All students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor for assistance with proper placement based on Multiple Measures (high school GPA, SAT, ACT, and other factors) and the student’s desired educational path. Review the placement guides below for more information.

The placement assessment is one additional factor that can be used to assess where students should start their coursework to meet their educational goals. In math, the assessment also creates a personalized learning pathway you can follow to improve your skills and potentially also improve your course placement.

Any student may take the placement test. It is recommended for students:

• who do not meet any of the other multiple measures, or
• to place in a math course above entry level, or
• to improve or assess their skills before starting their first math class.

SWIC uses computerized assessments for skills in math, reading and writing. These assessments determine which course levels in those subjects students should start with for college success.

WHY IS PLACEMENT IMPORTANT?

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF PLACEMENT

• Being placed lower than your ability can mean additional semesters in math, writing, or reading courses that may not count toward your degree.
• Your placement will determine the specific number of college courses you must take to be successful.
• Preparing for and taking the placement assessment this can save you time and money by placing you in the highest level course for your abilities.

CAN I RETAKE THE ASSESSMENT?

• For Math, you have 6 months from your first assessment to work within the ALEKS PPL program to improve your skills; you can re-test up to four additional times during those six months.  You usually cannot re-test after you have begun your first math class (but can continue to work in ALEKS PPL). If you feel a re-test may help you reach your goals, you can contact the Math department chair.
• For English, you can re-test one time provided you haven’t started your English sequence.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

• There are two assessments—English and Math. You can take each part separately if you wish.
• The Math assessment is limited to 3 hours, but most students finish in 60-90 minutes.
• The English assessment is untimed; most students finish in an hour.

WHERE DO I GO TO TAKE THE PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT?

You will go to a Testing Center at one of the three campuses. See the Testing Center page for details.

WHAT IS THE EXAM LIKE?

• Administered on a computer
• Two assessments: English and Math
• Math: Free Response; English: Multiple choice
• Adaptive: Your answer to each question determines the next question and affects your placement.
• You cannot go back and change answers. You cannot skip questions.

What happens after you take the Placement Exam?

1. Your scores will provide additional information about which classes you can enroll in. You will be able to enroll in courses within 15 minutes of completing the assessment.
2. If you are unsure what your placement score means, or in which courses to enroll, see an academic advisor to discuss your degree plans and program requirements.
3. Completing the ALEKS learning modules and retaking the math assessment can help you place into higher courses, saving you time and money. Set up an appointment with a Math Success Coach to discuss what your math assessment score means, make a plan to complete learning modules, and retest.

For questions about math placement, contact Mathematics Department Chair Keven Hansen at keven.hansen@swic.edu or 618-235-2700, ext. 5611.

For questions about English placement, contact English Department Chair, Dianna Shank at dianna.shank@swic.edu or 618-235-2700, ext. 5417.

Test-Taking Tips

• Get lots of rest the night before and take the exam at the time of day when you’re at your best.
• Take your time. Don’t worry about how quickly other people seem to be finishing.
• You can’t skip questions, and every answer affects your placement. So give every question your best.
• Relax. The exam will place you in the course levels where you’ll be most successful.

What to expect on the Assessment:

Math Assessment

• Scratch paper is provided. Use it. On some questions, a calculator is also available through the assessment.
• Write down each question and work it out on paper. Do not try to do it in your head.
• If you truly don’t know, you can click “I don’t know,” but you should try your best to answer each question.
• Personal calculators are not allowed for the math placement assessment. A built-in calculator is available when questions allow.

English Assessment

There are two parts: Writing And English and all questions are multiple choice.

Your response to each question determines the difficulty level of the next question, so it’s important to give each question as much thought as you can before selecting your answer.

You cannot pass or fail the exam; rather it’s important to do your best to get the most accurate assessment to be placed in the most appropriate course.