U-M requires and recommends several placement exams. Most of these can be taken online prior to Orientation. It's important that you take placement exams and try to do as well as possible, but know that the results don't impact your GPA and are not reported on your transcript. In some cases, doing well on the U-M Placement Exam will exempt you from a course or a requirement or give you the opportunity to earn additional credits.
The Office of New Student Programs website will give you information about how, where, and why to take exams. This page will help you understand the results of these exams. During Orientation, an advisor can also help you understand your exam results.