Reading and writing placement form
Submit this form as part of your placement process if both these things are true:
- This is your first time in college
- It’s been more than 7 years since high school or GED® (or it’s been less than 7 years but you weren’t able to get placement with grades)
The placement process is different for students enrolling in ESOL or GED®.
About reading and writing placement
Most new students, regardless of when they completed high school or GED®, start at the Writing 121Z level.
Writing 121Z
First-year writing: the default writing course most students take
Writing 121Z, also known as “first-year writing,” is the default writing course and what we expect the majority of incoming college students to take. The aim of the course is for you to learn what you’ll need to succeed in college classes and other situations that require you to research and write. You’ll practice different strategies and can expect opportunities to discuss your work in class and revise it for a better grade.
If the default writing course that most students take when entering college sounds right to you, choose Writing 121Z. Otherwise, keep reading.
Writing 121Z + Support Lab (WR 199b) Option
First-year writing + support: more time and help to succeed in the default writing course
The Writing 199b Support Lab is an opportunity for you to complete Writing 121Z with extra support. Students take WR 121Z plus a 1-credit lab course (WR 199b) with their same instructor, for a total of 5 credits. The aim of Writing 121Z + Support Lab (WR 199b) is to increase your understanding of the course material and the likelihood of being successful in WR 121Z. The support lab requires no homework.
If a writing support lab to help you succeed in WR 121Z sounds right to you, choose Writing 121Z as your placement and register for a WR 199b class that shows it is linked to a WR 121Z class in the class schedule. Otherwise, keep reading.
Reading 115 and Writing 115
Get ready for first-year: preparation for the main writing course
or Integrated Reading and Writing 115
The 115 level is designed as preparation for our main composition course. The aim of this level is to help you feel “WR 121Z ready,” so it provides more instructor support, and there is emphasis on the kinds of writing you can do to help you learn better (for example, taking notes and writing summaries). Assignments are broken down more than they are in Writing 121Z, and there is more direct practice in class.
If the course level that provides students with preparation for the main composition course sounds right to you, choose the 115 level.
Reading and writing placement form
If you have questions, please contact testing.placement@pcc.edu.