Govs Start Strong
At Austin Peay State University, we want every Governor to succeed from day one. Demonstrating proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics helps ensure a successful first semester and builds the foundation for the general education journey. These core skills open doors across every major and keep our Governors progressing toward their goals.
Govs can demonstrate proficiency through multiple measures and experiences. Whether through GPA, ACT scores, testing, prior college-credit, or supportive coursework, there is a clear path forward and a team ready to support every Governor along the way.
Quick Navigation: Policy | Pre-Enrollment Proficiency Demonstration | Pre-Enrollment Testing Options | GovReady | ACCUPLACER | Proficiency Coursework | Frequently Asked Questions
Policy
Austin Peay State University (APSU) students must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics prior to enrollment OR during initial terms of enrollment by registering and completing a co-requisite general education course OR a subject-specific proficiency course.
Pre-Enrollment Demonstration
APSU Govs can meet reading, writing, and mathematics proficiency prior during the Admissions Application process by sending their ACT scores, high school transcripts, and college transcripts. When those documents meet with benchmarks below, the proficiency has been demonstrated.
Pre-Enrollment Testing Options
To give every APSU Gov an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency and readiness prior to enrollment, if a student does not meet the benchmarks indicated above, there are two optional testing options available at no charge. This is completely optional and students can choose to take the proficiency area they need or wish to take.
GovReady
Admitted APSU Governors have online access through their OneStop portal to this testing option. It is virtual and timed. It is designed as a two-part system. The first is a diagnostic test for the proficiency area. If that diagnostic test results in a passing score, the proficiency is met! Otherwise, the student can choose to engage in the second part of the testing which is a learning path. It provides online review and testing that can be taken over time (i.e., you can start and stop as needed)
ACCUPLACER
NextGen ACCUPLACER is a computerized standard assessment that is completed at an APSU Testing Center.
When either GovReady or ACCUPLACER test scores reach the minimum score for each area, proficiency has been demonstrated!
Proficiency Coursework
APSU Govs can choose to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics through coursework during their initial terms of enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: If receive a 3.5 GPA or the appropriate ACT score from the benchmarks above, do I have to sign up for a General Education placement test?
Answer: No. Your grades and/or ACT score is enough to demonstrate proficiency.
Question: If I submit my ACT score and it is lower than the benchmark, but my GPA meets or exceeds the benchmark, do I still need to take the placement test?
Answer: No. We will take the highest score. In this case, we would use your GPA to demonstrate your proficiency.
Question: I arrived at Governor's Orientation, but I did not submit my ACT scores. How can I submit them?
Answer: If you took the ACT and did not send your results to APSU, log in to your account
at MyACT.org and show your test scores to the advisor in the registration room. Your
advisor will take a photo of your scores to send to Admissions so that your
proficiency status can be updated.
Question: What are my testing options?
Answer: There are multiple options available:
- ACCUPLACER - Computerized test with multiple choice questions
- CLEP - Computerized tests with multiple choice questions
- GovReady Testing and Learning Modules - Launching in Summer 2026
Question: How do contact the Testing Center at APSU?
Answer: You can get in touch with the Testing Center through email, phone or in person:
Email: testingcenter@apsu.edu
Phone: 931-221-6269
Address: Marks Building, Room 120