New Student Placement Testing
All placement exams are designed to ensure that you begin with the courses that are the best fit based on your current knowledge of the material and will be completed prior to your first semester at Cornell or during New Student Orientation. You will find placement test requirements in your Admissions New Student Portal.
Language Placement
Cornell requires all new students to take a language placement exam to assess your language proficiency for the Ingenuity curriculum requirement for foreign language. More information about language placement exams.
Chemistry Placement
The chemistry placement exam is an optional test that can be helpful for students who did not take the AP exam, or did not get a 4 or 5 on the AP exam, and would like to be placed in advanced chemistry courses. More information about the chemistry placement exam.
Music Theory Placement
If you were awarded a music scholarship, and/or if you plan to major or minor in music, you should take the Music Theory Placement Test. This test is used to place students into the music theory sequence, or into Fundamentals of Music (MUS 101) as a refresher before beginning the theory sequence. The Music Placement exam is available via a link in your New Student checklist. Please contact music@cornellcollege.edu if you have questions, and/or if you do not have access to the link.
Frequently asked questions about placement exams
Should I use any reference materials during the placement exam?
No. The placement exams are designed to match with courses at the appropriate level, and there is no advantage to using outside resources. Also, if you attain a language test score that would place you in a 300-level language course you will still have to participate in verification once you arrive on campus in order to receive exemption from the foreign language requirement for the BA.
What if I have trouble accessing the online tests?
If you have trouble accessing the online tests, please reach out to the IT Help Desk.
When will I know my placement scores?
You will be notified by email when your score is ready and you can see your placement in your New Student Checklist.