SVCC
Placement Guide
SAUK makes it possible-
YOU make it happen!
Testing Center: 815.835.6530
Admissions & Records: 815.835.6273
Academic Advising: 815.835.6534
Business Services: 815.835.6295
Disability Support Services: 815.835.6220
SAUK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
173 IL ROUTE 2 ∙ DIXON, IL ∙ 61021
3
MULTIPLE PLACEMENT MEASURES
Sauk Valley Community College is committed to placing
students in courses that correspond with their ability level to
provide each student with the greatest chance of success in
those classes and future course work. The key to
accomplishing this goal is a multiple-measure placement
structure that offers students a variety of means to
demonstrate college readiness.
Students’ skills are measured using the following options (each
valid measure on file is looked at independently):
1.
ACT Scores
; Individual score in English and/or Individual
score in Mathematics
2.
SAT Scores; Evidence Based Reading/Writing and/or Math
score.
3.
Review of College Credit;
Already earned at any accredited
college or university including Sauk Valley Community College.
4.
Review of High School Transcripts
; Individual Class Grades
and/or State Approved Transitional Classes
.
5.
GED Score;
Reasoning Through Language Arts and/or
Mathematical Reasoning.
SVCC placement test scores are used if none of the above
are available or if they are not valid. Students who have
valid placement measure(s) available and who want to
improve their course placement, have the option of
testing using the SVCC placement tests in one or more
areas. The best or highest course level will be used for
placement.
6.
SVCC Placement Test Scores; Accuplacer Math and/or
Accuplacer English
4
UNDERSTANDING PLACEMENT
Students are strongly encouraged to first meet with
an Admissions Representative or Academic Advisor
to determine if placement testing is required or
recommended. Placement requirements will vary
depending on the courses students have completed
(high school or college), individual course grades
and
records SVCC has on file. All available placement
measures will be evaluated. The highest placement
will be used.
Students must provide documentation of their
ACT, SAT, GED scores, and/or college or high school transc
ripts if they plan to use the results to satisfy SVCC Placem
ent Policy.
Students will need to have official
documentation sent to Admissions & Records.
Students with earned college credits will also need to
complete a “Transcript Evaluation Form” available
through Admissions & Records.
English: When students choose to take their first
English/ Language Arts course or a course that
requires a specific English/Language Arts
preparedness standard, they can enroll in the
English/Language Arts course as designated by their
highest valid placement option. Students must earn a
passing grade of “C” or better to progress to the next
level.
Math: When students choose to take their first math
course, they must enroll in the math course as
designated by their highest valid placement option.
Students must earn a passing grade of “C” or better to
progress to the next level.
Please note: Some courses that are recommended or
required based on placement results may be
developmental in nature and offer no academic credit.
5
DEVELOPMENTAL COURSE PLACEMENT
Developmental courses do not transfer, do not count toward
graduation, and do not count in grade point average
calculations. The purpose of developmental courses is to build
academic skills in English /language arts and/or math.
Developmental courses are identified by course numbers below
100 (i.e., ELA 099, MAT 070). The number of developmental
courses required will vary depending on placement results.
RETAKE POLICY AND FEES
Students may retake the SVCC Placement test once in the
calendar year, from the first attempt with a recommended
minimum of 48 hours between the first and second attempts.
The highest score is used for placement. Students cannot take
more than 2 tests within any 12-month period. Test scores are
good for three years. Students currently enrolled in a
mathematics or English course have the option of retesting in
these areas, only through the registration change period.
If students choose to retake the Accuplacer English and/or
math placement test, they must first pay a re-test fee of $15 per
exam, at Business Services or the Testing Center prior to
testing. *
*This fee will only be waived if it has been 3 years since the
student last tested and their original scores are no longer valid.
6
TEST SCORE VALIDITY TIMEFRAME
Test scores expire at various rates. See the table below
to determine how long particular scores are valid.
Test
Score Validity Timeframe
High School Course Completion
3 Years*
College Course Completion
No expiration
ACT
3 Years
SAT
3 Years
ALEKS (Math)
2 Years
Accuplacer (English)
3 Years
Accuplacer (Math)
3 Years
G.E.D. Scores
3 Years
Transitional Math
18 Months**
*High school coursework (including unweighted CGPA) may be used
to fulfill prerequisites in mathematics if no more than three years
have passed between high school graduation and college
registration; if more than 3 years have passed, it is expected that
students will retest.
**From high school graduation to enrollment.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Students will need to provide qualifying documentation to be
considered for accommodated testing. Each case will be
evaluated on an individual basis. Students should make an
appointment with the
DSO Program Director at (815)835-6220
prior to scheduling placement testing and/or enrollment.
7
GETTING STARTED WITH ACCUPLACER
1.
Complete an SVCC Student Information Form and obtain your
Student ID Number. Forms are available at the College and on
the College website at svcc.edu/apply
[Apply Now].
2.
Determine Placement
Meet with an Admissions Specialist or Academic Advisor to
discuss placement testing requirements. Course placement for
English and math is determined through multiple measures
including: ACT scores, SAT scores, GED Scores, high school
transcripts and/or college transcripts; send official transcripts to
Admissions & Records. Accuplacer placement test scores are used
if the above are not available, valid, or student is attempting to
improve placement options.
3.
Prepare. Get the Study App!
Visit
studentportal.accuplacer.org
to download your FREE
practice app and to access sample math questions and/or
sample English writing prompts.
4.
Schedule Your Appointment
Contact the Testing Center by calling (815)835-6530 or by
emailing testing@svcc.edu
to schedule an appointment.
5.
Take the Placement Exam/s
A valid photo ID must be presented before taking a test. No time-
limit restrictions when taking Placement tests. A calculator is
embedded in the Math Placement Test. No other calculators or
electronic devices are allowed during testing. Score reports are
generated immediately upon completion. The 1st attempt is free.
One retake is allowed. If eligible, a $15 retake fee must be paid in
the Testing Center or Business Services prior to 2nd attempt.
6.
Access Your Score Report
Use the Accuplacer student portal to view and/or print your score
report.
8
ACCUPLACER MATH
The Accuplacer Math placement tests consist of 20 computer-
generated, multiple choice questions. Accuplacer uses
computer-adaptive technology, which means the math
problems are selected based on your skill level. Your response
to each question determines the difficulty level of the next
question, so it is important to give each question careful
consideration before selecting your answer. There are 3
possible exams of increasing difficulty:
1.
Arithmetic
2.
Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics (QAS)
3.
Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF)
If you have taken a year of Algebra, you will begin with the
QAS exam. Otherwise, you will begin with the Arithmetic
exam. In either case, depending on results, you may move on
to the next exam.
WRITEPLACER ENGLISH
The English placement exam involves writing a 300-600-
word essay in response to an opinion-based prompt.
Your score is based on your ability to express, organize,
support your opinions/ideas, and grammatical writing
skills through your response to the writing prompt.
Sample Writing Prompt:
Are we free to make our own
decisions or are we limited in the choices we can make?
Visit studentportal.accuplacer.org to get your FREE
practice app and access sample math questions and/or
sample English writing prompts.
9
WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU TAKE YOUR
PLACEMENT EXAMS
1.
Access Your Score Report
Use the Accuplacer student portal to view and print your
score report.
2.
Apply for Financial Assistance
Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid,
scholarships and/or veterans benefits as early as possible.
Contact Financial Assistance at (815)835-6339 or visit
svcc.edu/finaid
.
3.
Schedule a Meeting With an Academic Advisor
Students meet with an academic advisor to discuss career
plans, review their placement options, and select classes
for the upcoming semester. To schedule an appointment,
call (815)835-6354 or visit svcc.edu/appointment
.
4.
Register for Classes
Contact Admissions & Records Staff at (815)835-6297 for
enrollment assistance. Students should review the “New
Student Checklist” at
svcc.edu/students/future/get-
started.
5.
Pay Tuition & Fees
Students may pay Tuition and Fees through Business Services
by check, credit card, or other payment options online at
svcc.edu/students/business-office/payment-options
. For
additional information, call 815-835-6267*
*Students granted financial aid should contact Financial Assistance
at 815-835-6339 before making payments.
6.
Attend New Student Orientation
7.
Buy Books and Supplies
Purchase textbooks and supplies at
svcc.edu/bookstore
or
on campus at SVCC Bookstore located on First Floor. Call
(815)835-6304 for further information.
10
LANGUAGE ARTS PLACEMENT
A.C.T.
Skill Area
English Test Score
Course Placement
19+
ENG 101
Writing
19-21
ENG 101 plus ELA
090 (recommended)
16-18
ELA 099
0-15
ELA 095
S.A.T.
Skill Area
Reading/Writing
Test Score
Course Placement
480+
ENG 101
Evidence Based
480-519
ENG 101 plus ELA
090 (recommended)
Reading/Writing
420-479
ELA 099
419 or less
ELA 095
*Accuplacer WritePlacer (test administrated starting 08/29/2016)
Skill Area
English Test Score
Course Placement
5+
ENG 101
5
ENG 101 plus ELA
090 (recommended)
Writing
3-4
ELA 099
1-2
ELA 095
High School CGPA (unweighted)
Skill Area
CGPA
Course Placement
Writing
3.00+
ENG 101
Other Measures: A GED Reasoning through Language Arts score of 165+
11
Sauk Valley Community College
Summer 2021 Course Placement Scores/Prerequisites
Please note: Some course(s) recommended/required as a result of placement testing may be developmental in nature and offer no academic credit.
Cut off scores are subject to change.
Mathematics Placement
Students are required to enroll in an initial mathematics course as designated by a valid placement score (SVCC test, ACT, SAT, GED) OR satisfy individual course prerequisites (high school
transcripts, transitional math class).
High School Prerequisite
Validity: (3 years Recommended)
ACT Score
(3 years)
SAT Score
(3 years)
ALEKS
(2 years)
HS CGPA
(3 Years)
$Transitional
Math
(18 months)
ACCUPLACER
(3 years)
Starting 1/27/2020
#
GED
Score
(3 years)
Placement
Advanced Math or Math 3 with grades
of "C" or higher ** and appropriate
placement
26-36 &
Advanced
Math or Math 3 with
grades of "C" or higher
600-800 &
Advanced Math or Math
3 with grades of "C" or
higher
76-100 &
Advanced Math or
Math 3 with grades
of "C" or higher
N/A
AAF: 276 - 300
N/A
MAT 203
Advanced Math or Math 3 with grades
of "C" or higher**
23-25
580
61-75
N/A
AAF: 263 - 275
N/A
MAT 220,
221, 230
(Advanced Math AND 1 year of high
school geometry) or Math 3 with
grades of "C" or higher**
23-25
and
geometry*
580
and
geometry*
61-75
and
geometry*
N/A
AAF: 263 – 275
and
geometry*
N/A
MAT 122
Algebra 2 with a grade of "C" or
higher** or Math 3 with a grade of C
or higher**
22
530
46-60
3.0***
QLS**
STEM**
QAS: 250 - 300
165
MAT 240
(Algebra 2 with a grade of "C" or
higher** and 1 year of high school
geometry*) or Math 3 with a grade
of C or higher**
22
and
geometry*
530
and
geometry*
46-60
and
geometry*
3.0***
and
geometry*
STEM**
QAS: 263 – 300
and
geometry*
N/A
MAT 121
Algebra 2 with a grade of "C" or
higher** or Math 3 with a grade of C
or higher**
21-22
530
46-60
3.0***
QLS**
STEM**
QAS: 250 - 300
165
MAT 115
(Algebra 2 with a grade of "C" or
higher** and 1 year of high school
geometry*) or Math 3 with a grade
of C or higher**
21-22
and
geometry*
530
and
geometry*
46-60
and
geometry*
3.0***
and
geometry*
QAS: 250 – 300
and
geometry*
165
and
geometry*
MAT 110
One year of high school algebra, or
Math 1 with a grade of "C" or
higher**
18-20
500
30-45
3.0***
QLS**
STEM**
TECH**
QAS: 237 - 249
N/A
MAT 106
One year of high school algebra, or
Math 1 with a grade of "C" or
higher**
18-20
500
30-45
N/A
QAS: 237 - 249
N/A
MAT 076
One year of high school algebra, or
Math 1 with a grade of "C" or
higher**
18-20
500
30-45
N/A
QAS: 237 – 249
QAS: 237-262 (MAT 121)
N/A
MAT 081
N/A
13-17
330
14-29
N/A
A: 276 – 300
QAS: 216 - 236
N/A
MAT 075,
078
N/A
0-12
Below 330
0-13
N/A
A: 200 – 275
N/A
MAT 070
*High School geometry with a C or better in both semesters or Math 3 or Math 076 with a grade of C or better #GED Mathematical Reasoning score
** C or better two/both semesters *** UNWEIGHTED PLUS 4
th
year of mathematics
12
ACCUPLACER MATH:
A = Arithmetic
QAS = Quantitative, Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
AAF = Advanced Algebra and Functions
Additional Notes –
A: 200 – 235, Adult Education Recommended; 276 of higher will route to QAS;
QAS: 200 – 207, Adult Education Recommended; 276 or higher will route to AAF; 215 or lower will route to A
For advanced math placement (MAT 122, 220, 221, 230), a minimum score of 263 is required in AAF; MAT 203 requires a 276 or higher AAF
$Transitional Math
The portability code from the high school transcript:
- STEM Pathway; Portability Code – TM001
- QLS Quantitative Literacy and Statistics Pathway; Portability Code – TM002
-TECH Pathway; Portability Code – TM003
SVCC Geometry Placement Test
7/25/2019 – 5/1/2020
SVCC Assessment
Placement
0-16
MAT 076
17-30
No Geometry Required
Starting 5/4/2020 - Current
SVCC Assessment
Placement
0-7
MAT 076
8-12
No Geometry Required
3/2021
Geometry Update 5/6/2020
13
*MAT 076
Geometry
*MAT 081+
Intermediate
Algebra
MAT 115++
Modern Math
MAT 240+
El. Statistics
MAT 111++
Math for
El. Ed. II
MAT 221++
Calculus For
Business and
Soc. Science
BUS 214
Business
Statistics
MAT 211
Differential
Equations
MAT 204
Calculus II
MAT 231
Linear
Algebra
MAT 205
Calculus III
*MAT 070+
Fund. Of
Math
#*MAT 078+
Prep Math
Non-Stem
Majors
Math Map
+ Utilizes Supplemental Software
++ Select sections use
Supplemental
Software
** MAT 110++
Math for
El. Ed. I
** MAT 121++
College
Algebra
* Developmental courses CANNOT
be applied as credit towards ANY
degree.
The shaded courses,
MAT 070+; #*MAT 078+;
MAT 106++; *MAT 075+;
*MAT 081+;*MAT 076
CANNOT be applied as credit
towards any transfer degree.
3/2021
MAT 106++
Applied Math
Students may pass over MAT 076
if they have had one year of high
school geometry with grades of
C or better or
appropriate placement scores.
#Preparatory Math for
Non-Stem
Majors
If a student changes
degree paths after completing
MAT 078 and MAT 115 or 240.
The student would need to take
MAT 081+MAT 076 or have
appropriate placement to
advance to
MAT 121 or 110.
*MAT 075+
Beginning
Algebra
** MAT 110,
121,
and 122 transfer
as general
elective credit
.
** MAT 122
Trigonometry
MAT 230
Discrete
Mathematics
MAT 203
Calculus I
MAT 220++
Finite Math
14
Language Arts Map
The shaded courses are developmental
and CANNOT be applied as credit
toward
any associate degree.
*ENG 111 can be used as elective credit
towards a transfer degree.
Effective Summer 2021 (2021-2022 SVCC)
Students must
successfully pass
the ELA sequence
or
report appropriate
test scores to enter
college composition
and some identified
college level
courses.
15
Disability
Disability Support coordinates needed accommodations of students
with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations will be made after
verification is completed by the Program Director of Disability Support
located in Student Services Center Room 1F21. Call
(815)835-6220 or submit a student self-referral form at
svcc.edu/disability-support
to request services.
Privacy
The college policy on student records complies with the “Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act.” This Act was designed to
protect the privacy of education records, to establish the rights of
students to inspect and review their education records, and to
provide guidelines for correction of incorrect or misleading data
through formal and informal hearings. For a copy of the Act or
questions concerning the Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Act, contact the Registrar in the Student Services Center (815)835-
6378.
Nondiscrimination Statement
SVCC provides equal opportunity and affirmative action in
education and employment for qualified persons regardless of
race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender,
marital status, disability, military status, or unfavorable discharge
from military service. Complaints and inquiries related to this
policy or any potential discriminatory concerns may be addressed
to: Director of Human Resources, Sauk Valley Community College,
173 IL, Route 2, Dixon, IL 61021, (815)835-6291.
Sauk Valley Community College is dedicated to teaching and scholarship while engaging the
community in lifelong learning, public service, and economic development.
3/2021
