Academic Placement
Placement Testing and Developmental Education
All first-time college students and transfer students who have not completed English 1310 and/or Math 1311 (or their equivalents) must complete placement testing in math, reading, and composition. To meet this requirement, students may test at McMurry University or submit scores from TSI (Texas students), Asset, or Accuplacer.
If placement results show a need for developmental coursework, students must enroll in the appropriate developmental education class(es) until earning a grade of C- or better. Students must satisfy this requirement before advancing to related college-level courses. Academic advisors will guide students in registering for the correct level of classes.
Students who decline required testing automatically accept placement into developmental education classes. Some students may qualify for exemptions from one or more placement tests if their ACT/SAT subscores meet or exceed the established cutoff levels.
| SAT (2016) Math | 560 or higher |
| SAT (2016) Reading | 27 or higher |
| SAT (2016) Writing & Language | 28 or higher |
| ACT English | 19 or higher |
| ACT Math | 23 or higher |
| ACT Reading | 19 or higher |
Students required to take placement tests will complete the appropriate online assessments. Those testing for English will take a grammar placement exam and submit a writing sample, which the English Department will grade.
Home-Schooled Students
The Department of Education approves McMurry’s placement tests as an “ability-to-benefit” measure for home-schooled students.
Developmental Education Courses
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Developmental courses ensure students meet prerequisite skills before enrolling in college-level classes.
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Credit for these courses does not count toward degree requirements, but does apply to financial aid eligibility, GPA, and academic standing.
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Students may take developmental courses during the summer before their first year. They will remain registered for these courses until McMurry receives an official transcript verifying completion elsewhere.
Exemptions
Students may be exempt from placement testing with qualifying TSI/ACCUPLACER scores or approved concurrent/dual credit courses. Submit all documentation to the Office of the Registrar.
Diagnostic Testing
Students placed in ACAD 1013D, ACAD 1023D, ENGL 1041D, MATH 1013D, or MATH 1023D will take a diagnostic pre-test on the first day of class. This test provides another opportunity to place into first-year courses and establishes a baseline for measuring progress. A post-test at the end of the semester will determine readiness for college-level coursework.
Math Pre-test Practice Exam
Math Pre-test Practice Exam Solutions
For more information on the Academic Placement Policy, click below.
Developmental Education
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
Special Accommodations
In order to receive special accommodations for testing, you must first complete the online Application for Accommodations form. The documentation must be from a licensed or certified professional in the area of the disability (i.e. psychologist, physician or educational diagnostician) who has evaluated you within the last three years. This information must be received by the Office of Student Accessibility and Accommodations Coordinator at least 2 weeks prior to SOAR.