1. What is a Tailwind Placement Exam?
   
   The Tailwind assessment is a UW placement exam in English, Math, and Spanish. The exams are designed to assess your level of mastery in these subjects.
   
   Math: The mathematics placement test consists of 85 items measuring three broad categories: math fundamentals, advanced algebra, and trigonometry. Students have ninety minutes to complete the entire assessment and are allowed to use a non-graphing calculator built into the online system. Three scores are reported, one for each of the above areas.
   
   Spanish: Students have 60 minutes to complete the 50-60 items on the test. Students will receive a separate score in Language Mechanics and Reading Comprehension.
   
   
   
2. Who needs to take the Tailwind Placement Exam?
   
   The Tailwind Math Placement Exam is used for placement into our 200 level math courses. The exam may also be used to place into science courses that have a math pre-requisite. This test will help place students in the correct level of math in relation to their abilities.
   
   Students who wish to place directly into Spanish 2 will need to take the Tailwind Spanish Placement Exam.
   
   
   
3. How much does the Tailwind Placement Exam cost and where do I pay for the exam?
   
   There is a $25.00 fee payable at the time of the exam appointment. Both placement exams can be taken for the initial payment of $25.00. Payment can be made at Student Central, room 113, at the Business Education Center or at the front office at the outlying campuses.
   
   
   
4. When should I take the Tailwind Placement Exam?
   
   You will need to take it prior to registering for any 200 level math course, or science course with a math prerequisite, or if you wish to place into Spanish 2. Take into consideration testing availability when scheduling your Tailwind Placement Exam, the time you may need to take to prepare for the exam, and when you are scheduled to register for courses. The earlier you can take the Tailwind Placement Exam the better.
   
   
   
5. How can I prepare for the Tailwind Placement Exam?
   
   Resources are available online at Tailwinds Math Placement Exam Prep to help students prepare for the Tailwind Placement exams. We also offer individualized help through Academic Services. The Academic Services staff serves students on a walk-in basis. This service is available at any campus. Contact the Student Central at (715) 833-6200 for campus hours.
   
   
   
6. What if I do not meet the required score on the Tailwind Placement Exam?
   
   If you do not meet the required score on the Tailwind Placement Exam, you have two options. In order to retake the Tailwind Placement Exam you will need to complete an individualized prep with Academic Services prior to scheduling your re-test. You also have the option to take a pre-requisite course or you may take a co-requisite course at the same time as your desired course. If you do not achieve the required score, it is best to review your options with your academic advisor. Contact Student Central Department at (715) 833-6200 for campus hours.
   
   
   
7. How do I sign up to take Tailwind Placement Exam?
   
   Schedule an exam online at or call us at 715-833-6200 if you need assistance.
   
   

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