Reading Placement

St. Louis Community College uses multiple measures for placing students into their initial courses including previous course work, high school GPA and standardized test scores. Placement testing may be required prior to advisement and registration.

STLCC determines reading placement based on 4 levels.

Level 1 is recommended (not required) for students who demonstrate need to enroll in additional reading support.

All students have the option to start at Level 2.

Students who meet specific criteria may opt for the additional reading support class in Level 3.

Students who place at Level 4 aren't required to take additional reading coursework.

Check out the criteria for each level below!

Level 1

RDG 030: Intro to College Reading / or / Longbow Program (Free)

Although there are no pre-requisites for Level 1, it is recommended that students who enroll in RDG 030 or Longbow meet one of the criteria below:

High School GPA	Below 2.29
Reading Placement Test Score	200 - 236
ACT Reading Sub-Score	Below 15; Recommend Placement Test
HiSet Score	8 - 9
SAT EBRW	Below 450; Recommend Placement Test
Last High School English Grade	C or Below

If you meet any of the above criteria, we recommend that you consider enrolling in RDG 030 (Intro to College Reading) or enrolling in our free, non-credit Longbow program. Following either of these paths may take more time, but will provide a strong foundation for future success.

Beginning Fall 2022, students who take RDG 030 should register for RDG 079+coreq in their next semester. Longbow students will likely do the same but may place differently depending on faculty recommendation at the end of their program.

Level 2

RDG 079: Academic Literacy + Required and Linked Co-Req (e.g. HST 101)

Although there are no pre-requisites for Level 2, it is recommended that students who enroll in RDG 079 + Co-Req meet one of the criteria below:

High School GPA	Below 2.30 - 2.59
Reading Placement Test Score	237 - 249
ACT Reading Sub-Score	Below 18
HiSet Score	10 - 14
SAT EBRW	Below 500

If you do not meet the criteria for Level 3 or 4, you will need to register for RDG 079: Academic Literacy, which will be paired with a specific college-level course such as HST 101. You will need to register for both courses at the same time. Students who fall into Level 2 are encouraged to register for RDG 079 in their first semester of enrollment.

Studies have shown that some students need additional support to complete the first semester of college-level coursework. This placement will give you the support you need to be successful in your courses.

Level 3

RDG 100: College Reading & Study Skills

Studies have shown that some students need additional support to complete the first semester of college-level coursework. Though not required, RDG 100 can give you additional support to be successful in your courses.

Level 3 is intended for students who meet reading proficiency requirements but would likely benefit from registering for RDG 100 if they meet one of the criteria below:

High School GPA	2.60 - 2.80
Reading Placement Test Score	250 - 262
ACT Reading Sub-Score	18 or Higher
HiSet Score	12 - 14
SAT EBRW	500 - 530
Last High School English Grade	Grade of C - - - so long as students meet other markers for reading proficiency (e.g. High School GPA).

Level 4

Reading Proficiency Met

You have met reading proficiency and do not require additional reading coursework if you meet one of the criteria below:

High School GPA	2.60 or Higher
Reading Placement Test Score	250 - 300
ACT Reading Sub-Score	18 or Higher
HiSet Score	15 - 20
SAT EBRW	500 or Higher
Last High School English Grade	Last two high school English grades were B or better OR Last high school English grade was an A and the high school GPA was at least 2.50.

Please note that all test scores are valid for 3 years.

Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment / Early College students using high school GPA for placement should have more than one measure available to allow the students and the counselors to make informed choices about their placement.

Dual Enrollment / Early College students may not enroll in developmental coursework without express permission from their high school liaison and parent to do so.