Getting In
English Testing FAQ
- Q. Why should I take an English test?
- Q. Which English test should I take?
- Q. What is the test like?
- Q. Will taking this test help me to decide where to begin study in English composition?
- Q. How will I know how close I came to meeting a course prerequisite?
- Q. May I enroll in a course that is a lower-level course than the one into which I placed?
- Q. Is taking the English Assessment the only way to demonstrate preparedness for English 100, 50 or 49, or English as a Second Language 50 or 49?
- Q. Is a qualifying score on the English Assessment the only way to satisfy the reading and writing competency requirements for graduation?
- Q. What if I am a student with a disability needing an accommodation?
- Q. Do I need to do anything before taking the test?
- Q. Do I need to bring anything with me to the test?
- Q. What if I am disappointed with my scores? May I retake the exam?
- Q. Where or when can I take an English test or get more information?
Q. Why should I take an English test?
A. Take this test to:
- Measure your current level of college reading and writing skills
- Learn which reading courses would help you to develop your skills
- Demonstrate preparedness for English and ESL courses
- Satisfy the MCC degree requirement for competency in reading and writing
Q. Which English test should I take?
A. Use the following guidelines to choose your English test:
English Assessment: Take this test if English is your first (native) language. This includes:
- Students who have grown up in an English-speaking home.
- Students who have been educated in all-English schools from elementary through high school.
ESL Assessment: Take this test if your first (native) language in NOT English. This includes:
- Students who have grown up in a home in which English was NOT the primary (main) language.
- Students enrolled in the International Student Program (IIP), or students who have completed Non-Credit ESL (continuing ed.) or English Language Development (ELD) classes in high school.
Q. What is the test like?
A. English Assessment: This is a two part computerized placement test that measures Reading and Writing Skills. The English Assessment gives a course placement for English and a course recommendation for reading. Qualifying results may also satisfy degree requirements for competency in reading and writing.
ESL Assessment: This is a three part computerized placement test that measures Reading, Grammar/Usage, and Listening Skills. ESL Assessment gives course placement and /or recommendations for credit ESL courses.
Q. Will taking this test help me to decide where to begin study in English composition?
A. Yes. Your scores will indicate your preparedness for a particular course. We encourage you to study English early in your college career because the skills that you acquire will help you in your other courses. The course levels are listed below. Note that ESL 50 and ENGL 50 are at the same level, as are ESL 49 and ENGL 49.
Q. How will I know how close I came to meeting a course prerequisite?
A. Consult the English Assessment or ESL Assessment Score to Course Preparedness Tables. It's also a good idea to discuss your scores with your counselor or academic advisor.
Q. May I enroll in a course that is a lower-level course than the one into which I placed?
A. Yes, if your score is at the low end of the score range for the course into which you placed, carefully consider the advantages of taking the lower-level course. To help you choose, think about the circumstances that will affect your studies and consider your previous record in English.
Q. Is taking the English Assessment the only way to demonstrate preparedness for English 100, 50 or 49, or English as a Second Language 50 or 49?
A. No. You may use MCC coursework to satisfy prerequisites or use one of the following methods:
- Take your transcript from another college showing completion with a grade "C" or better in an equivalent English class to the Admissions and Records Office, or,
- Take your English placement results from another California community college to the Admissions and Records Office, or
- Take the transcript or diploma of your bachelor's degree to Admissions and Records for English course placement at the 200 level. If you have achieved one of the following minimum scores, take the documentation to the Dean of Admissions, Assessment and Student Aid who will review it and other factors to determine placement:
- Advanced Placement (AP) Program English test with a score of three or higher
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level English Examination with a score of five or higher
- California State University system Early Assessment Program (EAP) result stating: "Ready for CSU or participating CCC College-level English courses"
- The California State University system English Placement Test (EPT) with a score of 151 or higher
- Passing score on the UC Analytical Writing Placement Examination.
Q. Is a qualifying score on the English Assessment the only way to satisfy the reading and writing competency requirements for graduation?
A. No, but the specifics vary with the MCC catalog that you are following. See the Competency Requirements in the appropriate year's MCC catalog or consult a college counselor.
Q. What if I am a student with a disability needing an accommodation?
A. If you have a disability that would affect your test-taking ability, you may wish to contact the Disabled Students Program and Services Office (room 3006 at the Oceanside campus, ext. 6658) and test in the morning to maximize the time available. The English Assessment is not a timed test.
Q. Do I need to do anything before taking the test?
A. Yes. You must have an MCC application for admission on file in the Admissions and Record Office.
Q. Do I need to bring anything with me to the test?
A. Yes. To take the test, you must present positive photo identification. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, a state identification card, a school I.D., a passport or military I.D. All of the necessary materials for testing will be provided.
Q. What if I am disappointed with my scores? May I retake the exam?
A. You may retake the exam one time if you believe you didn't do your best due to illness, lack of sleep, or other difficulties. However, we recommend that you do not retest without intervening instruction.
Q. Where or when can I take an English test or get more information?
A. The test is given on a drop-in basis. No appointment or reservation is necessary. Usually, English testing takes 60-90 minutes to complete.
