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.
Check out the criteria for each level below!
Although Level 1 placement is not required for students, if you meet any of the following criteria, we recommend that you consider enrolling in our no cost, self-paced College Prep program to build a strong foundation for future success.
| High School GPA | 0.0 - 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 |
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 | 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.
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). |
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.
Multiple Measures/High School GPA for Placement
Where dual credit/enrollment students do not possess a seven-semester GPA, the GPA cannot be used as a stand-alone measure for placement. STLCC will allow the student to use the metric that places him/her into the highest level based on STLCC placement charts, provided that more than one measure is available for review to allow the student, parent/guardian, and high school liaison to make informed decisions about their placement.
Dual enrollment students who do not meet the requirements for placement into college-level courses should not be enrolled in 000-level coursework.