A college placement test helps a college decide whether a new student starts in college-level math and English or in a developmental (remedial) course first. Many colleges now also use high school grades, test scores and prior college credit to place students. Sending every record, preparing for any test, and asking about corequisite options can keep a student out of classes they do not need.
What placement tests are and who takes them
Placement is most common at community colleges and other open-admission colleges, which admit students without an admissions test and then need a way to match them to the right first courses. Four-year colleges use placement too, especially for math, writing and world languages.
- What they measure: usually reading, writing and math, sometimes English language skills for multilingual students.
- What they decide: the first course in a sequence, not admission. A student is rarely turned away because of a placement result.
- Who may skip them: students with qualifying SAT, ACT or AP scores, recent high school grades above a set level, or college credit from dual enrollment. Each college sets its own rules.
- Multiple measures: many colleges and some whole states have moved toward placing students using high school GPA and coursework, with a test as one input or a backup.
Because practices vary so much, ask the college’s admissions, testing or advising office exactly which measures it uses before scheduling anything.
Developmental vs corequisite courses
These terms show up in placement letters, and the difference matters for time and money.
- Developmental or remedial courses come before the college-level course. They often cost tuition and take a term or more, but usually do not count toward a degree.
- Corequisite courses put the student straight into the college-level course with an added support class, lab or tutoring hour in the same term. The student earns credit for the real course while getting help.
- Accelerated or compressed options at some colleges cover two levels in one term.
Ask whether a corequisite version exists for your placement level. Longer remedial sequences add terms before a student reaches courses that count, which is one reason students drift away. Ask the financial aid office how developmental courses affect aid, since rules apply. See financial aid basics.
How to avoid unnecessary remedial classes
- Send everything. Final high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, AP scores and any college transcripts. Missing records can mean a student is placed by test alone. Our guide to AP scores explains what those scores can earn.
- Ask about exemptions first. A student may already qualify for college-level courses without testing.
- Prepare if you test. Many colleges offer free practice materials. A few hours reviewing algebra, fractions and essay basics can make a real difference, especially for students out of school for a while.
- Take it seriously and rested. Some students rush through without realizing what is at stake. If nerves are an issue, see test anxiety tips.
- Request accommodations ahead of time through the college’s disability services office if you have a documented disability. See disability services in college.
- Ask about retesting or appeals. Many colleges allow a retest after a waiting period or review, and some let students challenge a placement with other evidence.
- Look at the whole plan. The math a student needs depends on the major. A student headed toward a non-STEM major may have a different required math path.
If you do place into a developmental course
- Take it in your first term so it does not delay the courses that depend on it.
- Treat it as a real class: attend every session, use the tutoring center, and meet the instructor in the first two weeks.
- Ask your advisor how it fits your transfer or degree plan. See starting community college for building that first schedule.
- Keep perspective. A placement result describes where to start, not how far a student can go.
Where a mentor helps
A mentor is not a tutor and does not prepare students for the test content. A mentor helps with the steps around it: gathering transcripts and scores, emailing the testing office, booking a prep and test date, and then building the weekly routine that gets a student through a first math or English course. Learn more about mentoring for community college students.
Related
- Paths after high school
- Starting at community college first
- Earning college credit in high school
- How to register for college classes
- Free Community College Programs: How Promise Programs Work
Common questions
Can you fail a college placement test?
Not in the usual sense. The result places you in a course level; it does not decide admission. You can often retest or appeal if you think the placement is too low.
Do remedial classes count toward a degree?
Usually not, though they often cost tuition. Corequisite courses are different because the student earns credit for the college-level course.
Do four-year colleges use placement tests?
Many do, especially for math and world languages, and some use writing placement. Check with the college before orientation.
Should adults returning to school prepare for placement?
Yes. Reviewing math basics for a few hours is one of the most useful things a returning student can do before testing.
Get started
Starting college and want help planning the first steps? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.