1. I completed the entire ESL program at my high school or at another college. Why am I back in ESL here?
Different schools have different standards. Your placement into ESL classes means that you are not yet ready for success in ENG 111 here at NVCC.
2. Who needs to take an English placement test?
All NVCC students are required to take an English placement test (ACCUPLACER LOEP or COMPASS) in order to determine if their skills are sufficient to allow them to perform in a college classroom. Students will be assisted in determining the appropriate test when they arrive for testing. (Testing Center information).3. Why doesn't the college use the TOEFL test for ESL placement?
First, the TOEFL provides an overall assessment of English proficiency, not placement into a particular ESL program. The NVCC ESL placement test compares your skills to those of other students in the NVCC program, and thus shows where in this program you should begin.
Second, students must schedule their own TOEFL tests months in advance, and pay a fee. The NVCC placement test does not require an appointment, and there is no fee.
4. How is my placement test scored?
Placement into ESL Levels 2 and 3 is determined by the ACCUPLACER LOEP score alone. If you are asked to write an essay, your placement may be Level 3 or higher. All placement essays are evaluated by a full-time ESL faculty member.
5. What if I don't agree with my placement?
Diagnostic tests which show your instructors your strengths are given during the first week of each course. Students are tested in writing, reading, speaking, and language structure. Students who were inappropriately placed can be moved.
6. What does the score R.C.E. mean? What can I do if I get a placement of R.C.E.?
R.C.E. stands for "Recommended for Community Education". NVCC has other ESL courses in its Community Education division. Additionally, ESL classes are offered by various cities and counties around Northern Virginia. Many students with RCE scores can find suitable instruction in one of these programs to prepare them for entry into the NVCC credit ESL program at a later date.
7. How often can I take the placement test?
If you are taking classes now at NVCC, you may not retake the test. If you did not place into the ESL program (placement level RCE), then you may retest after 6 months. If you place into the ESL program (placement levels 2-7), but do not enroll in classes, then you may retake the test after 1 year. If you took classes in the past, but quit, you may retake the test one year after the end of your last class.
8. If I receive an "R" in an ESL class, can I re-take the placement test to get into a higher level?
No. Sixteen weeks of evaluation by an instructor is a better measure of student skills than a two-hour test. Therefore, course grades take precedence over placement test results, and the placement test may not be used to get around R course grades.
9. Do I have to take all of the courses in one level at the same time?
