Printer FriendlyHood College Placement Tests
New Hood freshmen are required to take placement tests in English Composition, mathematics and foreign language, or to meet certain exemption requirements for each test. Transfer students may need to take placement tests if they have not yet completed introductory courses in these areas. Placement tests are not required for students who transfer to Hood with an associate’s degree and the required prerequisites for upper division mathematics classes.
The placement tests ensure that you and your adviser can plan an appropriate schedule of classes during your first year at Hood. The tests are administered by the Office of Academic Services. No grades or credit are awarded for placement tests.
Placement tests are available online by clicking on the links below.
English Composition Test
This test is required if your highest SAT Essay score is between 6 and 8. If your SAT Essay score is above or below that range, your Essay score will be used for placement purposes. The English placement test can be waived if you have an AP Language/Composition score of 4 or 5, or if you have completed a college-level English Composition course at another accredited college with a grade of C- or higher.English placement tests can be taken at any time before the deadline indicated for your orientation program. They may be taken from any computer with Internet access. The tests must be taken without assistance.
You will receive your username and password for this test in the mail. If you require assistance with your username and password, click Blackboard Placement Test Assistance Request.Click here to begin the Composition placement test (60-minute test).
Click here if you are exempt from taking the Composition placement test.
Mathematics Test
This test is required unless you have an AP Calculus score of 4 or 5, or if you have completed a college-level algebra or pre-calculus course at another accredited college with a grade of C- or higher.This test measures your mathematical skills and the results are used by your adviser to suggest the appropriate mathematics course in which you should enroll to meet the mathematics requirement for your program of study. You do not pass or fail this test. Neither a grade nor credit is earned with this test.
This Basic Skills Inventory (BSI) consists of two sections. Part I contains arithmetic through intermediate algebra. Part II contains trigonometry and precalculus. Students who have neither studied trigonometry nor precalculus are not required to take Part II.
Download the Basic Algebra Review which contains problems similar to those on Part I of the placement test. Students must demonstrate mastery of this material or must complete non-credit coursework before taking any college-level mathematics courses. Part II determines appropriate placement for students who wish to enroll in mathematics courses at the precalculus level and beyond.
Click here to begin the Math placement test (90-minute test).
Click here if you are exempt from taking the Math placement test.
Foreign Language Test
Hood requires all students to study a foreign language—proficiency at the intermediate level for honors program students and two semesters for all other students. The foreign language placement test is required if you have had at least two years of a foreign language in high school. You are exempt from taking the placement exam—but not exempt from the requirement—if you plan to study a language that you did not study in high school or if you have completed a college-level language course at another accredited college with a grade of C- or higher.The placement tests for French, German, Spanish and Russian are available online via the link below. The Hebrew and Latin Placement tests are taken on campus; contact the Office of Academic Services to schedule either of these tests.
Begin the Foreign Language placement test (90-minute test) for French, German, Spanish or Russian. The password for this test is blazers1.
Click here if you are exempt from taking the Foreign Language placement test.Placement tests will be available online beginning April 1. If you have any questions, please contact us at the numbers below:
Admissions Office (301) 696-3400 or (800) 922-1599
Academic Services (301) 696-3569
Orientation (301) 696-3575