Testing

Initial Pre-Calculus (IPCA)

• IPCA = Less than 13 - Math 114 recommended prior to taking Math 141 (Calculus I)

You must take the Pre-Calculus Assessment if:

• You will be a mathematics major at Lander
• You are entering one of the three Dual-Degree Engineering programs with Clemson University through a Mathematics, Computer Information Systems, or Chemistry major at Lander
• You would like to take Calculus to satisfy your General Education mathematics requirement

Students interested in taking a foreign language can register for SPAN 101 or FR 101 without taking the Foreign Language Assessment. However, if students with previous experience in a language are interested in taking an upper-level foreign language course, this online assessment recommends the level of course that will match the student's proficiency.

For more information, please see the FAQs below and contact the Office of English and Foreign Languages with any further questions by visiting LC 322 or calling 864-388-8265.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Do I need to take the Foreign Language Assessment? 
  This depends on the level and your proficiency. Please see below for examples of common situations:
  • If you are a student who is interested in registering for SPAN 101 or FR 101?
    • No
  • If you are a student who has experience in Spanish or French and is interested in confirming if your recommended placement is above 101?
    • Yes, if you are interested in taking an upper-level foreign language course, this online assessment recommends the level of course that will match the student's proficiency. Please take the Foreign Language Assessment.
  • If you are a transfer student who has passed (with at least a "C") modern foreign language courses at another regionally accredited college or university?

    • No, unless you are interested in taking an upper-level foreign language course in a different language than the language of your transfer course, you do not need to take the Foreign Language Assessment. Please confirm with the Office of Admissions and the Registrar's Office that the transcript(s) for past universities are received and processed.

  • If you are an international student who is interested in taking upper-level courses in your native tongue?
    • Please contact the Office of English and Foreign Languages to determine if you are eligible for a registration waiver.
  • If you are a student who speaks Spanish at home and/or considers Spanish as one of your first languages, so you may be interested in SPAN 205, Hispanic World for Heritage Speakers?
    • Please contact the Office of English and Foreign Languages to determine if you are eligible for a registration waiver.
  • If you are a student bringing in AP, IB, and CLEP scores in a foreign language?
    • Please consult with the Admissions Office and/or the Registrar's Office to confirm credit for foreign language. Then, contact the Office of English and Foreign Languages to determine if it is recommended that you take the Foreign Language Assessment.
      
      
• How do I take the Foreign Language Assessment? 
  Follow the instructions here.
  
  
• How do I interpret what my foreign language placement score means? 
  Please follow the guidelines here.
  • Students will receive their test score on Blackboard immediately after completing the Foreign Language Placement Assessment. Please use this score on Blackboard and/or the placement score on MyLander when referencing the guideline above.
  • Students may access their placement codes as follows 5-7 days after completing assessment:
    1. Login to MyLander.
    2. Under Bearcat Web click "Student."
    3. Click "Student Records."
    4. Click "Student Test Scores."
    5. View the Placement Test Score. See the text at the top of the screen for an explanation of the foreign language placement policy.
    6. During your next registration date, register for the appropriate level of foreign language according to placement test results.
    7. Contact the Office of English & Foreign Languages if you have any questions. 

• What should I do if I have any questions about my foreign language placement? 
  Please contact the Office of English & Foreign Languages by calling 864-388-8265 or visiting LC 322 if you have any questions.

Incoming first-year students are encouraged to take the English 190 Placement Test. Click here to begin this 5 minute placement: English 190: Writing and Inquiry Workshop Placement. Please see below for frequently asked questions and contact your Student Success Advisor at the Student Success Center if you have any questions about registering for this course. For other questions, contact the Dept. of English and Foreign Languages at 864-388-8265 or by visiting LC 322.

Note: ENGL 190, Writing Inquiry Workshop, is an optional one-credit course to take ALONGSIDE your English 101. English 101 is required for all Lander undergraduates as part of our general education. English 190, however, is not a required course; it is an optional workshop class (see below for details).

Frequently Asked Questions

• I am a new student at Lander University. Why should I take this placement test?
  Most new students at Lander will take a Math, English, and Foreign Language placement test. These tests are given to help you pick the courses right for you. Proper placement into these courses will help ensure your success long-term and short-term at Lander University.
  
  
• What is the Self-Identified Placement Survey?
  This is a 5 minute survey to help you assess your readiness for introductory college writing courses by measuring your experience and confidence to write at a college-level. This survey is designed by faculty to help you gauge if a support course would benefit you during your freshmen year. It is important to realize that this is not a test that you can pass or fail. We want you to do well at Lander, and to help you pick the best courses for you. This survey can give you that accurate guidance.
  
  
• What is the Writing and Inquiry Workshop?
  This is a workshop course designed to support students enrolled in English 101. It is an optional, pass/fail course that gives students extra experience, information, and resources for essay writing. Students benefit from the course: not only from the additional writing support but the on-campus community resource network.

English Validation Essay

Students who have scored 680 or higher on their SAT Verbal or 30 or higher on the ACT English are eligible to take the English validation Essay. This is a two-hour essay which is scored by the English faculty. Students will earn ENGL 101 credit with a passing score on this essay.

Students should go to the Student Success Center located in Genesis Hall to schedule an appointment for this exam.

Please click on the following links for more information.

• Mathematical Skills and Pre-Calculus Assessment Instructions (PDF)
• Foreign Language Placement Testing Instructions (PDF)
• Foreign Language Placement Score Interpretations (PDF)
• ENGL 190 Placement: Recommendation on How to Interpret Results (PDF)

CLEP is a national system of credit-by-credit-examination. The program includes a variety of subject examinations which may substitute for specific Lander courses. Students earning passing scores, as indicated below, will receive credit for the following courses upon the submission of an official score report to the Registrar's Office. Lander students should consult with their academic advisor and submit a Coursework Approval Form prior to taking the examination. For more information regarding CLEP, please visit clep.collegeboard.org

See accepted CLEP tests and course equivalencies (PDF).