Writing Placement Test

Rather than taking two semesters to complete ENG-098 and ENG-101, if you're placed into ENG-098 can take both classes in just one semester. Some ENG-098 students take the ENG-101 course, with students placed directly into ENG-101. The ENG-098 class meets immediately following their ENG-101 class for additional support.

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All new degree-seeking students are required to demonstrate initial placement levels in English upon entry to the College in order to register for their first semester.

Additionally, any student wishing to register for courses may also need to demonstrate specific placement levels in order to satisfy a particular course prerequisite.

1. 19 or higher on the English portion of the ACT; or 480 on SAT or PSAT reading and writing; valid for 5 years; or
2. 4 or higher on the PARCC reading and writing assessment; or
3. Successful completion with a C or better of ENG 098 or LTC 099 at ECC or an equivalent course at a regionally accredited college (official transcripts required); or
4. Successful completion with a C or better in college-level courses at another college/university (official transcripts required); or
5. High school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on an unweighted 4.0 scale; or
6. GED score of 165 or higher or HiSet score of 15 or higher plus essay score of 4; or
7. A minimum score on AP, CLEP, or IB exam.
8. Attain the specified level from the ECC English placement test (valid for 5 years).

Using a computer, you will write an essay of approximately 2 pages in length. You will select one of three topics to focus your essay response. You are allowed to use a single piece of scratch paper. 

An effective essay will include each of the following:

1. A thesis or main idea;
2. Several paragraphs of sufficient, relevant, and specific detail or examples related to the topic selected based on your experience, observations, or readings;
3. Good organization, including an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion;
4. Correct grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.

Before you submit your essay, you should proofread (reread and correct) your essay. You can use spell-check and scratch paper. 

We strongly recommend that you take a few steps to get ready before taking your writing placement essay test. Students who review first typically do much better than those who do not. You can prepare by reviewing the sample scored essays.

Placement test results will be available within 7 business days.

We strongly recommend that you take a few steps to get ready before taking your Writing placement essay test. Students who review first typically do much better than those who do not. You can prepare by:

• Review the sample scored essays.

Writing placement test results will be available within 7 business days. Please plan accordingly to have the Writing placement test results completed prior to registration. You can view all placement test results on the accessECC portal.

If your writing placement test score is:

• 00
  • Prepare to retake the placement test.
• 22, 23, 33
  • Developmental course required. Enroll in LTC-099 (College Literacy)
• 44
  • Developmental courses required. Enroll in ENG-098 and ENG-101 (Accelerated Learning Program (ALP))
• 55
  • No developmental course required. Enroll in college-ready courses, including ENG-101.

If you are not happy with your first attempt, you may retake the placement tests twice, providing you have not started a reading or English course. Once you have completed a reading or English class at ECC, you may retest with the approval of the placement coordinator. Your reading and writing placement results are valid for five years.