Some courses require you to take a placement test before you can register. Math and English placements are based on a variety of factors. These tests are designed to measure your mastery of a particular subject and can help you and your academic advisor determine which courses offer you the best chance for success.
If you have registered with Disability Support Services you may be eligible to receive certain testing accommodations.
-
English Course Placement
Placement in English Composition 101 (EH 101)
- Minimum score of 20 on both the English and Reading sub-scores of the ACT; or
- Minimum Reading test score of 26 on the SAT
Transfer students who have not earned college credit for English Composition (EH 101) are placed in Introduction to Freshman Writing (EH 106) and the co-requisite course (EH 096L).
Placement in English Composition 102 (EH 102)
- Have completed English Composition (101) with a grade of C or better; or
- Have earned college credit for English 101 based on qualifying AP, IB, AICE, or CLEP scores.
If you have not already sent your scores to UAB, please bring a copy of your score with you to orientation.
International Students Only
Placement in English Composition for Second Language Writers (EH 108)
- Have not completed English Composition (101) with a grade of C or better at your transfer institution AND have a TOEFL Writing sub-score of 16-22 or an IELTS Writing sub-score of 5.5-6.0.
If your TOEFL Writing sub-score is below 16 or your IELTS Writing sub-score is below 5.5, you will be placed in the requisite course in UAB’s INTO Program.
Eligibility to Repeat English Composition Courses
English Composition 101:
- If you have previously taken English Composition 101 and not obtained a passing grade of C or better.
English Composition 102:
- If you have previously taken English Composition 102 and not obtained a passing grade of C or better.
Please note that the College of Arts and Sciences only allows students to repeat English Composition courses once. If you should fail the course a second time, you will need to apply for a waiver from the College of Arts and Sciences. Contact your academic advisor for more information.
-
Math Course Placement
Students who have no math credit or no math credit above the remedial level who wish to register for a math course at UAB must take the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment (MPA).
- Students must be admitted to the university before they can access the MPA.
- The MPA is provided at no cost to the student.
- Students who have no math credit, no math credit above the remedial level, or choose not take the Math Placement Assessment must register for MA 094 (Basic Mathematics) or MA 098 (Basic Algebra).
- Students awaiting alternative credit score reports (i.e. AP, CLEP, AICE, DSST, etc.) should take the MPA and register for the highest math course in which they placed. Once scores are submitted, students can adjust their registration accordingly. Alternative credit score reports should be sent to UAB as soon as possible.
Note: Keep in mind that if you do not complete the Math Placement Assessment and are placed in remedial-level math, registration for science courses and timely completion of any science-dependent major will be delayed/impacted.
Exceptions
- Incoming students who are transferring a 100-level, college math course or higher with a grade of C or higher (excludes remedial college math and MA 110 – Finite Mathematics*).
Examples of 100-level math courses are Intermediate Algebra, Pre-Calculus Algebra, Pre-Calculus Trigonometry, Calculus, Calculus II, etc. If you’re unsure whether you are required to take the MPA, contact your academic advisor. - Students who have earned credit for MA 110 and do not require any additional math to meet degree requirements, are not required to take the Math Placement Assessment.
If you think you have a math course that you can transfer to UAB, please check the Transfer Credit Equivalencies Guide. - Students who have earned college credit for math based on having received qualifying AP, IB, AICE, or CLEP scores (excludes MA 180 – Statistics). Review the list of qualifying scores.
-
World Language Course Placement
If you have never taken a world language course, you do not need to take a world language placement test. You will begin with a 101 world language course.
It is recommended that you take a world language placement test if:
- You have had one or more years of world language in high school (within the last two years)
- You wish to take courses in French, Spanish, German, and Chinese.
If you wish to take courses in Arabic, Portuguese, Italian, or Japanese, please contact the Department of World Languages and Literatures to ensure appropriate placement.
If your native language is French, German, or Spanish, you cannot take a beginning course in your world language for credit. It is recommended that you take the world language placement test to determine the appropriate level course to register for.
Congratulations on your admission to the University of Alabama at Birmingham! You’re just a few steps away from becoming a Blazer. Complete this checklist, created especially for transfer and nontraditional students, to help make your transition smooth and simple.
Step 1. Activate BlazerID
You’ll need a BlazerID to make a reservation for orientation, register for classes, and do many other important things. Use your student number (found in your admission decision email) to activate your BlazerID and password.
The BlazerID and password take one hour to activate once you create them.
205-934-8221
Step 2. Explore BlazerNET
BlazerNET is the official portal to the UAB community and the most reliable source of information for UAB students. It’s convenient, secure, and provides easy access to your UAB email, class schedule, financial aid status, any transfer credits, Graduation Planning System (GPS), important announcements and more. Use your BlazerID and password to login.
Step 3. Make a Reservation for Orientation
Blazer Beginnings, UAB’s orientation program, is required for all new Blazers. During the half-day event, you'll confirm your course schedule, learn about support services, meet other students, and much more. Guests are invited to attend the concurrent Parent and Family Orientation.
205-975-7999
Step 4. Apply for or Accept Federal Financial Aid
All it takes is just one form. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. Use Code 001052 to send your application to UAB.
Priority Deadlines
- Summer/fall students: December 1
- Spring students: Not applicable
If you receive a financial aid award, accept or decline the offer at uab.edu/blazernet.
205-934-8223
Cost & Aid
Step 5. Apply for On-campus Housing
Living on campus is optional—but it’s a very convenient option. Residence halls are a short walk from the Commons on the Green dining hall, Hill Student Center, campus libraries, and classroom buildings. Space is limited, so submit your application soon.
Step 6. Take Course Placement Assessments
If you have not already earned a grade of C or better in a college-level math or English course above the remedial level, you are required to take an assessment to determine course placement. Some exceptions apply – see if you meet the exception criteria.
Deadline: Two weeks before being advised.
Step 7. Register for Classes
Students are expected to register for classes before attending Blazer Beginnings, UAB's orientation program.
Step 8. Submit Your Immunizations
At UAB, all students have a “Patient Portal” to house (online only) records of healthcare info, including immunizations. You’re required to upload proof of these immunizations to your Patient Portal (instructions at www.uab.edu/newstudentshots).
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
- Meningococcal (meningitis), and
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
In addition, some (not all) students will be notified through their UAB Patient Portal that a Tuberculosis will be required. Students entering into upper-level courses in the School of Nursing and School of Health Professions students may need additional immunizations. Notification of those required immunizations will come from the academic school. Before you get any new vaccinations, set up your UAB Patient Portal and check your immunization requirements. If you have questions, contact UAB Student Health and Wellness at the contact options below:
205-934-3581
Step 9. Submit Health Insurance
If you’re a full-time student, then you must show proof of the required level of health insurance coverage. Don’t have private coverage? Then you’ll be automatically enrolled in UAB’s Student Health Insurance Plan and the cost of that insurance will be added to your bill. If you do have private insurance, you must submit a completed waiver form AND proof of personal insurance coverage by the first day of class. Failure to submit proof of your personal insurance will automatically enroll you in UAB's Student Health Insurance Plan and the premium will be added to your student bill.
Have questions? Go to www.uab.edu/students/health/insurance-waivers for answers!
205-934-3581
Step 10. Submit Your ONE Card Photo
Choose a photo of yourself for your ONE Card—your official student ID—and upload it at least 24 hours before the beginning of your orientation session. Be sure your photo follows the guidelines listed on the submission website. Pick up your new ONE Card at your orientation session.
Step 11. Check Out Off-Campus Student Engagement
If you're planning to live off campus, this department is ready to provide you with resources and support. Off-Campus Student Engagement (OCSE) can assist you with finding housing, getting involved at UAB, and more. OCSE also hosts weekly events and houses the Off-Campus Student Council and Transfer Student Organization. Find OCSE in the Off-Campus Student Lounge in the Hill Student Center, Suite 140.
205-996-1580
Step 12. Accept Scholarship Offer
Students who were offered a UAB Merit Scholarship should accept their scholarship offer as soon as possible. All scholarship offers must be accepted in the Blazer Scholarship Management and Resource Tool (BSMART).
Deadline: June 1
Additional Steps
Apply for Additional UAB Scholarships
UAB is pleased to offer IB Scholarships, departmental scholarships, performance scholarships and more. Students interested in these scholarships should submit their scholarship application(s) in the Blazer Scholarship Management and Resource Tool (BSMART). Submitting the general application in BSMART submits student information to many departments on campus. Some scholarships may require a supplemental application in addition to the general application. Scholarships in BSMART will open on August 1. Check BSMART for specific scholarship deadlines.
Contact Admissions
Do you have questions? Does your family have questions? The UAB Office of Undergraduate Admissions—or your admission counselor—is happy to answer them all.
205-934-8221
Get closer to becoming a Blazer
by completing your enrollment checklist.
THE CORE FOUR
The core four steps are required of all incoming freshmen and should be completed in the order shown.
Step 1. Activate BlazerID
To activate your BlazerID, you will need your student number, which can be found in your acceptance letter and email.
Activate BlazerIDStep 2. Pay the Freshman Enrollment Deposit
All incoming freshmen are required to pay a non-refundable $200 Freshman Enrollment Deposit to secure a place in the entering class. For questions and more information, please refer to the freshman enrollment deposit policy.
Step 3. Reserve a Spot for Orientation
Blazer Beginnings, UAB’s orientation program, is required for all incoming freshmen. During this two-day event, you'll confirm your course schedule, learn about support services, meet other students, and much more.
Step 4. Apply for Housing
All incoming freshmen are required to live on campus during their first year. Freshmen are housed in the heart of campus, convenient to academic buildings, dining, libraries, and everything fun.
Application opens in November.
ADDITIONAL ENROLLMENT STEPS
Apply for Financial Aid
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid provides you with opportunities to receive federal loans, grants, and work study. Complete the FAFSA as early as possible and send your application to UAB using code 001052.
Accept Scholarship Offer
Students who were offered a UAB Merit Scholarship should accept their scholarship in BSMART as soon as possible but no later than June 1.
Accept Honors College Offer
Students who received a UAB Honors College offer should accept it as soon as possible but no later than May 1. Students interested in applying to a specialized program should submit the specialized program application by the priority deadline on February 1.
Accept Early Acceptance to Graduate School Offer
Students who received an Early Acceptance to Graduate School offer should accept it as soon as possible but no later than May 1.
Take the Math Placement Assessment
Students who have not earned college-level math credit above the remedial level are required to take the math assessment to determine course placement. Some exceptions apply — see if you meet the exception criteria.
Deadline: Two weeks before being advised.
Take the English Placement Survey and Writing Sample
Students who have not earned credit for English Composition (EH 101) with a grade of C or better must take the English Placement Survey and Writing Sample. Some exceptions apply — see if you meet the exception criteria.
Deadline: Two weeks before being advised.
Register for Classes
Students are expected to register for classes before attending Blazer Beginnings, UAB's orientation program.
Submit Your Immunizations
You are required to show proof of these immunizations:
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Tdap (tetanus and diphtheria)
- meningococcal
- varicella
You must also be screened for tuberculosis, and School of Nursing and School of Health Professions students may need additional immunizations.
Before you get any new vaccinations, log in to the UAB Patient Portal and check your immunization requirements. Immunization records for Alabama residents that are already on file with the state registry are added automatically. If you are an Alabama resident with questions about immunizations, contact a medical clearance associate through the Patient Portal.
Submit Health Insurance
Full-time students must show proof of health insurance coverage. Don’t have private coverage? Then you’ll be enrolled automatically in UAB’s Student Health Insurance Plan. The premium will be added to your student account unless you submit a waiver indicating proof of personal insurance coverage.
Students who have qualifying insurance coverage will log in to the Patient Portal to submit their proof of insurance, which can be found on your insurance card.
Congratulations on your admission to the University of Alabama at Birmingham! You’re just a few steps away from becoming a Blazer. Complete this checklist—created especially for online students—to help make your transition smooth and simple.
Not an online student? Go here.
Step 1. Create a BlazerID
A BlazerID is required to access online orientation, register for classes, manage your financial aid, and much more. In order to establish your BlazerID, you will need your student number, which can be found in your acceptance email.
205-934-8221
Step 2. Explore BlazerNET
BlazerNET is the official portal to the UAB community and the most reliable source of information for UAB students. It’s convenient, secure, and provides easy access to your UAB email, class schedule, financial aid status, any transfer credits, Graduation Planning System (GPS), important announcements and more. Use your BlazerID and password to login.
Step 3. Apply for or Accept Financial Aid
All it takes is one form. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. Use Code 001052 to send your application to UAB.
205-934-8223
Step 4. Complete Online Major Orientation
Online students will complete an online orientation session, which will provide you with resources designed to help you be successful at UAB and in an online environment. The Office of New Student Programs will send you a separate email with details.
Step 5. Take Course Placement Assessments
If you have not earned college-level math or English credit above the remedial level, you are required to take an assessment to determine course placement. Some exceptions apply.
Step 6. Make an appointment with your academic advisor
You can rely on your academic advisor for information, assistance, and encouragement throughout your time at UAB. To review course selection before registration, students should meet with their advisor either by phone or email. You may make an appointment online with your advisor using the "My Appointment" button on your BlazerNET homepage.
Login to BlazerNETStep 7. Register for Classes
After students meet with their academic advisor, they will register for classes through BlazerNET using their BlazerID and password. Once a student is logged into BlazerNET, they should click on "Registration.”
Login to BlazerNETStep 8. Submit Final Transcripts
Students who are currently enrolled in high school or college will need to request that a final transcript be sent to our office:
UAB Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Box 99
1702 2nd Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35294-2936
Keep in mind, your admission is contingent pending receipt of all official and final transcripts.
Contact the Office of Admissions
Do you have questions? Does your family have questions? The UAB Office of Undergraduate Admissions—or your admissions counselor—is happy to answer them all.
205-934-8221
Congratulations on your admission to the University of Alabama at Birmingham! You’re just a few steps away from becoming a Blazer. Complete this checklist to help make your transition smooth and simple.
Not a student admitted in the spring? Go here.
Step 1. Activate your BlazerID
A BlazerID is required to access online orientation, register for classes, manage your financial aid, and more. In order to establish your BlazerID, you will need your student number, which can be found in your acceptance email.
205-934-8221
Step 2. Make a Reservation for Orientation
Blazer Beginnings is a required rite of passage for all new Blazers. During the half-day event, you’ll register for classes, get your ONE Card (UAB ID), learn about support services, and meet other new students. Guests are invited to attend the concurrent Parent and Family Orientation.
205-975-7999
Step 3. Apply for or Accept Federal Financial Aid
All it takes is just one form. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. Use Code 001052 to send your application to UAB.
Priority Deadlines
- Summer/fall students: December 1
- Spring students: Not applicable
If you receive a financial aid award, accept or decline the offer at uab.edu/blazernet.
205-934-8223
Cost & Aid
Step 4. Take Course Placement Assessments
If you have not already earned a grade of C or better in a college-level math or English course above the remedial level, you are required to take an assessment to determine course placement. Some exceptions apply – see if you meet the exception criteria.
Deadline: Two weeks before being advised.
Step 5. Submit Immunizations and TB Requirements
You are required to show proof of select immunizations and take a Tuberculosis Screening Questionnaire, both of which will be completed in UAB’s Student Health Services Patient Portal. As an admitted student, you have a Patient Portal profile accessible by using your BlazerID credentials.
If you have questions about immunization or TB requirements, message UAB Student Health Services via the Patient Portal.
You are required to show proof of the following immunizations:
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
- Meningococcal (meningitis)
- Varicella (chicken pox)
Before getting any new vaccinations, Alabama residents whose primary care physician submitted their immunization record (blue card) to the Alabama state registry may have their immunizations already documented in the Patient Portal. Students entering upper-level courses in the School of Nursing and School of Health Professions may need additional immunizations. Notification of those required immunizations will come from the academic school. More information can be found at Student Health Services.
TB REQUIREMENT: All incoming students are required to complete a TB Screening Questionnaire. Students with any positive responses are then required to complete TB testing — either a TB Skin Test or Blood Test. Some students are required to complete TB testing regardless of their TB screening responses, which will be outlined within the “Immunization Requirements” section of the Patient Portal.
Step 6. Submit Health Insurance
All full-time incoming students must have personal health insurance coverage to enroll at UAB. Students who have personal health insurance coverage can submit a waiver to opt out of being automatically enrolled and charged for UAB’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).
- Students who have personal health insurance coverage must act by January 1 to avoid a charge to their student account for UAB’s Student Health Insurance Plan. Students whose personal coverage meets required coverage levels should log in to UAB’s Student Health Services Patient Portal to submit a waiver form and proof of personal insurance coverage. As an admitted student, you have a Patient Portal profile, which is accessible by using your BlazerID credentials. Students who fail to meet the deadline will be automatically enrolled in SHIP, and the premium added to their student account.
- Students who do not have personal health insurance coverage or coverage that meets the required levels will be automatically enrolled in UAB’s Student Health Insurance Plan for coverage. The SHIP premium will be added to your student account, and you will have health insurance coverage while you’re a student at UAB.
If you have questions about health insurance coverage, message UAB Student Health Services via the Patient Portal.
Access Patient PortalStep 7. Submit Your ONE Card Photo
Choose a photo of yourself for your ONE Card—your official student ID—and upload it at least 24 hours before the beginning of your orientation session. Be sure your photo follows the guidelines listed on the submission website. Pick up your new ONE Card at your orientation session.
Step 8. Submit Final Transcripts
If you are currently enrolled in high school or college, you will need to request that a final transcript be sent to UAB.*
* UAB accepts both mailed and electronic transcripts at the following address:
UAB Office of Undergraduate Admissions
BOX 99
1720 2nd Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35294-2936
Transcripts must be sent directly to UAB from the institution to be considered official. For transcripts sent through a secured transcript service (like Parchment, eScrip, or National Student Clearinghouse), please select University of Alabama at Birmingham from the vendor’s drop-down menu.
Additional Steps
Apply for Additional UAB Scholarships
UAB is pleased to offer IB Scholarships, departmental scholarships, performance scholarships and more. Students interested in these scholarships should submit their scholarship application(s) in the Blazer Scholarship Management and Resource Tool (BSMART). Submitting the general application in BSMART submits student information to many departments on campus. Some scholarships may require a supplemental application in addition to the general application. Scholarships in BSMART will open on August 1. Check BSMART for specific scholarship deadlines.
Contact the Office of Admissions
Do you have questions? Does your family have questions? The UAB Office of Undergraduate Admissions—or your admissions counselor—is happy to answer them all.
205-934-8221