Challenge Courses
If you believe your placement test result has misplaced you into a developmental studies course (0-level), you should consider enrolling in a challenge course.
What are challenge courses?
Challenge courses provide 15 hours of instruction during the week prior to the beginning of an academic semester. The timing allows you to enroll immediately in the next level course if you successfully complete the challenge course.
For example, if you place in MAT 032, a developmental course, with placement test scores in the challenge range, you may take MAT 013 (the challenge course) during the week prior to the semester’s start. If you are successful, you may register for MAT 101 for the coming semester and advance ahead in math one full term. Your success is determined by the results on a departmental examination. You do not retake the college placement test.
Descriptions of the three challenge courses are shown in the college catalog by subject area.
Who can enroll in a challenge course?
If your placement test scores fall within the challenge range, you may register for a challenge course. There are three challenge courses, one each in English, reading and mathematics. If you successfully pass a challenge course, you have met the requirements of the regular 0-level course and may register for the next level course. You should see your advisor to register for a challenge course. Please see the OnCourse course schedule for tuition and fees.
Which courses can be challenged?
- ENG 013 challenges ENG 032
- RDG 013 challenges RDG 032
- MAT 013 challenges MAT 032
When are the challenge courses offered?
Challenge courses are offered during the week prior to the start of regular classes in order to provide an opportunity for students to begin the semester in the most appropriate course.
Challenge Ranges on the College Placement Test
|
Challenge
Course
(1-credit) |
Challenge Ranges for
Placement Test Scores
to qualify for the Challenge Course
Placement Test |
Developmental
Studies Course
Being
Challenged |
|
COMPASS |
ASSET |
CPT |
|
|
ENG 013 |
13-40
Writing |
32-38
Writing |
53-72
Sentence
Structure |
ENG 032 |
|
MAT 013 |
17-38
Pre-Algebra |
32-38
Numerical
Skills |
35-60
Arithmetic |
MAT 032 |
|
RDG 013 |
44-60
Reading |
31-35
Reading |
49-67
Reading |
RDG 032 |
Students interested in taking a challenge course should make an appointment with their advisor to review placement test scores and to obtain advisor approval.
The following sections, dates, and times apply to each of the courses ENG 013, RDG 013, and MAT 013.
August 18 - 22, 2008
|
SECTIONS |
DAYS |
TIMES |
|
001 |
Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., & Fri. |
9:00 AM - Noon |
|
002 |
Mon., Tues., Wed.
& Thurs. |
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
January 5 - 9, 2009
|
SECTIONS |
DAYS |
TIMES |
|
001 |
Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., & Fri.
|
9:00 AM - Noon |
May 25 - 29 2009
|
SECTIONS |
DAYS |
TIMES |
|
001 |
Mon., Tues., Wed., Thurs., & Fri |
9:00 AM - Noon |
|
002 |
Mon., Tues., Wed.
& Thurs. |
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
If you enroll in the math or reading challenge course, you need to purchase a textbook from the Bookstore PRIOR TO COMING TO THE FIRST CLASS.
If you enroll in the English challenge course, you need to purchase a textbook and study guide from the Bookstore and complete assignments for Day One PRIOR TO COMING TO THE FIRST CLASS.
