Freshmen (full-time anD part-time) 

All first year students have been academically placed into an English composition path and mathematics based on SAT scores.  You have an opportunity to challenge both placements if you feel your SAT scores do not accurately reflect your writing and math skills.  All first year students who have two or more years of a World Language in high school must take an online placement.  If you need special testing accommodations due to a documented disability, please contact the Disability Resource Center at 203.392.6828.

Please read the information below to learn more about your academic placement.

• ENGLISH:  You will be placed into English composition based on your critical reading/verbal SAT/ACT score unless you have AP credit or plan to transfer in college credit taken during high school (i.e. ENG 110, 111, or 112).  You may review more information about SAT placement by referring to the English Guide.  You will have an opportunity to tell us where you think you should be placed within the New Student Orientation Survey.  If your selection differs from your SAT placement, you will have an opportunity to discuss it with us during New Student Orientation.

• MATH:  You will be placed into math based on your math SAT or ACT score unless you have AP credit or plan to transfer in college credit taken during high school (i.e MAT 100 or greater).   You may review SAT placement by referring to the math SAT chart on the Mathematics Guide page .  If you believe that your SAT or ACT score does not correctly reflect your ability level in math, you may sign up to take a math placement on campus prior to Orientation on the Mathematics Guide page. 

• WORLD LANGUAGE:  Proficiency in a language other than English is required to graduate from Southern.  The World Language placement is required for students who have had two or more years of high school foreign language unless you plan to transfer in AP credit or college credit earned during high school or unless you are fluent in a foreign language.  If you plan to learn a new language, you do not need to take the placement, you will simply be placed in level one.  The online placement will be available April 10th and must be completed by May 18th.  For more information about the World Language requirement and to take the online placement, please refer to World Language Guide for information and login instructions.