Placement Assessments

First time, first year, and many transfer students take one or more placement assessments to ensure appropriate placement in course sequences.

If a student achieves a placement score that exempts them from a course but believes that enrolling in the course would better prepare them for continued studies in that field, they must discuss this concern with their academic advisor. If the student and the advisor agree that taking the course the student has placed out of is in the student’s best interest, the student must complete the “Decline Placement Exam Results” form in the Registrar’s Office.

1. Math Placement: Initial mathematics placement is based on available ACT/SAT math scores and/or prior college-level coursework as shown on official transcripts, if applicable.
Students who do not submit ACT/SAT scores will be placed into MTH105, a developmental mathematics course designed to prepare students for college-level study. Students whose ACT/ SAT scores are below the college's minimum threshold will also be placed in MTH 105. MTH105 carries 3 credit hours that apply toward the 12-credit minimum for full-time enrollment, but do not count toward graduation requirements, as the course is considered preparatory.

To enroll in any mathematics course numbered above 105—or in any Statistics course—students must either demonstrate proficiency in MTH105 content through a faculty-proctored assessment, or successfully complete MTH105.

For students seeking to improve their placement within the MTH105/ MTH112/ MTH115/ MTH125 course sequence, an assessment system is available. This system includes opportunities for review and retesting, allowing students to demonstrate readiness for more advanced coursework.

2. Quantitative Literacy Exam: Based on ACT/ SAT scores, some students are invited to complete the Quantitative Literacy placement exam. The results of the placement assessment may qualify a student for exemption from MTH 110.

3. Second Language Placement: Students are encouraged to take a second language placement assessment if they completed at least 2 years (3-4 semesters) of the chosen language in high school. Students with language proficiency developed through other means, including native proficiency, should complete the assessment or contact the chair of the Division of Languages and Literatures for an individual assessment.

The results of the placement assessment may qualify a student for exemption from the second language requirement. The language placement exam is intended for initial assessment of ability and may not be repeated for the purpose of accelerating progress through a course of study already begun at the college, unless permission is given by the language coordinator or the division chair.

4. Chemistry Placement: Students who want to enroll in Chemistry will initially be placed according to ACT/ SAT math scores. Students may appeal their placement with Dr. Mary Turner, Chemistry Coordinator or with Dr. Jennifer Brigati, Chair of Natural Science.