GP Part Three: MC Guided Placement

You should take the ESL placement if:

• your first language is not American English
• you have not completed 10 or more years of study in a U.S. school (elementary, middle, high school).

We suggest you begin by watching this short video: Getting Started at Montgomery College and follow the steps below.

There are two ESL programs and one basic English skills program offered at Montgomery College. 

1. English Language for Academic Purposes: This is an academic ESL program. For more information, visit English Language for Academic Purposes or email ESLPlacement@montgomerycollege.edu.
2. ESL Noncredit Program: This is a pre-academic ESL program. For more information, visit ESL Noncredit Program or email: ESL-Rockville@montgomerycollege.edu.
3. ESL and GED program: Adult ESOL and Basic Skills for College and Careers. This program offers classes at locations throughout Montgomery County. For more information, visit Adult ESOL and Basic Skills for College and Careers or email: esol@montgomerycollege.edu.  

• Part I (Online): You will answer some questions about yourself and your experiences with English. Please take your time and answer each question completely, so that the placement team can evaluate your writing. There is no timed writing sample, but you have several opportunities to write paragraphs as you think about and answer the questions. You will also choose a reading to prepare for your interview. After you complete the online form, within 2 business days, you will receive instructions in your college email to make a remote appointment (using Zoom) with an ESL Placement Advisor.
• Part II (Interview): You will have a 30 minute interview with an ESL Placement Advisor. During this interview you will discuss the reading you have prepared, which will help determine your reading and speaking placements. Then you will write about it for about 10 minutes. This professor can also answer your questions and guide you to next steps, which may include making a follow-up appointment with a Counseling Advisor.
• Here is a video which gives more information about this process:  MC ESL Guided Placement

Step 1: 

1. Have your MyMC login credentials ready.
2. Go to this link: ESL Guided Placementnew window.
3. Using your MyMC login, open this form and carefully complete the questions.
4. You may only do this process once. If you feel that you need to revise something after submitting your form and paragraph responses, please email ESLPlacement@montgomerycollege.edu.

What if you have additional questions?

Email us at ESLPlacement@montgomerycollege.edu.

Step 2:  Take other placement exams

Talk to a counselor to find out if you need to complete the Math or Chemistry Guided placement.

When you have completed your Guided Placement for all of your courses, your next step will be to go GP Part Four: Online New Student Orientation on this webpage.

Dishonest work on the ESL placement could hurt your ability to receive financial aid or hurt your GPA by placing you into a more advanced course that you are NOT ready for.

Cheating is a violation of Montgomery College’s academic policies and principles and is taken seriously. You are required to follow the honor policy below when taking tests and doing the placement processes: 

• Do not receive help from others
• Do not use the Internet or other outside resources
• Do not use your cell phone

We look forward to talking with you and we wish you all the best for your experience at Montgomery College!

 

English and Reading want to welcome you to Montgomery College!

Students should follow these steps if your first language is American English and you have attended a US school for 10 or more years (elementary, middle, high school).

Students without a high school diploma or GED and under the age of 18 years old by the first day of their initial entry term are considered Underage Students.  Underage students are not eligible for standard admission into the College and may only register through dual enrollment.  Please visit our Dual Enrollment webpage for more information

Step One: Apply to the College

 If you are still working on this step, please finish claiming your college account. Visit this webpage: How to Apply and Register.

This page will help you complete the following tasks: 

• Completing the admissions application
• Obtaining an M# (Montgomery College student ID number) 
• Activating your account 

Step Two: Check your transcripts/scores

Some new students may not have to complete a placement process if they already have alternative placement scores. For example:

• SAT scores 
• ACT scores 
• ACCUPLACER scores 
• GED scores 
• Transcript (Maryland High School or Other College)
• AP Language and Composition Test Scores

Make sure to visit the section Multiple Placement Options in this webpage before completing your placement process.

If you have one of these placement options, STOP and submit your unofficial scores to the Office of Raptor Central.

Step Three: Guided Placement Process

• Have your MyMC login credentials ready
• Using your MyMC login, open and complete the tasks in this form: MC English Guided Placement
• This process will take about 30-40 minutes to complete
• You may only do this process once.  If you feel that you need to revise something after submitting your form and paragraph responses, please email EnglishPlacement@montgomerycollege.edu.

Honesty Matters at MC

There is no benefit to inflating or deflating your abilities on the Writing tasks. Your scores will not change your ability to take courses at Montgomery College. We will use your paragraph responses to help you choose the most appropriate courses for your incoming knowledge level and academic path. 

Dishonest work on the paragraph responses could hinder your ability to receive financial aid or hurt your GPA by placing you into a more advanced course than you are ready for.

Cheating is a violation of Montgomery College’s Student Code of Conduct and is taken seriously. You are required to follow the honor policy below:

• Do not receive help from others.
• Do not use the Internet or other web-based resources.

Step Four:

• An English and Reading Advisor will contact you within two to three business days.
• The English and Reading Advisor may request to make a remote appointment with you.
• After the remote appointment, you should be able to register for an English class.

Step Five:

• If you need to complete Math or Chemistry placement, you must do that separately:
  • For Math, go to MC Math Guided Placement
  • For Chemistry, go to MC Chemistry Guided Placement
• If you have completed your Guided Placement for all your courses, you must go next to GP Part Four: Online New Student Orientation in this webpage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is guided placement?

Guided Placement helps you get placed into English (IERW or ENGL) composition classes. This is a placement method that you can complete at home or on campus. 

How does it work?

Using an online form, students give us information about themselves, answer a few questions, and then tell us which composition class they would like to take. Students then give us a writing sample based on a short prompt. Once the form is done, the information and the writing sample are sent to our Guided Placement team. This form is not timed, but students should do this in one session. Students should also do this form on a device with a stable internet connection. Students shouldn’t use their phone to do this. 
What class can I request a placement for?

You can request a placement for the following classes: 

• IERW 001: a non-credit class that leads to an English foundation class.       
• IERW 002: a non-credit that leads to an English foundation class. 
• ENGL 101/011: a credit level class for students ready for College-level writing with a grammar support portion.   
• ENGL 101: a credit level class for students ready for College-level writing.

If you would like more information about these courses, please visit the English and Reading Department webpage.  

After you complete the Guided Placement form and request an English placement, the Guided Placement team reads your writing and places you in a class that would help you be successful. 

How long does the Guided Placement form take to fill out? 

The form usually takes 45 minutes to complete. You should not rush this. Take your time and read everything very, very carefully. 

Do I get a score? 

No. The Guided Placement team will read your writing and place you in a class that will help you learn to write better. This is based on your writing sample.  

What If I make a mistake? Can I take the form again? 

All students are allowed to re-take the Guided Placement Form one time. Email the Placement time at EnglishPlacement@Montgomerycollege.edu to request to re-do the placement. 

I don’t like my placement. Can I do it again? 

Yes. All students can re-do the Guided Placement Form one time. 

I already have scores for an English class. Can I take the Guided Placement form anyway? 

If you already have English placements from high school transcripts, SAT scores, ACT scores or other methods, you should not take our Guided Placement. However, you can if you wish. The Guided Placement team will look at all your scores and your writing samples and decide which class you should be placed into. 

I am currently in an English class but I don’t like it. Can I take the Guided Placement form and get out of it? 

No. Once you are registered in an English class, you can not place out of it. 

How long do I have to wait to get my placement? 

We usually respond to requests for placements within 48 hours. 

Do I have to come to campus to do this? 

No. You can do this at home or anywhere you have a device and a stable internet connection. You shouldn’t do this on a cellphone. 

Can I take this if I’m in High School? 
If you are in High School during the next academic year, you must be in the Dual Enrollment program to take the Guided Placement form. Use this link to learn more about the Dual Enrollment Program. 

I left college a long time ago but now I’m back. What do I do?

            Complete our Guided Placement form. This is the most efficient and fastest way to help you get back into college classes. 

I’m a student from another country. Can I complete this form? 

You should contact the English as a Second Language (ESL) or the English Language for Academic Purposes (ELAP) department. They will help you get started. Use this link for more information.

Do I have to do the Guided Placement form? 

If you don’t know your current English placement, you should complete the Guided Placement form so we can help you. If you know your current English placement at MC, you do not need to take our Guided Placement form. 

Can I place into ENGL 102? 

You can not place into ENGL 102 using the Guided Placement form. To learn more about placing directly into ENGL 102, email Teri Hurst, the Chair of English and Reading at the Rockville campus at Teri.Hurst@montgomerycollege.edu. 

Who reads my writing sample? 

The Guided Placement team reads all writing samples. The Guided Placement team consists of all English professors. We have taught these classes for many, many years, and we know everything about them, the courses and their requirements. 

Who can I talk to if I have questions? 

Email the Director of the Guided Placement program, Professor Jarvis Slacks, at Jarvis.Slacks@Montgomerycollege.edu. You can also use this link to schedule appointments face-to-face or over Zoom. 

Can you help me pick my classes? 

No. You should meet with Montgomery College Counselors and Advisors. Use this link to connect to them. 

How do I get started? 

            To complete our Guided Placement form, use this link.

 

Math, Statistics and Data Science department faculty members want to welcome you to Montgomery College!

You are reading this section because you did not have any math scores or transcripts from the list of Multiple Placement Options in Step Two of this website or you need to take a higher level math.

Students without a high school diploma or GED and under the age of 18 years old by the first day of their initial entry term are considered Underage Students. Underage students are not eligible for standard admission into the College and may only register through dual enrollment. Please visit our Dual Enrollment webpage for more information

If you need an accommodation related to your disability to complete your ALEKS Math Placement, contact Disability Support Services before you begin any exams.

Honesty Matters at MC

There is no benefit to inflating or deflating your abilities on the math placement test.

Your scores will not change your ability to take courses at Montgomery College. We use your scores to help you choose the most appropriate courses for your incoming knowledge level and academic path.

Dishonest work on this test could hinder your ability to receive financial aid or hurt your GPA by placing you into a more advanced course than you are ready for.

Cheating is a violation of Montgomery College’s Student Code of Conduct and is taken seriously. You are required to follow the honor policy below when taking tests:

Do not receive help from others.

Do not use the Internet or other outside resources.

Do not use your own calculator. (A calculator is provided in ALEKS when needed.)

Do not use your cell phone.

Who Takes ALEKS Math? 

If your first language is American English or you have attended a US school for 10 or more years (elementary, middle, high school), you will take the ALEKS Math placement test. 

Non-native speakers of English may take the ALEKS Math placement test after completing ESL Guided Placement. A placement level of ELAR 970 or higher is required to take this math placement test.

The ALEKS placement test is designed to be taken prior to starting MATH classes at Montgomery College. If you have taken a MATH class at MC, you must get written permission from a MATH department chair PRIOR to taking the placement test.

What is ALEKS Math Placement?

Montgomery College offers ALEKS Placement, Preparation and Learning (ALEKS PPL) assessment to determine readiness for mathematics courses. 

ALEKS Math consists of the following items:

A tools tutorial that will help you learn about types of questions, content, and math tools that will be available during your tests.

Diagnostic (Test 1):  You cannot use the result of this test to register for classes.  The result of this test will create an individualized learning module that you will complete to refresh your math skills. You will complete this test in your own time with any digital device and a reliable Internet connection while following the honor policy stated above. Once you begin the Diagnostic (Test 1), you will have 48 hours to complete and submit the test. Otherwise, it will reset, and you will have to re-do the Diagnostic.

Test 2: Once you’ve completed the Diagnostic (Test 1), ALEKS will assign you a Prep and Learning Module that is built based on the results of the diagnostic. Once you have done at least 3 hours of work in the ALEKS learning module and 24 hours has passed since you completed Test 1, you will see Test 2 available to take on your ALEKS home page. Keep in mind that you can continue to work in the learning module for more than 3 hours. The more practice the better! When you are ready to test, just click on Test 2 and take it similarly to Test 1 while following the same honor policy. After Test 2, you should make an appointment with Counseling & Advising to discuss your course placement. To meet with a counselor, follow the instructions in this webpage: Meet with a Counselor/Advisor.

Test 3 (if necessary): If after consulting with a counselor or academic advisor, you feel that your course placement does not reflect your actual skill level you can retake the placement test. You must complete an additional 5 hours minimum in your learning module before the retest. However, you are encouraged to spend as much time in the learning module as you need in order to refresh your knowledge.

All tests are untimed. However, you only have 48 hours to finish once you begin. The typical test is 1-2 hours. Your test can be longer or shorter depending on your performance.

How Do I Take the ALEKS Math Placement Test?

Step One:

Obtain your M# (Montgomery College student ID number)

Visit the webpage How to Apply and Register and complete "Step Two: Activate Your Account and Determine Placement"

After activating your MyMC account, go to ALEKSnew window to open and create your account. You will need your MyMC login information.

Once your ALEKS account is created, you can login to your ALEKS module anytime at ALEKSnew window using your MyMC username and password.

Step Two:

Login to ALEKSnew window follow the directions, and complete the Tools Tutorial.

When complete, ALEKS will automatically start you in Diagnostic (Test 1).

You will need about 2 hours of uninterrupted time, a paper and pencil, and a reliable internet connection.

Step Three:

Complete a minimum of 3 hours of honest work in your learning module.

You are strongly encouraged to work more than 3 hours in order to refresh your knowledge and to help ensure that you are placed appropriately.

Step Four:

Take Test 2 in your own time. Follow the honor policy mentioned above.

After you complete a minimum of 3 hours of work in the learning module and 24 hours has passed since you completed Test 1, you will see Test 2 available to take on your ALEKS home page.

Keep in mind that you can continue to work in the learning module before taking this test.

When you are ready to test just click on Test 2 and take it similarly to Test 1.

Step Five:

If you need to complete English or Chemistry placement, you must do that separately:

• For English, go to MC English Guided Placement
• For Chemistry, go to MC Chemistry Guided Placement

If you have completed your Guided Placement for all your courses, you must go next to GP Part Four: Online New Student Orientation in this webpage.

How Will I Get My Test Scores?

You can always view your scores in your ALEKSnew window account. You should schedule a meeting with a counselor or advisor after completing Test 2. Your scores will be uploaded and registration for classes can occur the day after your test. Remember that Test 1 is used as a diagnostic. It does not count for registration purposes and it will not upload in the college system.

What If I Need Technical Support?

If you experience difficulty with your MyMC login:

Email: itservicedesk@montgomerycollege.edu

Call: (240) 567-7222 for IT Support.

If you experience technical difficulties within ALEKS, please contact ALEKS Support

Telephone: (800) 258 – 2374

What if I need math assistance?

If you need math help, please contact:

Ms. Nafeesa Azizi: nafeesa.azizi@montgomerycollege.edu

Ms. Lori Christy: lori.christy@montgomerycollege.edu

For ALEKS Scores 0-45: 

* Please note that your eligibility to take math courses also depends on your reading and English placement.

  

Chemistry department faculty members want to welcome you to Montgomery College!

In order to be ready to take CHEM131 at Montgomery College, you must read through the steps in this section. 

Students without a high school diploma or GED and under the age of 18 years old by the first day of their initial entry term are considered Underage Students.  Underage students are not eligible for standard admission into the College and may only register through dual enrollment.  Please visit our Dual Enrollment webpage for more information.

If you are still working on this step, please finish claiming your college account. Visit this webpage: How to Apply and Register.

This page will help you complete the following tasks:

• Completing the admissions application
• Obtaining an M# (Montgomery College student ID number)
• Activating your account

Students are eligible to enroll in CHEM131 directly if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

•  Assessment level of MATH117 (APPM) and completion of one of the following:
  
  • ALEKS CHEM131 Preparation module with 95% mastery
  • CHEM099 Introductory Chemistry (grade of C or higher)
• Assessment level of MATH165 or higher and completion of AP Chemistry or Honors-level Chemistry (grade of C or higher in past 2 years)
• Assessment level of MATH181 or higher **
• Completion of MATH165 (grade of C or higher) **
• Completion of Precalculus (grade of B or higher) or Calculus (grade of C or higher) in high school within past year **

 ** Students may want to consider the low-cost ALEKS CHEM131 Preparation module (PDF, ) for a review of background chemistry knowledge prior to enrolling in CHEM131 Principles of Chemistry I.

How do I request a registration override for CHEM131? 

Complete the Chemistry Course Override request formnew window
or
send an email to chemistry@montgomerycollege.edu with this information:

1. Verification that you meet one or more of the CHEM131 eligibility criteria
2. Your student M#
3. Term in which you wish to register

Students with limited or no prior high school chemistry course background (more than 2 years ago) and assessment of MATH117 (APPM) must complete one of the following options:

1. ALEKS CHEM131 Preparation module – contact chemistry@montgomerycollege.edu for course code
2. CHEM 031 Exploration (2 semester hours) + CHEM 131 Principles of Chemistry I (4 cr)
3. CHEM 099 Introductory Chemistry (3 cr)

There are 3 options for students to prepare to start CHEM 131. Pick the option that’s best for you:

Option A:

**ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation module – The ALEKS CHEM 131 Preparation Module is designed to provide you with the pre-requisite background knowledge necessary to be successful in CHEM 131. To get started, contact chemistry@montgomerycollege.edu.

ALEKS is a Web-based system that uses adaptive questioning to determine your knowledge level in chemistry and provide you with an individualized learning experience tailored to your specific strengths and weakness. Because it recognizes your prior knowledge, it allows you to spend time learning only the content you need to master while bypassing content you already know. This gives you the ability to take control of your learning and master the material at your own pace over an 11-week access period. The module must be completed to 95% to be ready for CHEM131.

Option B:

NEW!  CHEM 031 Principles of Chemistry I Exploration – an academic support course (2 credits) designed to be taken concurrently with CHEM131 (4 credits) allowing students that need additional preparation to complete CHEM131 in a single semester. Check the online course schedule for available sections.

Option C:

CHEM 099 Introductory Chemistry – our traditional preparatory course offered either face-to-face or through distance learning (DL).  This class (3 credits) provides the background chemistry content needed to be prepared to take CHEM131. Check the online course schedule for available sections.

What if I need an accommodation related to my disability to complete the Chemistry Guided Placement tasks?

For disability related accommodations, contact Disability Support Services before completing any tasks in this section.

Who do I contact for help? 

Students should consult with an academic counselor, a Chemistry Department Chair or a faculty advisor:

Rockville campus: Chemistry@montgomerycollege.edu or Thomas.Chen@montgomerycollege.edu
Germantown Campus: Thomas.Chen@montgomerycollege.edu  or James.Lipchock@montgomerycollege.edu
Takoma Park campus: Valerie.Lantz@montgomerycollege.edu