Placement Testing

Degree-seeking students at Missouri State University-West Plains may need to take the ACT unless they have more than 24 college credit-hours when they begin their degree program. The ACT is the primary placement evaluation, though students may also complete testing and/or directed self-placement for the English composition sequence and can be tested for placement in the math sequence.

Testing Services

The testing center at Missouri State University-West Plains gives a residual ACT test on the West Plains and Mountain Grove campuses. These scores usually cannot be submitted to other colleges. Cost of the ACT is $68. Upcoming test dates are listed on the Testing Services website.

Students who do not live within easy traveling distance of West Plains or Mountain Grove can take the ACT at an approved center. To locate a test site go to the ACT website. Fees for taking the ACT at a site other than Missouri State University-West Plains or its extended campuses can be found on the ACT student website.

Directed Self-Placement for Writing Classes

Missouri State University-West Plains uses a Directed Self-Placement score to help students determine which entry level English course is right for them. Missouri State University-West Plains is committed to providing students with the direction and information they need to make appropriate placement decisions.

It is important for you to make informed and wise self-placement decisions. Inappropriate self-placement may increase the time it takes to complete a certificate or degree and may interfere with financial aid.

Please note: Dual Credit Students should use the placement method required by their high schools; the Directed Self Placement tool is not an appropriate placement measure for students taking classes for high school credit. 

For more information see the Directed Self-Placement explanation.

Placement Guidelines for Mathematics

In order to help students begin in the highest math class in which they are likely to be successful, students are placed according to placement exam test scores and previous classes taken. The scores on the mathematics portion of the ACT®, SAT®, Accuplacer®, or NextGen Accuplacer® will be used for degree-seeking students. Students may also request to take the math department placement exam. (Contact Testing Services for information.) Students can also request placement into a math course based on the Multiple Measures listed (contact the Office of Advising and Academic Support).

Advising and Academic Support | Testing Services' ACT Schedule | English & Math Placement
ACT Website | Finding an ACT Test Site