Assessment

Assessment is about finding your starting point in college. If you plan to earn a degree or certificate, transfer to a four-year institution, or take a Math, English, or English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) course, you may need to assess your skill level before you register for classes.

As a California Community College student, you have the right to begin your education in transfer-level English and math courses, which may allow you to finish these courses within a year and graduate faster. 

English Language Learners at Skyline College also have the right to access transfer-level coursework and academic credit English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) coursework at Skyline. 

Skyline College offers students multiple measures assessment to determine your appropriate English/ESOL and math course recommendations. To get started, just follow the steps described on the Assessment Services website.

Automated Placement at Skyline College

Skyline College uses the following measures collected through CCCApply to provide a preliminary Math and English course recommendation:

  • High school grade point average (GPA)
  • High school coursework
  • High school grades
  • Intended program of study

Submitting High School Information for Placement

If your high school transcript contains only partial information that you entered during your application, automation of your placement may not occur. You may submit an English/Math Assessment Request online, available on the prerequisites website. If available, please attach your high school transcript (unofficial accepted) with your online submission to maximize the placement and prerequisite evaluation clearances. Please note, transcripts may be requested for verification purposes for processing.

Guided Self-Placement

Students who completed high school outside of the United States will complete a self-guided assessment for placement into a transfer-level English or English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course. Some students may be required to take the transfer-level English course with a co-requisite support.

ESOL 400 Writing Challenge

The purpose of the writing challenge is to determine if ESOL 400 is the appropriate course for you. For instructions on how to sign up for an assessment appointment, please visit the Assessment Center website.

For more information about the ESOL 400 writing challenge, visit the ESOL Prerequisite Challenge website. 

Students who did not complete high school in the US and/or whose English is not a first language can receive help locating their student ID number and registering for the placement test at the ESL Connect Office. 

Reassessment Policy

If you are a returning student who has not taken courses in the last two years, a reassessment of Math, English or ESOL may be needed. Students may reassess by completing the English/Math Evaluation Request online, available on the prerequisites website.

Please submit a Prerequisite Evaluation Request, available on the prerequisites website, to challenge the prerequisite for the following:

  • If a student does not accept the recommended placement,
  • For any other special circumstance, or
  • An instructor or counselor recommendation

Retrieving Placement Results

Placement results, regardless of assessment method (automated placement, guided self-assessment, prior placement testing, or advanced placement evaluations), will be available to students via WebSMART. Please go to WebSMART and click on the following: (1) Student Self-Service (2) Open Student Dashboard (3) Student Records (4) Student Profile (5) Prior Education and Testing.