Accuplacer is an assessment tool used to determine course placement for first-time, full-time students. If a student has recently taken the ACT or SAT assessment, those scores may be used instead of the Accuplacer. Students returning to college and/or part-time students may also be asked to take the Accuplacer as a way to determine the most appropriate courses. It is recommended that SAT, ACT, and Accuplacer scores be within the last two years.
The Accuplacer assessment measures student ability in the following discipline areas: Reading Skills, Writing Skills, and Math Skills. From these exams, a score report is generated from which the student and his/her advisor can determine placement in courses.
Administration of Accuplacer
All degree seeking students, both full-time and part-time, should be administered the Accuplacer tests. Students not seeking a degree, but who want to enroll in English, Math, or Science courses should also be administered the Accuplacer tests. Students should contact the Admissions Office or the Testing Coordinator, located in administrative offices in the Hobble Academic Building, to schedule an Accuplacer assessment. As a reminder, ACT or SAT scores recently obtained may be used in place of Accuplacer scores for placement purposes. The Accuplacer may be re-administered for those trying to improve their scores, but there is a fee to do so.
The ACT, SAT, and/or Accuplacer scores are used in the advisement process to determine appropriate courses for the student to enroll in and begin their college studies. The advisement process involves SCCC faculty and staff assisting students in the planning process for academics and career goals. Students are assigned advisors based upon areas of interest. Student input in the assignment of an advisor is encouraged. The advisement process should be more than just choosing which courses to take; students should contact advisors frequently and discuss both academic and career goals.
Mandatory Placement Policy for English Classes
Students no longer have the option of waiving placement in Pre-Composition and Composition I classes.
To advance to Pre-Composition II one of the following is required: Final grade of A, B, or C in Pre-Comp I, or Accuplacer e-Write Post-Test score of 5+, or Accuplacer Writing Test score of 39-69.
Upon completion of Pre-Composition II, one of the following is required to advance to English Composition I: Final grade of A, B, C, in PreComposition II, or Accuplacer e-Write Post score of 6+, or Accuplacer Writing Test score of 74. Students who do not meet one of the requirements will not be allowed to enroll in English Composition I. These students will need to retake Pre-Composition II.
Course Placement Waiver
Students may request a waiver of the SAT/ACT/Accuplacer course placement recommendations. In doing so, the student accepts full responsibility for their own enrollment decisions. It should be understood that the student’s chances of academic success will be diminished by enrolling in a course(s) for which the student is not adequately prepared. The Course Placement Waiver forms may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office.