Placement in College Level Courses

Applicants seeking degrees, diplomas, or credit certificates must provide evidence of readiness for college-level courses. A variety of means are accepted including high school cumulative GPA, standardized tests, previous college-level coursework in English and mathematics, transfer credit, other credit for prior learning for required courses in English and mathematics, or possession of an associate or higher degree.

High School Cumulative GPA

To use high school cumulative GPA as evidence of readiness for college-level courses, applicants must provide a copy of the official high school transcript showing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (83% or higher on a percent grade scale or B or higher on a letter grade scale; see GPA conversion chart). High school cumulative GPA is a measure of effort over time, so only the final cumulative GPA at the end of the junior or senior year may be used for placement purposes. Transcripts with pass/fail grades and/or multiple grades excluded from the cumulative GPA may not be eligible as a measure for placement. All transcripts are subject to review. Students presenting a credential other than regular diploma (as defined by the state in which the high school is located) may not be eligible to use high school cumulative GPA for placement purposes.

There are no age limits on high school GPA being used as evidence of college readiness; however, students using high school GPA for placement are also required to provide standardized test scores (see below) for the purposes of advisement. Students who place at college-level based on GPA but do not indicate college readiness on the tests are required to discuss the differences in placement during academic advisement. While students have the right to enroll in college-level courses, planning and advisement is key to finding the course that is most likely to help the student be successful.

Standardized Tests

Students may submit standardized test scores for placement purposes. The College accepts SAT scores and placement test scores from a combination of ACCUPLACER and locally-developed placement tests.

ACCUPLACER Retake Policy

Students are eligible to retake each portion/subject of the ACCUPLACER test one time even if they have had developmental education instruction at the College. Readmitted students or students who previously applied as visiting high school or dual enrollment students who have not demonstrated college readiness are allowed to take the ACCUPLACER once they matriculate no matter how many previous attempts they have had. They are also permitted one retake after matriculation. The length of time between retakes is the student’s prerogative, but students should be strongly encouraged to prepare for the retake attempt. The dean of student affairs may approve additional re-take attempts in exceptional circumstances. There is a per subject charge for each retake.

Previous Coursework, Transfer Credit, or Other Credit for Prior Learning

Previous coursework, transfer credit, and other credit for prior learning may exempt students from testing and qualify them for college-level placement in the respective subject.