Academic Placement Evaluation
The purpose of placement evaluation is to ensure that the skills of incoming students are uniformly evaluated, that students are placed in courses appropriate to their academic preparation, and that courses and other academic and student support services which allow students to develop to their full potential are made available. Goodwin College uses the ACCUPLACER™ test for placement evaluation. ACCUPLACER™ scores are good for one year from the date they were taken.
Challenge/Retakes - One Time Only
Students may challenge their English or math scores only once for any reason. Students wishing to challenge their English placement may take the WritePlacer. This score will decide the final placement decision. Please note that WritePlacer scores tend to lower a placement, not raise it. A student may challenge math by retaking either the Math or Algebra portion of the test.
If a student retakes a test and scores lower, the highest score can be used in placement.
Test Waivers
Students do not have to take the ACCUPLACER™ if they produce an official college transcript that indicates that they:
- Already completed a transferable English composition and a mathematics course higher than elementary Algebra (e.g., earned a C or better.) OR
- Have at least a four-year degree from an accredited college.
Or if they are a recent high school graduate and can produce:
- A recent, documented SAT Writing or Critical Reading score of 450 or higher.
- Have a recent, documented SAT Math score of 500 or higher.
- A recent (within 3 years) documented ACT composite score of 20.
SAT and ACT scores can be used for three years; after three years a potential student must take the ACCUPLACER™ . Certificate programs do not require the use of the ACCUPLACER placement test.
Re-Enrollment and Accuplacer Expiration
Student ACCUPLACER™ scores can be used for one year from the official withdrawal date. After one year, a student must retake the test and be placed according to the current college guidelines.
Please note: Students placing into Foundational English courses will need permission from their advisor to register for any college level course work.