Placement Assessments

  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Centers and Institutes
  4. Center for Student Success
  5. Placement Assessments
Center for Student Success

As a new student, you may have to take one or more placement tests.

Your major may require completion of a math and/or chemistry assessment.  The result of each assessment is used to enroll you in an appropriate math and/or chemistry course best suited to support your overall success. 

The math and chemistry assessments are completed within Canvas, the university's learning management system.  All placement assessments need to be completed prior to registering for fall classes. Instructions will be sent via email to students who need to complete one or more assessment.

Before You Take the Assessment

  • Complete the practice assessment so you are familiar with the process.
  • Be sure to have scrap paper with you.
  • You may use a calculator to complete a particular question.
  • Once you submit an answer, you cannot change it. Be sure to carefully check your answer before submitting it.
  • It is important that the assessment is taken seriously, as it will impact where you begin your sequence of courses in that subject.
  • There is no benefit to using any type of outside assistance while completing the assessment(s). Any assistance may result in inaccurate course placement (i.e., a course that is too difficult or not challenging enough), potentially costing time and money. Therefore, while taking the assessment, students should not consult any outside sources for help (e.g., friends/family, internet searches, textbooks, notes, etc.).

Technological (Computer) Requirements:

  • Completing the placement assessment(s) requires a computer with Windows, an iPad, or a Mac computer (Chromebooks are not supported).
  • Canvas is the CRM platform used to complete the assessment and is used in courses at St. John’s University.
  • The assessment require a Lockdown browser.
  • Your computer must have a webcam with a functioning microphone.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which majors are required to complete both the math and chemistry assessments?

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Undecided (Bachelor of Science only)

Which majors are required to complete only the chemistry assessment?

  • Environmental Science

Which majors are required to complete only the math assessment?

  • Computer Science
  • Cyber Security Systems
  • Healthcare Informatics
  • Information Technology
  • Networking and Telecommunications

How does the Placement Assessment work?

  • Your score will be indicated to you numerically. This number corresponds to a college-level academic course specific to St. John’s University. This assessment is not meant to keep you out of courses; the goal is to enroll you in a course that is best suited to your knowledge level—and, more importantly, one you should be able to successfully complete.

Do I still have to take the assessment(s) if I have college credit that was completed in high school and/or have Advanced Placement credit?

  • Only students who have completed college-level math or chemistry courses through the St. John’s University College Advantage Program may be exempt from Placement Assessments. Advanced Placement scores and transcripts for credits earned from other higher educational institutions will be evaluated upon receipt and schedules will be adjusted when necessary. This will occur in July and August.

What happens if I do not complete the Placement Assessment(s)?

  • If you do not complete the math assessment, you will not be eligible to take a math course. This may slow your progression toward your degree. For incoming first-year students a hold is placed on your account, requiring you to complete the assessment before you can register for the next semester. If you do not complete the chemistry assessment, you are only eligible for College Chemistry, which is the entry-level course. This may or may not be the ideal chemistry depending upon your skill set. Therefore, it is important to complete the assessment to determine the most accurate placement. In addition, your chemistry progression may affect the timeline in which you may sit for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

Can I review a question after I submit an answer?

  • Once you submit an answer, you cannot go back to review or change it. We recommend that you carefully check your answer before submitting your response. However, you are encouraged to complete the practice assessment as often as you like.

Which topics are covered in the Math Assessment?

  • Decimals and fractions
  • Integer exponents
  • Lines and slope
  • Percent and proportions
  • Quadratic and polynomial functions
  • Factoring
  • Rational expressions and functions
  • Solving linear equations
  • Solving quadratic equations

Which topics are covered in the Chemistry Assessment?

  • Atomic structure
  • Chemical and ionic compounds
  • Chemical elements
  • Chemical equations
  • Elemental analysis
  • Mass, volume, and density
  • Math, algebra, graphing
  • Measurement
  • Moles and molar mass
  • Quantitative problem-solving
  • Scientific notation

Interpreting Your Math Assessment Results

Once you complete the Math assessment, your score is presented numerically.

This number corresponds to a specific math course as follows:

  • 49 or lower: College Math/College Algebra
  • Between 50 and 69: College Algebra and Trigonometry
  • 70 or higher: Calculus (Statistics may be completed prior to calculus, depending upon available seats)

Interpreting Your Chemistry Assessment Results

Once you complete the Chemistry assessment, your score is presented numerically. This number corresponds to a specific math course.

Here are the numeric values with the corresponding courses:

  • 69 or lower: College Chemistry
  • 70 or higher: General Chemistry I

Who do I contact for technical issues?

The IT Support Team may be reached at (718) 990-5000

The IT Support Team hours are:

  • Mon-Fri, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time

Who do I contact for non-technical issues?

For all non-technical questions, including initial sign-in issues, please email the Center for Student Success at [email protected] or call 718-990-5858.

The Center for Student Success hours are:

  • Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern Time
  • Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Eastern Time

(Please note that St. John’s University will be closed on the last Friday in May, all Fridays in June and July, and the first Friday in August)