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!
RDG 030: Intro to College Reading / or / College Prep (Free)
Although there are no pre-requisites for Level 1, it is recommended that students who enroll in RDG 030 or College Prep 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 College Prep
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. College Prep students will likely do the same but may place differently
depending on faculty recommendation at the end of their program.
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.
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). |
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.
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.