Matriculation Process
3 Easy A's of the Matriculation Process
- Step 1 >>> Apply to the college.
- Step 2 >>> Assess for math and English courses.
- Step 3 >>> Attend an advisement and orientation session.
Assessment - Step 2 of the 3 EasyA's of Matriculation
Assessment involves taking placement tests in English, reading and mathematics. It is NOT a "pass or fail" test. It is a measure of your English and math skills to help you pick the right courses for you. Assessment is recommended for all students and REQUIRED for new students prior to enrollment. It may also be used to meet prerequisites for certain courses.
What is Matriculation?
Matriculation is a continuing, helping process which assists you in planning, choosing and successfully achieving your educational and career goals. The matriculation components are: Admissions, Assessment and Advisement.
Who Participates?
All students participate who are seeking a degree or certificate, or planning to take courses in English, ESL, or math. A small number of students may have had previous educational experiences that exempt them from one or more components of matriculation. Please check the matriculation information provided by Admissions to determine if you are exempt.
When can I take the test?
Tests are given during application and registration periods before each semester begins. Upon submitting your application you will get a Placement Testing Information sheet with the dates and times.
NOTE: You are not considered fully matriculated until you take both the Math and English/ESL placement tests. How long does the test take? The test sessions last 3 hours. You take the English and math tests in the same session. Test results will be given to you at the end of the test session. (Sample tests are available)
Who is exempt from Assessment?
- Students with an A.A. degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
- Students who are matriculated at another accredited college or university while enrolled at GWC.
- Students who have completed specific college courses in English and math.
- Students who have taken placement tests at another community college in California.
- Students enrolling in six or less units and not pursuing a degree or certificate.
- K-12 student attending by permission of school principal
Are SAT and ACT scores accepted in place of Assessment at GWC?
SAT and ACT scores are not accepted at the community college level as an exemption from placement testing. However, Advanced Placement Test scores are still accepted and must be sent to the Records office.
Which test should I take?
(Sample tests are available)
There are 2 English tests to choose from.
- COMPASS computerized test, the Native Speaker of English Test
- COMPASS/ESL computerized test, the Non-Native Speaker of English Test
You should take the Native test if English is your first language OR if you have completed most of your education taking regular English courses. (Some students speak another language at home but have taken at least four years of high school English courses not ESL. Those persons should take the Native Speaker of English test.)
There are 4 Math tests to choose from.
Algebra Readiness Test
For students who have not taken high school algebra.
Elementary Algebra Test
For students who have taken 1 year of high school algebra with a "C" grade or better.
Intermediate Algebra Test
For students who have taken at least 2 years of high school algebra and 1 year of geometry with a "C" grade or better in all courses.
Precalculus Test
For students who have taken at least 2 years of high school algebra, a semester of geometry and trigonometry with a "C" grade or better in all courses.
How long are my test results valid?
All test results are valid for 2 years. Be sure to carefully select the tests that you need to take. Students may retest after the validity period has expired. A challenge process is in place for students who want to challenge their placement test before the validity period has expired.
To begin the challenge process, students must go to the Division Dean’s office as follows: English/ESL, Division Dean of Language Arts and for Math, Division Dean of Math and Science.
How do I sign-up for the test?
- Step 1: Apply to the college. Contact the Admissions office for materials and information. see: Placement Testing Information
- Step 2: Make an appointment in the Assessment Center online or by calling (714) 895-8388, Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Fridays, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. OR you can come into the Assessment Center during our business hours.