All first-time college students or transfers who have not completed English 1310 and/or Math 1311 (or equivalent) may be required to test for placement in math, reading and composition. McMurry University offers placement testing; however, students may also submit TSI (Texas students), Asset, or Accuplacer scores to meet this requirement. Students whose placement results indicate a need for pre-college development in one or more of these areas must register for and continually enroll in the corresponding developmental education course(s) until they pass with a grade of “C-” or better. Students must meet this requirement before enrolling in the corresponding academic level classes. Academic advisors will assist students in registering for the appropriate level of classes. Declining required testing constitutes acceptance of placement in developmental education classes. Some students may be exempt from one or more placement test(s) if ACT/SAT subscores exceed the established cutoff levels listed below.

Those who are required to take placement tests will take the appropriate online assessment(s).  Those required to test for English will take a grammar placement exam as well as writing a sample essay that will be graded by our English department.

Home-schooled students – The placement tests administered at McMurry University are approved by the Department of Education as an “ability-to-benefit” test.

Note: Credit for developmental education courses will not count toward any requirements other than placement and the meeting of pre-requisite skills for collegiate-level courses. Students must meet this requirement before enrolling in the corresponding college level classes. Development education courses count towards financial aid loads, academic eligibility, and GPA, but do not count towards the hours required for a degree. Students can take these developmental courses during the summer preceding their freshman year, but will be registered for these courses until an official transcript is received.

*TSI/ACCUPLACER scores or concurrent/dual credit courses may also be used for exemption from placement testing. Please submit any documentation to the Office of the Registrar.

Students placed in ACAD 1013D, ACAD 1023D, ENGL 1041D, MATH 1013D, and MATH 1023D will be given a diagnostic pre-test on the first day of class.  This is an additional opportunity to place into freshman level courses.  The pre-test also serves as a baseline from which progress in these classes can be measured.  A post-test will be given at the end of the semester to measure progress and determine readiness for the corresponding college level course(s).

Math Pre-test Practice Exam
Math Pre-test Practice Exam Solutions

For more information on the Academic Placement Policy click below.

McMurry University understands that some students need preparation for college-level coursework and seeks to respond to their individual differences and special needs by offering comprehensive developmental education courses. These courses enable students to develop the academic skills and attitudes necessary to achieve success in the liberal arts and preprofessional curriculums. Students will be enrolled in the appropriate level developmental English, mathematics, and/or reading course based on student placement results and are required to register for and continually enroll in the developmental course(s) until it is passed with a grade of “C-” or better. Once students have met this requirement, they must enroll in the corresponding college-level academic course(s). Because McMurry University believes that success is linked to student engagement and practice, developmental courses may include lab requirements.

Courses

• ACAD 1013D Academic Literacy I
• ACAD 1023D Academic Literacy II
• ENGL 1013D Introduction to Composition I
• ENGL 1023D Introduction to Composition II
• ENGL 1033D Integrated Reading and Writing
• ENGL 1041D Writing Mechanics
• MATH 1013D Introductory Algebra
• MATH 1023D Intermediate Algebra

In order to receive special accommodations for testing, you must first complete an Application for Disability Services.  You must then provide adequate documentation of your disability from a qualified professional such as a licensed psychologist or a diagnostician who has evaluated you within the last three years.  This information must be received by the Disability Services Coordinator at least 2 weeks prior to SOAR.