English Assessment FAQ
- Q. Why should I take the English Assessment (EA)?
- Q. Which English test should I take?
- Q. What is the test like?
- Q. Where and when can I take the English test?
- Q. Will taking this test help me to decide where to begin study in English composition?
- Q. How will I know how close I came to meeting a course prerequisite?
- Q. May I enroll in a course that is a lower-level course than the one into which I placed?
- Q. Is taking the EA the only way to demonstrate preparedness for English 100, 803, or 802,
or English as a Second Language 803 or 802?
- Q. Is a qualifying score on the EA the only way to satisfy the reading and the writing competency requirements for graduation?
- Q. What if I am a student with a disability needing an accommodation?
- Q. Do I need to do anything before taking the test?
- Q. Do I need to bring anything with me to the test?
- Q. What if I'm disappointed with my scores? May I review my mistakes and then retake the exam?
- Q. Where can I get further information?
Q. Why should I take the English Assessment (EA)?
A. Take this test to:
- Measure your current level of college reading and writing skills
- Learn which reading courses would help you to develop your skills
- Demonstrate preparedness for English and ESL courses
- Satisfy the MCC degree requirement for competency in reading and writing
Q. Which English test should I take?
A. Use the following guidelines to choose your English test:
English Assessment: Take this test if English is your first (native) language.
This includes:
• Students who have grown up in an English-speaking home.
• Students who have been educated in all-English environment from elementary through high shcool.
ESL Assessment: Take this test if your first (native) language is NOT English. This includes:
• Students who have grown in a home in which English was not the primary (main) language.
• Students enrolled in the International Student Program (IIP) or students who have completed non-credit ESL (continuing education) or English Language Development (ELD) classes in high school.
ATB Test: Take this test if you are over 18, planning to apply for financial aid, AND
• You are not a high school graduate, OR
• You graduated from high school in another country, OR
• You have been advised by the Financial Aid Department to take this test.
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Q. What is the test like?
English Assessment: This is a two-part computerized placement test that measures Reading and Writing Skills. The English Assessment gives a course placement for English and a course recomendation for Reading. Qualifying results may also satisfy degree requirements for competency in reading and writing.
ESL Assessment: This is a three-part computerized placement test that measures Reading, Grammar/Usage, and Listening Skills. The ESL Assessment gives course placement and/or recommendations for credit ESL courses.
ATB Test: This is a three-part computerized test that measures Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic Skills. All three parts must be passed at the same time for financial aid eligibility. The ATB test will also give course placement for English and a course recommendation for reading. Qualifying results may also satisfy degree requirements for competency in reading and writing.
A. The EA consists of two computerized tests which measure reading and writing skills. Usually the English Assessment takes 60-90 minutes to complete. You will receive your test results at the end of the testing session.
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Q. Where and when can I take the EA?
A. The test is given on a drop-in basis. No appointment or reservation is necessary.
Oceanside campus, Building 3000, Room 3003
Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
San Elijo campus, Tutoring Center, Building 100, Room 105
Testing hours vary; call 760-944-4449, ext. 7752 for information. During November, 2006, English testing will be available Tuesdays from 10AM-3PM and Fridays from 9AM-2PM.
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Q. Will taking this test help me to decide where to begin study in English composition?
A. Yes. Your scores will indicate your preparedness for a particular course. We encourage you to study English early in your college career because the skills that you acquire will help you in your other courses. The course levels are listed below. Note that ESL 803 and ENGL 803 are at the same level, as are ESL 802 and ENGL 802.
English 100, Composition and Reading |
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| English 803, Introduction to College Writing II, or English as a Second Language 803, Introduction to College Writing II for Non-Native Speakers |
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| English 802, Introduction to College Writing I, or English as a Second Language 802, Introduction to College Writing I for Non-native Speakers |
|
| Non-credit English courses at the Community Learning Center. |
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Q. How will I know how close I came to meeting a course prerequisite?
A. Consult the English Assessment Score to Course Preparedness Tables. It's also a good idea to discuss your scores with your counselor or academic advisor.
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Q. May I enroll in a course which is a lower-level course than the one into which I placed?
A. Yes. If your score is at the low end of the score range for the course into which you placed, carefully consider the advantages of taking the lower-level course. To help you choose, think about the circumstances that will affect your studies and consider your previous record in English, especially in college or college preparatory courses.
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Q. Is taking the English Assessment the only way to demonstrate preparedness for English 100, 803, or 802, or English as a Second Language 803 or 802?
A. No. You may use MCC coursework to satisfy prerequisites or use one of the following methods:
- Take your transcript from another college showing completion with a grade of "C" or better in an equivalent English class to the Admissions & Records Office, or,
- Take your English placement results from another California Community College to the Admissions & Records Office, or,
- Take the transcript or diploma of your Bachelor's Degree to the Admissions & Records Office for English Course Placement at the 200 level.
- If you have achieved one of the following minimum scores, take the documentation to the Dean of Admissions, Assessment & Student Aid who will review it and other factors to determine placement.
- Advanced Placement (AP) Program English test with a score of three or higher
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level English test with a score of four or higher
- the California State University system English Placement Test with a score of 151 or higher
- Passing score on the UC Analytical Writing Placement Examination (previously the Subject A Examination).
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Q. Is a qualifying score on the English Assessment the only way to satisfy the reading and the writing competency requirements for graduation?
A. No, but the specifics vary with the MCC catalog that you are following. See the Competency Requirements in the appropriate year's MCC catalog or consult a college counselor.
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Q. What if I am a student with a disability needing an accommodation?
A. If you have a disability that would affect your test-taking ability, you may wish to contact the Disabled Students Program and Services Office (room 3006 at the Oceanside campus, ext. 6658) and test in the morning to maximize the time available. The English Assessment is not a timed test.
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Q. Do I need to do anything before taking the test?
A. Yes. To take the test, you must have an MCC application for admission on file in Admissions and Records.
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Q. Do I need to bring anything with me to the test?
A. Yes. To take the test, you must present positive photo identification. Acceptable forms of identification include a regular driver's license, a state identification card, a school I.D., or a passport. All of the necessary materials for testing will be provided. Dictionaries, thesauruses, and other aids are not allowed.
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Q. What if I'm disappointed with my scores? May I review my mistakes and then retake the exam?
A. To maintain test security, we cannot allow you to review your test, but you may retake the exam one more time if you believe you didn't do your best due to illness, lack of sleep, or other difficulties. However, we recommend that you do not retest to improve your scores without intervening instruction. Effective March 1, 2007, you may not take the English or ESL test more than twice.
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Q. Where can I get further information?
A. For testing and matriculation information and/or a copy of the Score to Course Preparedness Tables, call or come to either of these locations:
Testing Services
Building 3000, Room 3003
Oceanside Campus
(760) 795-6685 |
Testing Office
Building 100
San Elijo Campus
(760) 944-4449 Ext.7752 |
Also see the current schedule of classes for detailed information about completing the Matriculation process.
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