Placement process
To get into most college classes, students must meet prerequisites for reading, writing, and math. The placement process helps you make informed decisions about which reading, writing, and math classes to start with. Accurate placement will help you avoid wasting time, energy, and money.
Your placement steps depend on your previous college experience:
First time in college
- 7 years or less since high school or GED® arrow right submit your high school grades and test scores
- More than 7 years since high school or GED® arrow right take a math placement test and request reading and writing placement
Returning to college
- Returning after taking reading, writing, or math classes at another college arrow right submit college transcripts
- Returning to PCC after an absence arrow right check MyPCC for your placement status or contact us
The placement process is different for students enrolling in ESOL or GED®.
How to complete placement
Click a tab below to see step-by-step instructions for your placement process.
High school grades and test scores
Who can do it
Submit high school grades and test scores if both these things are true:
- It’s been 7 years or less since high school or GED®
- This is your first time in college
What to do
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Prepare
Gather your grades and test scores. If you didn’t take these classes or tests, that’s okay – just fill out as much as you can.
Grades:
- Junior and Senior English
- AP or IB English
- Pre-Algebra, Algebra or Calculus
Test scores:
- AP or IB test scores
- SAT or ACT scores
- Smarter Balance scores
- GED® scores
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Submit grades
Log in to MyPCC and click Submit high school grades under the Quick Links header. Click Save, let the page refresh, then click Ready to be placed to submit your grades.
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Get your placement results
Check your MyPCC email for a message about your placement and next steps.
Math placement tests
Who can do it
Take a math placement test if both these things are true:
- It’s been more than 7 years since high school or GED®
- This is your first time in college
What to do
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Prepare
You can take the test on a personal computer, at a Testing Center, at the Hillsboro Center, or at the Newberg Center. You don’t need to study beforehand.
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Take the ALEKS math skills test
Log in to MyPCC and click ALEKS math skills under the Quick Links header. You’ll have 48 hours to finish the test (most people finish in about 90 minutes). ALEKS scores are valid for three years. Need help? See the ALEKS help page.
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Get your placement results
Check your MyPCC email for a message about your placement and next steps within 24 hours.
Reading and writing placement
Who can do it
Complete the reading and writing placement request if both these things are true:
- It’s been more than 7 years since high school or GED®
- This is your first time in college
What to do
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Prepare
Gather grades from any high school reading and writing coursework you’ve completed.
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Request placement
Submit the reading and writing placement request.
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Get your placement results
Check your MyPCC email for a message from your advisor. Your advisor will help you determine the best placement and next steps.
College transcripts
Who can do it
Submit your transcript if:
- You have completed reading, writing, or math classes at another college
What to do
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Prepare
Get a copy of your unofficial transcript from previous colleges. At most schools, you can view unofficial copies on the school website.
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Submit transcript
Submit your transcript using the prerequisite override form. An advisor will review your transcript.
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Get your placement results
Check your MyPCC email for a message from your advisor. If your past classes count as prerequisites, you can register for classes. If your classes don’t count as prerequisites, your advisor will tell you your next steps.
Want to transfer credits to count towards PCC degree requirements? Submit official transcripts for transfer credit evaluation.
Need help?
Have a question about getting started at PCC? Contact us – we can help you figure out what to do next!
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