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III. Academic Skills Placement

Writing & Reading

Math

Modern Language

Native Speakers

Ancient Latin & Greek

CHM111x

Writing & Reading Placement

Writing and reading placement decisions are mandatory.  We no longer offer students the option to defer from a writing or reading placement decision.  Reading, writing, and math placements are indicated on the Placement Form that is found in each students’ freshman advisement file.  Eligibility for the special science programs (Bridge and STEPS) is also indicated on this form.

Automatic Placement in FYS 101 is made when a student meets all of the following:
  • 500 and above verbal SAT score
  • 85 and above high school average
Automatic Placement in LAR 100 and ENG 100 is made when a student meets all of the following:
  • 450 and below verbal SAT score
  • below 80 high school average
A comprehensive review of a student’s high school academic record is required for all students who do not fall into one of the automatic placement categories above.  In the review all high school grades are reviewed and considered.  Low grades, especially exam scores, in history, science, and foreign language courses indicate reading problems, which may stem from poor reading and critical thinking skills. Other negative indicators are inconsistency in performance over several years, a descending high school average, and a significant disparity between exam and class average scores.  As a result of the academic review, students may be placed in any of the following courses: FYS 101, ENG 100, and LAR 100.


Course Descriptions

FYS 101 Explorations of Academic Writing: Special Topics
A course that emphasizes the production of academic writing through critical analysis of texts, with topics drawn from a wide range of academic disciplines. The courses are intended to be seminar style with reading and discussion appropriately challenging for first year students, with the expectation that students will be able to write so as to enhance learning, find and evaluate information, practice academic integrity, negotiate the process of revision, and use correct grammar and syntax. 

ENG 100 Introduction to College Writing  
Covers the basic writing processes, moving from expressive writing to expository and transactional writing.  Includes instruction in grammar. (free elective)

LAR 100 Literacy and Reading   
Explores the relationship between language acquisition processes and perception and conceptualization, providing the student with practical knowledge of the function of language in learning and socialization.  (free elective)


Writing & Reading Placement for International Students

All international students will take reading and writing placement tests at orientation and will be placed in the appropriate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) course(s):

EFL 107 - Grammar and Composition  
Begins with a review of grammar and proceeds to the structural and organizational aspects of writing as well as differences between speaking and writing Standard American English.

EFL 108 - Grammar and Composition   
Refines syntactic skills and reviews rhetorical modes. Furthers the development of the organizational aspects of academic writing with an emphasis on essay writing.

EFL 109 Advanced Composition   
Explores rhetorical models to develop proficiency in written expression.

EFL 215-216 Advanced English   
Analysis of advanced grammar problems and sociolinguistic behaviors in American culture.  Intensive work in critical reading, writing, speaking and research skills.

EFL 301 - Phonetics of English   
Detailed analysis of the English sound system and current trends in linguistics.  Practice in phonemic transcription, listening and correct pronunciation.


Math Placement

All students are reviewed for math placement; there are no automatic placements for math.  Math SAT scores are considered in conjunction with high school grades in math as well as the overall performance in all high school courses.  The verbal SAT score is also a factor considered for math placement.

Math Placement Criteria
  • Students whose Math SAT is below 400, with high school grades in the 50’s or 60’s are recommended for MAT 002.  Students placed in MAT 002 must complete the course before taking any credit bearing math course.
  • Students whose Math SAT score is between 400-450, with some high school grades in the 50’s or 60’s are recommended for MAT 105X extended sections.
  • Students whose Math SAT score is between 400-500, with high school grades of  70 and above are recommended for any Field 7 course.
  • Stronger Business students are recommended for MAT 115.
  • Placements for science majors utilize the same criteria listed above, but weaker students are placed in MAT109.  Students with a mixed performance are given a choice between MAT109 and MAT111.
  • Stronger science majors are placed in MAT111.
Modern Language Placement

Modern language placement is determined by how many years of that language a student studied between the ninth and twelfth grades.
  • 0-1 year studied = 103 (Introductory level).
  • 2-3 years studied = 115 (Advanced-introductory level).   However, if the last year studied was the sophomore year in high school and the grade received was a C+ or lower, the student will be placed into 103.
  • 4-5 years studied = 215 (Intermediate level or higher).  However, if the last year studied was the junior year in high school and the grade received was a C+ or lower, the student will be placed into 115.
  • AP scores of 3 = Enroll in 215. 
  • AP scores of 4 or 5 = 215-216
  • College Credit Programs refer to admission guidelines.
  • CLEP credits = refer to CLEP guidelines.
If advisors and students have concerns about the placement guidelines, they are encouraged to consult with DML Chair, Dr. Eileen Angelini.

Native Speaker

Native speakers of languages other than English are exempt from the ASVIII requirement if they are able to provide documentation of their native speaker status.  Examples of documents include, but are not limited to, a school diploma received from a country where the language of instruction is not English or an internationally recognized examination certifying language abilities.

Ancient Latin & Greek Placement

Latin: Students with two years of high school Latin should take the Latin 101-102 sequence. Students who have more than two years of high school Latin, *but who have not taken Latin during the senior year* should take Latin 102 in the fall semester and 202 in the spring semester. Exceptional students who fit this profile may take Latin 201 in the fall semester. Students who have had three or more years of high school Latin and have taken Latin through their senior year should take Latin 201, then 202. Placements can be adjusted by Dr. Banchich and instructors even after the first week of classes.

Greek: Almost all high school students interested in Greek should begin in Greek 101.

Placement in CHM 111X

• Anyone with <450 math SAT
• Those between 450-500 math SAT - look at high school CHM grade:

  1. All grades below B
  2. Took CHM in soph. or jr. year
  3. Did not have AP CHM
Schedule for BCH/CHM majors:
CHM 111X & lab (4)
Bio 101 & Lab (4)
MAT 109 (4)
FYS 101 or ENG 100 (3)