English/Writing and Mathematics Course Placement
In order to determine mathematics and English/Writing competency and appropriate course placement for students, the University uses the Wisconsin Mathematics Placement Test (WMPT) and the English portion of the American College Testing Program (ACT) or the Critical Reading (pre-2016 test) or Reading (post-2016 test) portion of the SAT. *Due to complications with new students testing for Fall 2020 term and COVID-19, the WMPT will be waived and students will be placed via their ACT Math or SAT Math score. If a student still wishes to take the WMPT, that option will be made available.
The following students are required to complete the WMPT and ACT or SAT requirement:
- all new freshmen;
- all transfers and re-entry students who have not satisfactorily completed a college-level course in Writing Foundations or mathematics;
- special students wishing to enroll in a Writing Foundations or mathematics courses;
- students wishing to be eligible for intercollegiate athletics (only the ACT is needed).
UW-Green Bay also requires official ACT or SAT scores to comply with UW System Board of Regents policy and to provide admissions information on new freshmen.
ACT Registration
Potential students interested in taking the ACT test should visit the ACT website at http://www.actstudent.org/.
UW-Green Bay is not a test site location; please check the website for test center locations nearest to your community. Be sure you indicate UW-Green Bay (code number 4688) as an institution to receive your score report. Materials to help review and prepare for the ACT test may be purchased in the Phoenix Bookstore on campus and elsewhere. For more information, call ACT at (319) 337-1270.
English/Writing Placement
ACT English scores or SAT Critical Reading scores (pre-2016 test) or Reading scores (post-2016 test) are used to determine if a student has satisfied UW-Green Bay’s English/Writing competency requirement. The following cut-off scores are used to place students in the most appropriate course based on their current level of English/Writing performance.
All international students whose country of origin's primary language is not English will be placed into WF 164, First Year Writing for International Students. This course satisfies UW-Green Bay's WF 100 requirement. The exception to this would be International students who have an ACT English score of 25 or above, or an SAT Critical Reading score of 590 or above, or an SAT Reading score of 32 or above. WF 105 or WF 200 may also be required by major.
ACT English score: 24 or lower
OR
SAT Critical Reading score: 580 or lower OR SAT Reading score: 31 or lower
The student must take WF 100 by the end of the second semester at UW-Green Bay. Students referred to WF 100 who feel they have been improperly placed have an additional option: the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) College Composition. Registration for CLEP exams can be made through Testing Services at UW-Green Bay. A passing score on the College Composition exam will satisfy the English/Writing competency requirements and earn three degree credits.
ACT English score: 25-31
OR
SAT Critical Reading score: 590-740 OR SAT Reading score: 32-38
These scores satisfy UW-Green Bay’s English/Writing competency requirement. The student is eligible to enroll in WF 105. (Some majors and minors require WF 105 or its equivalent.)
ACT English score: 32 or higher
OR
SAT Critical Reading score: 750 or higher OR SAT Reading score: 39 or higher
These scores satisfy UW-Green Bay’s English/Writing competency requirement. These scores also satisfy the WF 105 requirement for some majors and minors.
If you do NOT have an ACT or SAT score, you will be placed into WF 100.
Math Placement
The Wisconsin Mathematics Placement Test (WMPT) serves as the primary instrument for determining both mathematics competency and appropriate course placement for new freshmen and transfer students who have not successfully completed a college-level mathematics course. Information on costs, testing dates and sites is available from the Office of Testing Services. *Due to complications with new students testing for Fall 2020 term and COVID-19, the WMPT will be waived and students will be placed via their ACT Math or SAT Math score for Fall 2020. If a student still wishes to take the WMPT, that option will be made available.
Students must meet with an adviser to learn their WMPT score and course placement. New freshmen will be advised at the time of their GBO registration session. Continuing, re-entry and transfer students should seek assistance from the Academic Advising Office.
Students classified as new freshmen who do not complete the WMPT will not be allowed to register for mathematics classes, or for courses with college-level mathematics as a prerequisite, during their first semester.
Students must complete the UW-Green Bay Mathematics Competency before the completion of 60 earned and in progress credits. Students who have not taken the WMPT and have not satisfactorily completed or transferred in a college-level mathematics course must enroll in MATH 94, MATH 99, COMM SCI 205, BUS ADM 220, or MATH 100 depending on academic program. Students should consult with their advisor to determine the appropriate course.
Assessment of the Major Program
All students are required to participate in the assessment of their major program of study. The assessment may take the form of a comprehensive exam, in-course assignment, portfolio, survey, interview, or any other specified means of evaluating the quality and effectiveness of the academic program.
