Assessment and Testing Centers

1. ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM: GRADE POINT AVERAGE (APPG) - Maryland public high school students may be exempt from English and Math assessment based on their high school records. The following conditions apply to this exemption: 
   • Completion of junior year at a Maryland public high school
   • An unweighted, cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
   • English placement is ENGL 101+ ENGL 011
   • Math placement is MATH 050/117/120. If higher math placement is desired, please complete the MC Math Remote Placement
   • Option applies up to five years after graduation
   • ESOL Classes are not included in GPA calculation

   You must submit your high school transcript to Office of Raptor Centralnew window for review.

2. ALTERNATIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM: BY SUBJECT (APPE/APPM) - MCPS students may be exempt from English (APPE) and/or Math (APPM) assessment based on completion of certain high school classes:
   • Honors English 12 (APPE)
   • AP Language/Composition (APPE)
   • Modern World History (APPE)
   • Algebra II (APPM)
     
     The following conditions apply to this exemption:
     • MCPS student
     • “B” or better in the final semester of the class
     • English placement is ENGL 101+ ENGL 011 · Math placement is MATH 050/117/120. If higher math placement is desired, please complete the MC Math Remote Placement
     • Option applies up to one year after high school graduation

     You must submit a credit application to have the APPE/APPM placement sent by MCPS and uploaded to Montgomery College students’ records. This is an automatic process that takes up to two weeks after the student has been admitted to the College. 

3. APPROPRIATE STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES - You may be eligible for credit-level placement with minimum qualifying scores from these standardized tests:
   
   

   APPROPRIATE STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES

   	New SAT (After 3/1/2016)	Old SAT (Before 3/1/2016)	SAT - Reading Subset	ACT
   English / Reading	480+ Evidence-Based Reading/Writing	500+ Critical Reading	26+	21+ Reading
   Math	530+	500+	Not Applicable	21+

    
   NOTE: Students with PARCC scores must see a counselor or academic advisor to interpret these scores.

   SAT/ACT SCORES: Students should contact the Office of Raptor Centralnew window  for instructions on how to submit these scores.

   SAT/ACT SCORES

   	NEXTGEN ACCUPLACER	ALEKS
   English	263+	Not Applicable
   Reading	263+	Not Applicable
   Math	NGAQ 250-262	30-45

   TRANSFER ACCUPLACER SCORES: Students who have taken ACCUPLACER at another institution may submit those scores for evaluation. English and Reading scores should be less than 2 years old. Math scores should be less than 1 year old. Email RemotePlacement@montgomerycollege.edu for instructions. Montgomery College does not accept ACCUPLACER ESL scores.
   
   TRANSFER ALEKS SCORES: Students may transfer ALEKS scores after completing Test #2 or higher. Diagnostic scores (Test #1) are not acceptable. Submit your scores for review to: ben.nicholson@montgomerycollege.edu
   
   
4. GED - (2014 or later) – Maryland students who scored 165 or higher in the Reasoning Through Language Arts module are eligible to enroll in college-level English. Students who scored 165 or higher in the Mathematical Reasoning module are eligible to enroll in college-level Math courses. For evaluation, submit official scores to the Office of Raptor Centralnew window.
   
   
5. ADDITIONAL STANDARDIZED TEST SCORES - International Students may be exempt from taking an English or language  placement exam by submitting official minimum qualifying scores for:
   
   Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
   • TOEFL 575+ (paper and pencil test)
   • TOEFL 90+ (internet-based test)
     
     
   International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
   • IELTS 6.5+
     
     
   Pearson Test of English Academic(PTE)
   • PTE 61 or higher (This does not replace but is an addition to TOEFL and/or IELTS).
     
     

   Students applying with these scores will still need to complete Math placement requirements.

   If you tested more than 5 years ago, you may need to complete additional placement requirements.

   You must submit your scores to the Office of Raptor Centralnew window for review.

6. ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) or INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) EXAMS - If you have AP or IB exams, please submit your official records to the Office of Records and Registration for review. For additional information on AP and IB exams visit this webpage: Credit for Prior Learning.

7. PASSED ENGLISH COMPOSITION - If you have completed a credited/college-level English Composition course of 100 or higher with a grade of “C” or better from an accredited U.S. college or university, please submit an unofficial transcript to the Office of Raptor Central.

   NOTE: To receive credit for prior learning, submit an official transcript for evaluation to the Office of Records and Registration.

8. EARNED DEGREE - If you have earned an associate’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, please submit an unofficial college transcript showing the degree conferred with date to the Office of Raptor Central. 

   Note: To receive credit for prior learning, submit an official transcript for evaluation to the Office of Records and Registration.

Here are some school codes you may use to submit official scores:

     

Welcome to Montgomery College!  

As a new student, you should follow these steps 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).

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.

There are two ESL programs offered at the Montgomery College campuses: 

1. Intermediate: A pre-academic ESL program (“American Pre-Academic and Professional ESL,” or APPE) 
2. Advanced: An academic ESL program (“English Language for Academic Purposes”) 

NOTE: Montgomery College also has a beginning ESL and GED program. The program is called Adult ESOL and Basic Skills for College and Careers. This program offers classes at locations throughout Montgomery Country.  For more information, visit their webpage Adult ESOL and Basic Skills for College and Careers or email: esol@montgomerycollege.edu.

This process will determine whether new students are ready for the APPE, the ELAP program, or credit English, and which courses are most appropriate. 

 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 than you are 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 process: 

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

Step One: Apply to the College

 If you are still working on this step, please finish claiming your college account. Visit this webpage: Getting Started: 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: Determine whether you need to do MC ESL Remote Placement 

Some new students may not have to complete this process if they have alternative placements. 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: Complete the ESL Remote Placement  

• Have your MyMC login credentials ready.
• Go to this link: ESL Remote Placement.
• Using your MyMC login open and carefully complete the tasks in this form.
• 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.

You will answer questions about yourself and write for about 30 minutes. The next day you will receive instructions in your college email to make a remote appointment with an ESL professor. This professor will conduct a brief interview with you, including a short speaking test, and give you your placement results. This professor can also answer your questions and guide you to next steps, which may include making a follow-up appointment with a counselor. 

Step Four: 

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

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

What if I need an accommodation related to my disability to complete the ESL Remote Placement tasks? 

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

What if I have additional questions? 

Email us at ESLPlacement@montgomerycollege.edu.    

 

 

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: Getting Started: 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: Remote Placement Process

• Have your MyMC login credentials ready
• Using your MyMC login, open and complete the tasks in this form: MC English Remote 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 Remote Placement
  • For Chemistry, go to MC Chemistry Remote Placement
• If you have completed your remote placement for all your courses, you must go next to Part Four: Online Orientations in this webpage.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I meet someone face-to-face for help?

Yes. We have office hours available for students who would like to meet a faculty member in person. Use this link to find appointment times.

What if I need an accommodation related to my disability to complete the English Remote Placement tasks?

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

When should I register?

For spring 2021 classes, we recommend that you register immediately. Classes fill up and you may not get the class day/time that you prefer.

What if I change my mind about placement?

If you change your mind about placement, you may email EnglishPlacement@montgomerycollege.edu and ask to make an appointment with an English and Reading advisor. You can also speak with an advisor the first week of classes.

What if I don’t want to take English composition this year, but I place into ENGL 101/011?

We urge you to take Math and English immediately. Statistics show that students who take English and Math their first year of college will complete college at much higher rates that their peers who do not. If you want to consider other options, please email EnglishPlacement@montgomerycollege.edu.

 

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 ELAP Remote Placement. A placement level of ELAR 970 or higher is required to take this math 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 and Advising to discuss your course placement. To make an advising appointment, follow the instructions in this webpage: Advising Appointment.

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 Getting Started: How to Apply and Register and complete "Step Two: Activate Your Account and Determine Placement"

After activating your MyMC account, go to ALEKS 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 www.aleks.com using your MyMC username and password.

Step Two:

Login to ALEKS 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 Remote Placement
• For Chemistry, go to MC Chemistry Remote Placement

If you have completed your remote placement for all your courses, you must go next to Part Four: Online Orientations in this webpage.

How Will I Get My Test Scores?

You can always view your scores in your ALEKS 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 Aziz: 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: Getting Started: 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? 

To request a registration override for CHEM131 submit, 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 (Spring) 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 cr) + 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 Remote 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: Scot.Magnotta@montgomerycollege.edu or Richard.Pires@montgomerycollege.eduTakoma Park campus: Valerie.Lantz@montgomerycollege.edu