Placement Testing

A Guided Self-Placement Writing tool (GSP) and Math placement test are required for students who do not have college-ready ACT/SAT scores or official transcripts with qualifying college credit. The Reading Placement Test is required only for students with a high school GPA below a 2.2 or have earned a high school equivalency diploma and who did not submit an ACT or SAT score. The GSP and math placement test will assist advisors in placing you in the correct classes. To be prepared for orientation, you are strongly encouraged to complete your required placement tool and/or test as soon as possible. All placement testing must be complete two weeks prior to your registered orientation date.

After you complete step two of the admission process (confirming your admission) to UC Blue Ash College, you need to take your placement tests.

Math Placement Test

The University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College requires an ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) Assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses. ALEKS PPL is a web-based program that uses artificial intelligence to map a student’s strengths and weaknesses. The Placement Assessment is up to 30 questions and generally takes 60-90 minutes to complete. After the Placement Assessment, an individualized Prep and Learning Module is available for students to refresh their knowledge on forgotten topics. Students then have the opportunity to reassess and improve their placement.

Guided Self-Placement Writing Tool (GSP)

Guided Self-Placement (GSP) will help students decide which college writing course will be the right place for them to begin the English composition sequence at the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College. The Guided Self-Placement for Writing tool asks a series of questions related to students' experiences with writing, provides information about the writing courses in the English Composition sequence, and then asks students to select which writing course they will register for at orientation.

Reading Placement Test

The Reading Placement Test is required for students who have a high school GPA below a 2.2 or have earned a high school equivalency diploma only. A student can be exempt from the Reading Placement Test if qualifying ACT/SAT scores are provided to the institution.

Deadlines

Placement tests/tools, or appropriate exemptions, are required before a student is eligible to attend orientation. Please complete all placement test/tools at least two weeks prior to your scheduled orientation date. Failure to complete placement testing requirements may result in cancellation of your orientation reservation. 

Note: If your placement testing is not completed by the designated deadline for your orientation, your orientation reservation will be cancelled.

All students are required to complete placement testing, unless they have qualifying ACT/SAT scores, or appropriate transfer credit. Click below to learn about the different placement testing requirements. 

Note: Transfer and Dual-Enrollment credit may also qualify for test exemption. Official transcripts from those schools must be submitted to the University of Cincinnati and processed.

UC Blue Ash College offers the Writing GSP, Math and Reading placement tests online (currently on-campus testing is unavailable). Please note, if you are required to take the Reading placement test, you will need to reach out to ucbaplacement@uc.edu for further information. See below if you have questions about completing placement testing online:

• Take Placement Tests Online

In-person placement testing is limited to an as-needed basis but will be offered for select dates May - August each academic year. Appropriate social distancing measures will be taken if necessary, and all in-person testing session are subject to cancellation. However, support for navigating the online placement tests will be provided Monday through Friday between 9:00 and 4:00 pm. Additional online help is also available.

You can also email ucbaplacement@uc.edu or call and leave a message at 513-558-9425.

If you have had an IEP or need accommodations from the UC Blue Ash College Accessibility Resources Department, please contact 513-558-9414.

For our faculty and staff to best support you, it is imperative that you complete your GSP for Writing tool and required placement tests prior to attending orientation. Your placement tool/tests deadline is determined by your orientation date.

You must also register to attend your required UC Blue Ash orientation. You are not automatically registered for an orientation session by completing placement testing.

• Steps For Admission
• Which Tests to Take
• Math Placement Practice Tests
• Take Test(s) Online
• Take Test(s) On-Campus

Placement Testing
Muntz Hall
Phone: 513-558-9425
ucbaplacement@uc.edu