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What is Course Placement?
Course Placement is an assessment test designed to identify your skills in math, reading and writing. You and your counselor will review your results when selecting an appropriate course load and proper starting point for your math and English classes. You cannot fail Course Placement. Whatever your results are, there is a starting point for you. If your results show a need for assistance in meeting academic requirements, we offer developmental classes in math, reading and English as well as free tutoring through our Learning Lab and Special Needs office.
Why do I have to take the Course Placement test?
As a new student, you are required to take Course Placement before you can register for classes. Research has shown that taking the proper sequence of math and English courses has a very positive carry-over effect on all classes you take from that time forward. Math is a discipline that exercises your thinking and reasoning skills, while English addresses comprehension as well as writing skills. Students who are improperly placed in courses may find themselves confused, frustrated, bored or unable to enjoy success. Some mistakenly decide college is not for them. We believe that is a sad waste of human potential. This is why Course Placement is so important: if you start out learning at the appropriate level for your skills and abilities, you are likely to stay on to complete your educational goals. What is the Course Placement Exam Like? Henry Ford Community College offers two different kinds of placement tests; one is administered on the computer (COMPASS) and the other is administered by paper and pencil (ASSET). Both versions cover mathematics, reading and writing skills and take approximately two hours to complete. You are not required to take all three sections of the exam in one sitting. Below are descriptions of the ASSET and COMPASS tests, which will help you to determine which test is most appropriate for you: ASSET:
COMPASS:
Retesting If you wish to retake the Course Placement exam, you must wait 90 days. All retests are done using the COMPASS test ONLY. You may discuss waiving the 90-day wait with a counselor. Waiving Course Placement With ACT Scores If you obtained a score of 21 or higher on the English portion of the ACT exam, bring a copy of your exam scores to the Assessment Office. Your reading and writing assessment will be waived and you will be placed in English 131. If you obtained a score of 21 or higher on the Mathematics portion of the ACT exam, bring a copy of your exam scores to the Assessment Office. Your mathematics assessment will be waived and you will be placed in Math 115/121. Placement into higher level mathematics courses requires either the Course Placement exam or permission of the Mathematics department. When can I Enroll in Classes? You must take Course Placement before you can see a counselor and enroll for classes. The earlier you take Course Placement, the earlier you can enroll. What Help is Available? The Mathematics Division has some review materials that you can use. This is particularly useful if you have not taken a math class recently. There are practice questions and helpful hints to help you prepare to take Course Placement. View the site: http://msumorfords.com/mathplacementpreparation/ Hours and Location
Hours are Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Walk in and take your Course Placement when it is convenient for you. Allow two hours to complete the process. Please have your student ID number and a photo ID with you. For more information, call 313-317-6503/6504.
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