Rutgers
University
Placement Exam in Math and English. Entering students are tested in basic mathematical and verbal skills prior to their registration for courses. These examinations are used as guides in determining the proper mathematics and English courses for which a student should be registered. Students whose placement test scores indicate a need for further college preparation work in these skills are notified of the results and, where possible, given the opportunity to take the necessary preparation courses during the summer prior to the beginning of their first semester at Rutgers. Students who do not complete the necessary preparatory courses prior to the beginning of their first semester are expected to take the necessary remedial courses in math and/or English at Rutgers, beginning in their first semester at Rutgers. Some of these remedial courses (such as elementary or intermediate algebra) do not carry degree credit. Furthermore, students who have not yet completed the remedial courses may be ineligible for registration for certain Rutgers University courses, such as biology and chemistry. Students with a score of 600 or higher on the SAT Critical Reading (Verbal) or 30 or higher on the ACT English do not have to complete the English Placement Test.
Advanced Placement. Students may receive advanced placement (AP) credit for coursework taken at the secondary school level. All requests for advanced placement credit should be forwarded to the Office of University Undergraduate Admissions and are reviewed by the faculty members of the department concerned. Grades of 4 or 5 on the College Board Advanced Placement Examinations receive both credit and placement as determined by the respective department. Credit earned for advanced placement is not included in the cumulative grade-point average.
Even though the AP credits may have been legitimately earned, some students may find that these high school-level courses did not provide the same foundational knowledge that is available through an introductory-level university course. Some students may, after consultation with an adviser, decide to waive the credits from the AP course to enable them to register for the introductory course in a particular academic discipline. A student's decision to waive AP credits for a particular subject must be in writing, and cannot be changed after the student has begun the corresponding course at Rutgers University.
