The Placement Test Appeal Process
Why students appeal
Typically a student will file an appeal because he or she was placed into a developmental course based upon placement test scores; the Appeal is one available option for addressing developmental needs before the start of classes. Appealing your placement means that you are asking to retake a placement test for a very specific reason.
The Advisement Center does not grant retests automatically. In order for you to be considered for a retest, we need to have reason to believe that either you have made a serious commitment to improving your skill level or that your test scores are not accurate.
Therefore, Appeals to retest fall under two possible categories:
Retest types
Retesting after Remediation
You may appeal to retake a placement test based upon your plan to follow a remediation strategy designed to improve your weak skill areas. Strategies may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Working with a private tutor
- Taking adult education courses or other non-credit courses such as a summer class offered at a local high school
- Attending a learning center
For any remediation strategy that you choose, we will be looking to see that you are working with a person or within a program that can assess your skill level and provide you with the materials, instruction, and guidance necessary to reinforce concepts and strengthen your weak skill areas. If your Appeal is approved you will be allowed to retake the placement test after you have completed your remediation program.
You may remediate and retest in no more than two areas. Appeals requesting retests in more than two areas will be denied.
This option is viable for students who have experience with the material and just need to review and refresh their skills. It is not recommended for those with very little background in the deficient area.
Retesting due to Extenuating Circumstances
You may appeal your placement if you believe that your test results are not an accurate reflection of your current skill level in one or more areas due to illness, injury or other unforeseen hardship that adversely affected your performance on the placement tests. Under this category, remediation is not required but sometimes recommended. To determine if you are a good candidate for an extenuating circumstances retest, we will examine your high school transcripts, SAT scores, college transcripts, or other documentation to see how your past academic achievement compares with your performance on the placement tests.
Less frequently students might ask to retest because they feel that their original test scores have placed them into courses too challenging for their comfort with the material.
Accessing the Appeal Form
All students must complete and submit an Appeal Form in order to be considered for a retest. The Appeal Form is located on the SIS. If you believe the Appeal is the best option for you, you may access the form by following the instructions below:
- Go to SIS and login.
- Select "Admission Information" on the left.
- Select "Placement Test Results." The Placement Test Results page is your gateway to the Appeal Form. Be sure to carefully read and follow all instructions.
Contact the Advisement Center if you have questions on the Appeal Process. See contact information.
