Placement Testing

What are they?  Placement tests are used to place you into appropriate English composition and math classes.  Foreign language tests (French, German and Spanish) are also available for those who have taken a language in high school and wish to continue.  It is important to do your best on these tests.  You may be required to take remedial courses if your scores are low.

Do I have to take them?  All UW-Baraboo/Sauk County students are required to complete these tests, unless you have taken a college course in math and/or English composition.  If you've taken French, German, or Spanish in high school and are considering continuing in that language, it is recommended that you take the foreign language test.

What if I've taken AP Courses?  If you are taking an AP math course or AP English Language and Composition this spring, you should plan on taking the placement tests (because the AP scores will not be available until July - you can adjust your schedule once the scores are reported).

Where do I take them?  You can take the Regional placement tests at any of the test centers listed online.  You do not need to take them at the UW-school you are planning to attend.

When do I take them?  There are several weekend dates listed online, most of which are in March, April, and May.  Space is limited, so it is important that you sign up for a testing date soon.  Please note: UW-Baraboo/Sauk County students who are unable to test during the Regional placement dates will take the placement tests throughout the summer at least two weeks prior to their New Student Registration Program date.  Information about Summer placement testing and registration will be sent to you once you are admitted.     

How should I register for the Regional Testing Program?  Registration for Regional Testing is done online at: http://www.testing.wisc.edu. This registration program begins February 1, 2013. You will see what sites are open and get immediate confirmation that can be printed on the spot. No confirmation letters will be mailed to you. So be sure to print or write down the confirmation information when you register.

How do I pick a date for testing so it doesn’t conflict with school functions such as sporting events, band, choir or other social events? Check with your coaches, teachers or other high school staff to be sure you know the dates for these events. If there is any possibility that you will be involved, please leave those dates open and do not choose them for testing

Do I need a government-issued photo ID when I come to the testing site? YES. The University of Wisconsin requires students to show a government-issued photo identification document such as driver’s license, state-issued ID or passport when they arrive to take placement tests. Students will not be allowed to test without providing an appropriate photo ID.

 What to bring to the testing site:

1. a government-issued photo ID
2. please bring with you two #2 pencils 
3. non-graphing calculator 

What if I want to change or cancel my test date? Do not call the Center for Placement Testing or any campuses to change or cancel your test date. To change or cancel your registration, go to our website at: http://www.testing.wisc.edu. You can use our online registration system to change or cancel your registration site and/or date. You only need to know your name and the date of birth you entered when you registered, to change or cancel your registration. However, changing can be difficult as popular sites fill quickly and you cannot change to a site once the registration deadline for that date has passed.

How do I find out the directions to the testing site? A list of directions to the various testing sites is located on the world wide web at: http://www.testing.wisc.edu under the heading of the Regional Placement Testing Program. What is the schedule on the day of testing? (All times are approximate) 

Important Note: If you are only taking the English and/or a foreign language placement test, please contact the campus site where you are testing for instructions on a reporting time.        

How will I receive the results of my tests? Interpretation of test scores is unique to each UW campus. You will receive your placement test scores and what they mean when you come to campus for orientation in the summer or fall. Test scores will not be sent from the Center and cannot be given over the phone. 

I've been accepted to more than one UW System school or I may change my mind about which campus I am attending.  Do I need to take placement tests for each of these campuses? No. All UW System institutions use the UW Placement Tests and all campuses have access to your scores. Therefore, you only need to take the tests once and whichever campus you attend will have access to your scores, regardless of the campus you indicated on your answer sheet.

Special Accommodations due to a Disability: If you wish to request special accommodations due to a disability, please send a letter on your high school letterhead (please do not send an IEP) from a teacher, counselor or principal who will describe what accommodations are appropriate for you. Please also include your address and telephone number, which site you wish to test at, as well as what campus you plan to attend in the fall. Send this information to Tim O’Connor, 1025 West Johnson Street, Madison, WI 53706. 

Do not register online if you are requesting special accommodations due to a disability.

Who should I contact if I have any questions regarding placement testing at a specific campus?

UW-Baraboo/Sauk County    Debbie Cole      608-355-5219

Residual Placement Testing

Residual placement testing for admitted UW-Baraboo/Sauk County students will start in May.  The dates and times are listed below.  If you are just taking the math and English tests, plan on being here for four (4) hours. If you are also taking a Foreign Language test, plan to be here for five (5) hours.

Please bring the following:

• a government-issued photo ID
• please bring with you two #2 pencils 
• non-graphing calculator 

Do I need a government-issued photo ID when I come to the testing site? YES. The University of Wisconsin requires students to show a government-issued photo identification document such as driver’s license, state-issued ID or passport when they arrive to take placement tests. Students will not be allowed to test without providing an appropriate photo ID.

2013 Residual Placement Test Dates

• Thursday, May 23 5:00 pm   
• Tuesday, May 28 5:00 pm
• Thursday, May 30 9:00 am
• Tuesday, June 11 9:00 am
• Tuesday, June 18 9:00 am
• Thursday, June 27 9:00 am           
• Tuesday, July 23 9:00 am
• Thursday, August 1 9:00 am             
• Tuesday, August 13 9:00 am
• Wednesday, August 28 9:00 am