Parents & Family
Course Placement and Assessment Information
Students need to complete assessment of their experience in writing, reading and mathematics to determine the best courses to take first in college. Course Placement is one option. Other options are to provide copies of current ACT or SAT scores, passing grades (2.0 or a C) from another college or recent Course Placement scores from another college. When students do not have ACT or SAT scores, or any other college grades, we use Course Placement to determine basic skill levels. Course Placement scores indicate the best class to start in so that students build a foundation of skills and knowledge needed to succeed in future courses.
What ACT or SAT scores count?
Scores must be less than three years old. ACT scores need to be at least 18 in English, Reading and Mathematics. SAT scores need to be at least 416 in Mathematics and 430 in Critical Reading.
What parts are in Course Placement?
Course Placement consists of three parts: writing, reading, and mathematics. For writing, students choose from two different topics and write their opinions. The topics are about current events or community issues. Essays are read by two experienced writing teachers. Reading and math use a computerized assessment called Accuplacer®. The reading assessment looks at how well the students understand what they read. The math assessment determines the understanding of several levels of math, such as arithmetic and algebra.
Just what is Accuplacer®?
Accuplacer® is the assessment tool we use for reading and math, and is a product of The College Boards, the same company that produces the SAT. Because these are adaptive tests, the questions students answer are more tailored to individual skills than regular paper and pencil tests. This insures that students do not spend a lot of time answering questions that are too easy or too hard. Course Placement is proctored by student lab consultants who will help students with the computer. Students will need to read all of the instructions and take their time, but answering questions is done with a point and click of the mouse.
Do students have to take all three parts?
Students take just the parts needed based on all forms of assessment. If the student has a recent ACT of less than 18 in Mathematics but 18 or higher in English and Reading, then only the math portion of Course Placement is required. The admissions letter the student receives will list what needs to be taken.
How do students find out the results of Course Placement?
At the end of taking Accuplacer®, students see an Individual Report and are asked to print this. The essay results are available within one business day. A JCC advisor will also be able to show students their results. The proctor gives each student a score sheet that explains what courses need to be taken based upon the scores.
Can students practice?
Yes. Students can practice for Course Placement by going to www.jccmi.edu. Choose “Academics,” “Departments” then “Mathematics & Engineering Sciences.” Follow the Accuplacer® link. Sample items are also available from Admissions in Student Services and from the Center for Student Success, in person and on the web.
How well do students usually do?
On average, 35% of students taking Course Placement are required to take basic writing, 50% are required to take reading and 65% are required to take basic math.
Can Course Placement be taken more than once?
Yes. Students can re-take Course Placement. Note that some programs only accept results from the first two attempts. Also, without practice, students seldom improve scores.
Do students have to take the courses identified by Course Placement?
Yes. The Academic Council of Jackson Community College has determined that without adequate preparation for college course work, students are highly likely to fail. As a result, all courses have set a baseline of required skills. Course Placement helps identify if students possess this skill level or if preparatory courses need to be taken in writing, reading or mathematics.
Where do students take Course Placement?
On main campus in the Testing Lab daily (except Saturdays, Holiday weekends and breaks between semesters). Appointments are made at the Hillsdale LeTarte Center (517.437.3343) and at JCC @ LISD TECH, Lenawee (517.265.5515). For times and details, visit the JCC web page for Future Students.
