Writing Placement

First-year students will register for either the developmental WRIT1000 or the credit-bearing CORE1000 course. You can test out of WRIT1000 with a high SAT/ACT score or certain AP/dual-credit courses.

Writing Placement Exam instructions: 

• Log into Canvas with your North Park University email and password. You should see “Writing Placement Exam” on your dashboard.
• Click the module labeled “Writing Placement Exam: Assignment Prompt and Reading” to view the prompt and reading selection for your essay. You may download or print these materials.
• Once you’ve written your essay, upload it as an MS Word or PDF file to the Turnitin assignment titled “Writing Placement Exam: Place to Upload Submission.”
• The essay must be completed within 2 hours. Human graders will evaluate your submission and email you feedback and results.
• If you have problems and need help troubleshooting during the exam, please email Melissa Pavlik at mpavlik@northpark.edu.  

Math Placement

Students must complete a math course to fulfill the Core Curriculum. Those without qualifying SAT/ACT scores will be placed in MATH 1010. Placement is determined by test scores or alternative documentation.

• To place into most math courses, you will need one of the following: ACT Math subscore of 23 or above, SAT Math subscore of 550 or above, or ALEKS Placement Exam score of 46 or above. 
• To place into MATH 1150 (Pre-Calculus), you will need one of the following: ACT Math subscore of 23 or above, SAT Math subscore of 550 or above, or ALEKS Placement Exam score of 46 to 75.
• To place into MATH 1510 (Calculus I), you will need a high school record of calculus and ALEKS placement score of 76 or above. 

Math Placement Assessment Instructions

Before taking the Math Placement Assessment, set up your NPU account and use your North Park email to access the ALEKS platform. Follow these steps:

1. Access the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment
2. Complete the survey for a personalized learning path.
3. Take the ALEKS Tool Tutorial.
4. Click “GET STARTED” to begin the assessment.

Additional Information

• Scores below the threshold for MATH 1030 will place you in MATH 1010 (Intermediate Algebra).
• To use ACT/SAT scores for placement, submit official scores via the College Board.
• Students with a high school calculus record can be placed in Calculus I without taking the exam.
• Students have one year to access ALEKS and can attempt the exam up to five times.

Modern Language Placement

To fulfill the modern language requirement at North Park, you can either continue in a language you’ve previously studied or start a new one. You must be proficient through the 1020 level.

• New Language: Begin at level 1010 and progress to 1020.
• Previously Studied Language: Your placement will depend on the years you’ve studied the language. If you’ve studied more than 2 years in high school, avoid registering for level 1010.
• Placement Exam: If you feel you should test higher, you can take a Modern Language Placement Exam, which assesses your listening, reading, and cultural comprehension. You may not test into a lower level.

You can meet the Core Curriculum requirement by placing out of the language courses but won’t receive high school credit. Global studies or international business majors, or students planning to major or minor in the language, can earn credit by exam for courses above 1020.

Exams are offered during Threshold and the first week of each semester. If you have AP credit, contact the Department of Modern Languages during registration.

 Register for the modern language placement exam here. 

Music Placement

Accepted music students must complete theory/aural skills and keyboard placements before enrolling in courses. 

• Fundamental Music Theory and Aural Skills: Required for incoming music majors, minors, or students interested in music theory. This online test covers basic concepts like pitch reading, rhythm, and scales. Students with low scores must take MUS 1060, while high scorers may take the Advanced Placement.
• Advanced Music Theory and Aural Skills: Required for transfer students and first-year students with strong Fundamental Placement scores. The test includes written and individual aural skills assessments and written theory. It takes about 3-4 hours.
• Keyboard Skills: Required for all students intending to major or minor in music; placement evaluations available by appointment.
• Voice Placement: Required for voice lesson registration. Contact Dr. You-Seong Kim for an appointment. 
• Ensemble Auditions: Open to students interested in choral or instrumental ensembles, scheduled during Threshold.
• Keyboard Skills Placement: First-year and transfer music majors and minors must take a brief (5-10 minute) keyboard skills consultation to determine the appropriate course placement. 

For all scheduling and questions about music placements, please contact the School of Music, Art, and Theatre at smat@northpark.edu.