Placement Tests

English Placement Test

Applicants who submitted complete applications BEFORE July 1, 2023:
Students will receive English testing and placement information in their acceptance materials. Those who submitted English proficiency scores sufficient for a direct placement will not be required to take an English placement test. They will also qualify for pre-registration and will be able to register for classes. Those who do not qualify for pre-registration will be required to take a placement test.

Applicants who submitted complete applications AFTER July 1, 2023:
Students are required to demonstrate their English level before they are fully admitted. Therefore, Seattle Colleges will no longer offer or require English placement testing for these applicants.

Math Directed Self-Placement (DSP)

Applicants to Seattle Colleges are not required to demonstrate math proficiency at the time of admission. However:

University Transfer and High School Completion Plus students must complete Math DSP prior to registering for their second quarter of full-time college study
Students wishing to enroll in a Career Training program must complete Math DSP before admission to their specific program can be confirmed
IP Short-Term Certificate students might need to complete Math DSP, depending on the specialization and classes they select

Exemption From Math DSP

Students can waive Math DSP and meet math proficiency requirements any time by submitting one of the following test scores or transcripts, issued within the last three years:

SAT Math score of 550
ACT Math score of 22 or higher
AP score of 3 or higher in Calculus BC, or of 2 or higher in Calculus AB
proof they completed a college-level math course at another recognized post-secondary institution

Also, though the ALEKS test is no longer being used, ALEKS scores will be honored and can be used for placement one year from the date of the completed exam.

Seattle Colleges uses Math DSP to evaluate math proficiency. DSP is not a test, but a tool that helps you evaluate your own skills in Math, to make sure you are placed at the correct level. Please visit your campus website for more details: North | Central | South.