Placement

Beginning with the fall 2020 semester, students may use a qualifying high school grade point average for placement. A cumulative, unweighted 3.0 grade point average or above (on a 4.0 scale), combined with four years of math and English, will provide college-level placement in both English and mathematics at Highland.

May 11 – May 15 Placement Test Schedule:
Mondays: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Tuesdays: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Wednesdays: 5 p.m.
Thursdays: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Fridays: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

May 18 – June 30 Placement Test Schedule:
Mondays: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Tuesdays: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Wednesdays: 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Thursdays: 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

For more information, please contact Brittany Vehmeier at 815-599-3678.

The first step in Highland Community College’s plan for student success is placement testing in reading, writing and math. By matching your first semester courses with your current skill levels, we can help you create a plan to reach your educational goals.

Placement testing is required of most students (see SAT and ACT scores below.) However, because we have an “open door” policy, test scores are not a condition of admittance. Placement tests are free and do not require an appointment.

Contact Amanda Venhuizen at 815-599-3487.

Placement Test Schedule Testing Hours

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*Students must begin testing prior to the last hour that the Testing Center/Office Tech is open. Exams with two hour time limits must be started at least two hours before the Testing Center/Office Tech closes. Exams are collected 15 minutes before the official closure of the Testing Center/Office Tech.

To best provide a quiet, professional and stress-free testing environment for our students, the following guidelines have been established:

• Photo identification is required for all testing.
• All electronic devices will be checked in and stored in the provided container.
• Snacks or drinks are not permitted in the testing areas.
• Children are not allowed into the testing lab.
• Unless specific accommodations have been made, the exams must be completed in one sitting.
• Please allow a minimum of 2 hours for testing.
• Scratch paper, pencils.

For more information about placement tests, call 815-599-3678 or email the Testing Center. Students requiring special testing accommodations should contact ADA Services at 815-599-3582.

Students may also visit the Accuplacer® assessment website.

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PREPARING FOR PLACEMENT TESTING

B4UTest Placement Test Preparation

This program is designed to help students build confidence when testing and brush up on their skills to prepare for the Accuplacer placement test. This workshop will touch on test-taking tactics, essay writing, and reading reference and reasoning skills. Students will reinforce math skills by reviewing core concepts and learn unique approaches to the study of math. Find the upcoming sessions and register to attend B4U Test.

View sample placement test questions or download the Accuplacer app from iTunes.

SAT and ACT Scores

Highland Community College also accepts SAT and ACT scores in lieu of placement test scores. The SAT and ACT scores must be current, with testing dates in the prior two years. Documentation of the scores must be presented at the time of placement testing. A photo ID will be required. Students pursuing credits under the high school articulation agreements must take the appropriate Highland Community College placement test.

• Reading
  • SAT 490 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing)
• Writing
  • SAT 490 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing)
• Math
  • SAT 560
• Reading
  • ACT score 20 or above No test required
  • ACT score less than 20 Reading test required
• Writing
  • ACT Score 20 or above English 121
  • ACT Score less than 20 Writing sample required
• Mathematics
  • ACT Score 22 or above No test required
  • ACT Score less than 22 Math test required
• Geometry
  • ACT Score 10 or above Geometry requirement met
  • ACT Score less than 10 Must meet Geometry with high school or HCC courses