Computer Science Placement
This placement exam will help you determine which of the following two courses is appropriate for your enrollment (COSI 10a or COSI 12b).
Note: If you have taken the AP Computer Science A exam and received a score of 5, you don’t need to take this exam and can enroll in COSI 12b.
This exam assesses if you are ready for COSI 12b "Advanced Programming Techniques in Java." It will test your knowledge of Java syntax, control flow, ability to trace code, primitive data types versus reference types. You will need to demonstrate good knowledge of the Scanner, String, and Math classes, familiarity with fundamental concepts of classes and objects, and fluency working with arrays.
If you need to refresh those topics, we advise you take a look at the book that will be used in COSI 12b "Building Java Programs" by S. Reges and M. Stepp (any edition will suffice). The first 8 chapters cover what you will be tested on.
The self-administered test will be available until the end of the second day of class. Please note that you have 90 minutes to answer 25 questions and the test can only be taken once per semester. Special Note: If you have taken the test in a previous semester and did not pass, please email compsci@brandeis.edu with your name and test date, so we can allow you another attempt.
If you have test accommodations, please contact us via email with your accommodation letter. We need the letter no less than 48 hours in advance. If you have questions about documenting a disability or requesting accommodations, please contact Student Accessibility Support (SAS) or call 781.736.3470.