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Exemptions and Transfer Credits

The College of Arts and Sciences accepts performance on standardized tests as well as credits transferred from other institutions as proof of fulfillment of degree requirements.  In addition, IU and some departments within the College of Arts and Sciences administer tests for incoming students, some for placement and others for proficiency.
The English composition and Mathematics fundamental skills may be satisfied in a variety of ways, including by the standardized test scores submitted during the IU admissions process.

English Composition

1. Exemption without credit. Students scoring 670 or higher on the SAT Critical Reading test, or 32 or above on the ACT English Composition section, or 4 to 5 on the Advanced Placement English Composition section, are exempt from English composition.
2. Exemption with credit. Some students have an opportunity to receive College of Arts and Sciences credit. A student will be granted 2 credit hours of English W143 if the student has:
   1. a score of 670 or above on the SAT Critical Reading test, or 32 or above on the ACT English Composition section, or 4 to 5 on the Advanced Placement English Composition section, plus
   2. a score of 660 or higher on the SAT Writing Test, and if the student applies to the Department of English in Ballantine Hall 442. Students should also see "Special Note" under "Credit by Examination" in the Undergraduate Academic Bulletin.
3. See the Bulletin for a list of courses which may be used to satisfy the English composition requirement.

Mathematics

Students must demonstrate mastery of a fundamental skill in mathematics, which is defined as a level of proficiency equivalent to three years of high school math. This proficiency is needed for study in many courses throughout the College of Arts and Sciences curriculum. Students may demonstrate mastery of a fundamental skill in mathematics by earning a minimum math test score of 650 on the SAT exam or 29 on the ACT exam.    See the section called Fundamental Skills Requirements for a list of courses which may be used to satisfy the Fundamental Skills Mathematics requirement.

See the links below for more information about credit, placement, and exemption.

• Credit and exemption based upon AP scores
• Credit and exemption based upon International Baccalaureate scores
• Credit by Examination and Freshmen testing information
• Language placement tests
• How to transfer credit from another institution