Foundation courses are designed to prepare students for college-level coursework by helping them develop English, Mathematics and Second Language skills required for entry in their degree courses.
All first-year students are required to complete three placements in order to have a full course schedule and successful orientation process. It is crucial to complete placements seven (7) days prior to your scheduled orientation date. Transfer students will need to complete any applicable placements for their particular academic program.
The Foundations Writing Evaluation (FWE) is required for all first-year and transfer students. The FWE is a survey that helps determine which, if any, first-year composition course you need to take. The questions shown depend on your admissions type (first-year or transfer).
The Math Placement is required to complete the Foundations Math requirement. Entry into University of Arizona Math, Science or other courses at the University of Arizona requires a Math placement. If you will have, or expect to have, math credit through AP, IB, CLEP, dual enrollment, or other credit, you must read and follow the instructions to see which math placement recommendations are made for you.
The Language Placement Exam (LPE) is required to complete the Foundations Language requirement. If you have, or expect to have, second language credit through AP, IB, CLEP, dual enrollment, or other credit, you may need to take the LPE as many of these score reports are not sent to us until after you have attended orientation. First-year and Transfer students will need to answer specific questions before being prompted to take the placement.
Global students may fulfill this requirement based on their TOEFL or IELTS score or endorsement from the Center of English as a Second Language (CESL).