Placement process
To get into most college classes, new students must meet certain prerequisites in writing and math. Placement helps you figure out if you have already met these prerequisites or if it’s necessary to improve in any area before taking college-level courses.
Answer the questions below to figure out what to do for placement.
About placement measures
High school grades and test scores
High school grades are used to place recent high school graduates who are new to college. Accepted grades include junior and senior English, AP and IB English, pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Calculus. Test scores are accepted from AP, IB, SAT, ACT, Smarter Balance, and GED® exams. Submit grades in MyPCC: submit grades and test scores. Enter your grades and click save, then let the page refresh and click ready to be placed. To submit GED® scores, use the following form: submit GED® scores.
ALEKS math test
ALEKS is used to place new students who haven’t recently attended high school. The test is 30 questions, takes about 90 minutes, and can be taken at home or at a testing center. There’s no need to study beforehand. Assistive technology users need to request the accessible version. Find the ALEKS test in MyPCC under Quick Links: ALEKS math test. ALEKS scores are valid for three years. See more: ALEKS help.
Writing placement
Reading and writing placement for new students who haven’t recently attended high school is done through a self-assessment process using the writing placement form.
College transcripts
Unofficial transcripts used to place students who are transferring from other schools. At most schools, you can download a copy of your unofficial transcript on the school’s website. Upload unofficial college transcripts here: submit transcripts. If you haven’t taken college-level writing, you may also need to submit the writing placement form. If you haven’t taken college-level math, you may need to take the ALEKS math test.
Help and next steps
If you haven’t been admitted yet, apply to PCC. After finishing placement, your next step is to register for classes.
If you have questions about getting started, contact us for help!
GED® is a registered trademark of the American Council on Education and may not be used without permission. The GED® and GED Testing Service® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license.