Why is Placement important?
Placement gives recommendations for courses in math, English and English as a second language (ESL). This will determine where you start in the sequence of courses and how long it will take to complete them to get your degree or transfer. A new law in California (AB 705) has made transfer level math and English courses accessible in your first year. For more information on AB 705 please visit here.

 

Who is Placement for?

  • Students who designate their educational goals to include transfer, obtain an associate degree, or earn a certificate of achievement.
  • Students who register for any English course or for a mathematics course or for any course which has English or math as a prerequisite.

Who may be exempt from Placement?

  • Students who have earned an Associate Degree or higher at an accredited college or university. Must provide copy of diploma or unofficial transcript.
  • If a student is enrolling in a course for educational/personal enrichment course that does not require English or Math as a prerequisite, co-requisite or advisory (recommended preparation).

How do I complete the Placement questionnaire?
All English and math placement will be done through Self-Service via a questionnaire. In order to complete this step you will need knowledge of your High School GPA, highest completed High School math course, and intended major of study. ESL students will be also required to fill out the questionnaire, if an appointment is needed you will be referred to do so on your results page. 

  • Log into Self-Service
  • Click the "Graduation Cap" icon in the left navigation
  • Select "Test Summary" from the drop-down menu
  • Select "Step 2-Assessment/Placement Questionnaire"
  • Fill out the form and click submit
  • Review your recommended placement

The questionnaire will help you determine your English, Math or ESL placement.

 

How do I receive ESL Placement?
If you place into ESL, you will be asked to take the ESL guided self-placement. It is your right to take transfer-level English classes or ESL classes if English is not your first or native language. If the ESL guided self-placement is needed, proceed to your Self-Service account to complete it.

 

 

How to answer the GPA question:

You will find it easier to answer this question if you have a copy of your high school transcripts. If you do not have access to a copy of your high school transcripts that is okay, this answer does not have to be specific. Knowing the range for your GPA is all that is needed to answer this question.


Did you attend high school in a different country?

Email the Assessment Center at grossmont.assessment@gcccd.edu for help converting  your GPA into the range needed for this questions. 


How to answer the highest completed Math course question:

Highest completed math course is one that you have received a C or higher in. Courses that you received a non passing grade should not be included. This may not be your last attempted math course.

 

Don't see your course on the list? Email the Assessment Center at grossmont.assessment@gcccd.edu for help.

 

How to answer prospective major question:

Math courses are determined by major groupings. It helps determine which level of math is required to meet the requirements in that field. 

 

If you do not see your exact major, that is okay, you can select an area related to that major. For example, if you are wanting to major in management you would want to select Business. The major groupings are broken down like this:

  • Business
    (includes Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Economics)
  • Engineering/Math/Computer Science/Science
    (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Pre-Med, )
  • Teaching
    (Elementary Education)
  • Social Science/Allied Health
    (Nursing, Social Work, Administration of Justice, Psychology, Sociology)
  • Arts & Humanities
    (History, English, Literature, Languages, Philosophy, Communication, etc)
  • I am thinking of something else

 

If you are undecided, changed your major or accidentally picked the wrong one, no worries! Talk with a Counselor to help choose the right course for your goals. 

    

Don't think you were placed into the right class?

If you would like to challenge your placement level after you have completed the placement questionnaire, please contact the Department Chair of either Math, English or ESL. You may also email the Assessment Center at grossmont.assessment@gcccd.edu for more information.

 

 

The Assessment Center's Hours:

 

Fall 2023

Monday - Tuesday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Wednesday - Thursday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Fridays - 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

 

Phone Number: 619-644-7200

Email: grossmont.assessment@gcccd.edu

 Take English in Your First Year

If you have successfully completed an AP or IB exam, you are still encouraged to complete the Placement Questionnaire. You will likely be placed in the appropriate courses for this level.

 

If that is not the case, please submit a Prerequisite Clearance Online Form with a copy of your score report for consideration. If an AP exam has been passed with a score of 3 or higher in the following classes: English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Calculus AB or BC, or Statistics, students can submit the appropriate documentation through the Prerequisite Clearance Online Form for possible English or math placement.

If you have English or Math credits from another College, you are still encouraged to complete the Placement Questionnaire.

 

Though you may have taken coursework elsewhere, you could potentially place higher than at your previous institution. If that is not the case, please submit the appropriate documentation through the Prerequisite Clearance Online Form for possible English and math placement.

 

* Official transcripts from other colleges and universities must be submitted to Admissions and Records at Grossmont College.

For any questions or concerns, please email grossmont.assessment@gcccd.edu and we will respond within 24 hours.