Undergraduate / First-Year StudentsFirst-Year FAQ
Placement Exams/Credits
Why are there so many types of exams with different names?
There are multiple exams because they serve different purposes including assessing general knowledge, earning exemptions, and earning course credit. The nomenclature of these exams is not consistent across departments. Below is a summary of exams administered to incoming engineering students.
Math Placement Exams
Administration: Online, Canvas
Required/Optional: Required
Purpose: Initial assessment of calculus knowledge
Honors Calculus Exam
Administration: McCormick Dossier
Required/Optional: Optional
Purpose: Assess fit for Honors Calculus, ESAM 252
Math Proficiency
Administration: In-person exams completed during Wildcat Welcome in Septmeber
Required/Optional: Optional
Purpose: Students who have completed a calculus course in high school but are unable to transfer credit should discuss the option of seeking exemption via the Math Proficiency Exam with their first-year adviser. Your adviser will help determine whether this optional exam is a good fit in your situation. Eligibility for a Math Proficiency Exam requires documentation of a completed math course or program.
Initial Chemistry Assessment
Administration: Online, Canvas
Required/Optional: Required
Purpose: Assessment of chemistry knowledge. Determine placement in CHEM 110 or CHEM 151
Chemistry Placement Exam
Administration: Online, Canvas
Required/Optional: Required for those taking Chem 171 or Chem 215-1
Purpose: Place into higher level of chemistry than CHEM 151
What is the purpose of the math placement exams, and how do the results get used?
The math placement exams are short, required, online exams administered through Canvas which do not earn credit nor exemptions. They serve as an initial diagnostic tool to help academic advisers determine which math course(s) to recommend (class number and/or honors), and whether you should consider taking further math proficiency exams to earn exemptions. For these reasons, we recommend that you take the assessment exams seriously.
What is the purpose of the math proficiency process, and how do the results get used?
Students who have completed a calculus course in high school but are unable to transfer credit should discuss the option of seeking exemption via the Math Proficiency Exam with their first-year adviser. Your adviser will help determine whether this optional exam is a good fit in your situation. Eligibility for a Math Proficiency Exam requires documentation of a completed math course or program.
What is the purpose of the initial chemistry assessment, and how do the results get used?
All incoming first-year students are required to take the online initial chemistry assessment. This assessment evaluates basic problem solving and quantitative aspects of foundational chemistry material that is typically covered in high school chemistry courses. It is a timed exam that will determine whether a student should start the General Chemistry sequence with CHEM 110 or CHEM 151. Below is a link that provides more information about this assessment from the Department of Chemistry:
https://www.chemistry.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/courses-curriculum/
What is the purpose of the chemistry placement exam, and how do the results get used?
This placement exam is required in addition to the initial chemistry assessment for students planning to take Accelerated General Chemistry (CHEM 171), Organic Chemistry (CHEM 215), or Organic Chemistry for Majors (CHEM 212), regardless of any credit earned through AP or IB examination. The exam is administered on Canvas. Invitations to the Canvas site will be sent directly to students in mid-May. Below is a link that provides more information from the Department of Chemistry:
https://www.chemistry.northwestern.edu/undergraduate/programs/freshmen.html
I submitted my AP/IB/other scores to the Registrar's Office. When can I see them on CAESAR and how do I view them?
The Registrar's Office works to update AP/IB and other score information throughout the summer so that those credits are posted once you begin fall quarter, though timelines can vary. To view your credits, log into CAESAR, go to “Academic Records” and click “Test & Transfer Credit Report”.
Be sure to report AP/IB information where requested in Dossier so your adviser can help you form the best plan for registration.
Visit the McCormick Website
Bookmark the Welcome New Students page and check in periodically to stay updated on the latest news for your incoming class.