Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to bring with me on the day of testing? What can I expect if I plan to test all day?
Are there places to eat on break? The UW Milwaukee Student Union has food options throughout the year but limited during UWM's Spring break. Vending machines are located in all buildings. You may want to bring your own snacks or lunch if you are staying for additional testing. Open food and drinks are not allowed in the testing room so please make sure you have everything inside a bag or other container.
Will a confirmation be sent to me once I sign up? No confirmation letters will be sent by mail, so print or write down the time and location for your specific test date. If you include an email address when registering, you will be sent a confirmation email.
Should anyone from my family come to my test date? If your family members come during Spring Break testing in March, they will be able to take a guided campus tour, then relax and read the paper while enjoying some coffee and snacks in our Hospitality Room. It's also a great way for parents/guardians to meet other families of incoming freshmen!
Where should I park? On-street parking during testing can be a challenge. There is limited street parking around campus, most with one to two hour time limits. However, once testing begins you will not be allowed to leave the room. Please plan accordingly and give yourself enough time to avoid receiving a parking ticket. The Union has an underground paid parking structure which is located at 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd and charges $1.00 an hour. During UW Milwaukee's Spring Break Testing, there will be a flat $5.00 rate at the Pavilion parking structure located at 3409 N. Downer Avenue.
When will I find out how I did on the tests? Your advisor will go over your scores and placement with you when you attend your New Freshman Orientation session during the summer.
I've taken my tests; can I register for classes now? You still have a few things to do before you are able to register for classes. Shortly after testing you will receive your invoice for the $140 New Freshman fee in the mail. Once payment is received you will be sent information to sign up for New Freshman Orientation. At your Orientation session you will meet with your advisor, go over your test results, and register for your first semester classes (among other exciting things!)
What Happens Next? Shortly after you’ve completed your required placement tests, you will receive an invoice in the mail for your New Freshman Fee. After your payment is received you will be invited to register for your New Freshman Orientation Program. At your program, you will receive your placement test results, and with the assistance of your advisor, register for your first semester classes.
How do I acquire special accommodations for testing?
If you require non-standard testing conditions, please refer to the guidelines for Special Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.
If I have taken AP or IB courses, do I still need to take the placement tests? Since placement testing begins much earlier than AP/IB results are received, it is highly recommended that you complete your required placement tests. Depending on your results, you may place into a higher course by completing the placement tests. Also, course availability in English and math may be limited by the time your AP/IB credits are evaluated. If you AP/IB results are not received by the time you attend your New Freshmen Orientation Program, you will not be able to register for those courses. In that case, you must notify your advisor at Orientation that you have taken AP or IB courses.
When will I get my Campus ID card?
You will have your photo taken for your Campus ID card when you attend testing at UW-Milwaukee, and will receive your card at your New Freshman Orientation session. If you test at another UW campus, you can obtain your Campus ID in Mellencamp 274 during regular business hours or when you come to New Freshman Orientation.
Is there a benefit to testing early? The earlier you complete your required placement tests and pay your freshman fee, the sooner you are able to sign up for New Freshman Orientation and have a better chance of getting the classes you want.
What do I need to bring with me on the day of testing?
- Photo Identification
- #2 pencils
- Non-graphing calculator
- Your Campus ID Number (located in your testing letter)
- You may want to bring lunch since it is not provided
Agenda for the day
Refer to your test confirmation for your check in time. Morning testing for the required math and English tests ends at approximately 12:45. Afternoon testing for optional tests will begin after a 45 minute lunch break.- Check-In and room assignments
- Photo taken for Campus ID
- Math test (90 min)
- Announcements and Break (10 min)
- English test (90 min)
- Dismissal or Break for those completing additional tests (45 min)
- Foreign language (60 min)
- Chemistry (55 min) Only offered at UW-Milwaukee on non-regional test dates
- ESL-PIC (75 min) Only offered at UW-Milwaukee on non-regional test dates
Are there places to eat on break? The UW Milwaukee Student Union has food options throughout the year but limited during UWM's Spring break. Vending machines are located in all buildings. You may want to bring your own snacks or lunch if you are staying for additional testing. Open food and drinks are not allowed in the testing room so please make sure you have everything inside a bag or other container.
Will a confirmation be sent to me once I sign up? No confirmation letters will be sent by mail, so print or write down the time and location for your specific test date. If you include an email address when registering, you will be sent a confirmation email.
Should anyone from my family come to my test date? If your family members come during Spring Break testing in March, they will be able to take a guided campus tour, then relax and read the paper while enjoying some coffee and snacks in our Hospitality Room. It's also a great way for parents/guardians to meet other families of incoming freshmen!
Where should I park? On-street parking during testing can be a challenge. There is limited street parking around campus, most with one to two hour time limits. However, once testing begins you will not be allowed to leave the room. Please plan accordingly and give yourself enough time to avoid receiving a parking ticket. The Union has an underground paid parking structure which is located at 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd and charges $1.00 an hour. During UW Milwaukee's Spring Break Testing, there will be a flat $5.00 rate at the Pavilion parking structure located at 3409 N. Downer Avenue.
When will I find out how I did on the tests? Your advisor will go over your scores and placement with you when you attend your New Freshman Orientation session during the summer.
I've taken my tests; can I register for classes now? You still have a few things to do before you are able to register for classes. Shortly after testing you will receive your invoice for the $140 New Freshman fee in the mail. Once payment is received you will be sent information to sign up for New Freshman Orientation. At your Orientation session you will meet with your advisor, go over your test results, and register for your first semester classes (among other exciting things!)
What Happens Next? Shortly after you’ve completed your required placement tests, you will receive an invoice in the mail for your New Freshman Fee. After your payment is received you will be invited to register for your New Freshman Orientation Program. At your program, you will receive your placement test results, and with the assistance of your advisor, register for your first semester classes.
How do I acquire special accommodations for testing?
If you require non-standard testing conditions, please refer to the guidelines for Special Accommodations for Students with Disabilities.
If I have taken AP or IB courses, do I still need to take the placement tests? Since placement testing begins much earlier than AP/IB results are received, it is highly recommended that you complete your required placement tests. Depending on your results, you may place into a higher course by completing the placement tests. Also, course availability in English and math may be limited by the time your AP/IB credits are evaluated. If you AP/IB results are not received by the time you attend your New Freshmen Orientation Program, you will not be able to register for those courses. In that case, you must notify your advisor at Orientation that you have taken AP or IB courses.
When will I get my Campus ID card?
You will have your photo taken for your Campus ID card when you attend testing at UW-Milwaukee, and will receive your card at your New Freshman Orientation session. If you test at another UW campus, you can obtain your Campus ID in Mellencamp 274 during regular business hours or when you come to New Freshman Orientation.
Is there a benefit to testing early? The earlier you complete your required placement tests and pay your freshman fee, the sooner you are able to sign up for New Freshman Orientation and have a better chance of getting the classes you want.