 148 (or higher level English writing course) with a minimum grade of "C"
  • Has not completed at least a 3-credit college Intermediate Algebra course equivalent to Stevenson’s MATH 005# (or higher level math course) with a minimum of a "C"

Placement tests (if needed) must be taken before registration. Questions about placement testing may be directed to the manager of the Academic Link at 443-352-4123.

Placement in Foreign Language Courses

Stevenson University offers elementary and intermediate level courses in French and Spanish. First-semester foreign language classes (101) are not open to native speakers or students with two or more years of high school study. Placement is required for second-semester classes (102) and intermediate levels (201 and 202). Incoming freshmen who have scored 500+ on the appropriate SAT subject test or who have completed three or more years of high school language within two years will be placed in an intermediate-level class. Placement can also be determined by scores on the Advanced Placement test, by International Baccalaureate achievement levels, or by a test or interview with an instructor. Full-time students interested in languages other than French and Spanish are eligible to participate in the Baltimore Student Exchange Program (BSEP) at area colleges and universities. Additional information about the BSEP can be found in the Courses at another Institution section under "Academic Information" in this catalog. Specific questions regarding foreign language placement should be directed to the chair of the English department.