The purpose of the English, reading and math skills assessment is to assess students' entry-level academic skills and to provide options to strengthen them if appropriate. Students have a better chance for success in college if their basic skills are strong enough to meet the rigors of college-level classes. All courses in English and mathematics require students to complete the appropriate skills assessments for placement prior to enrollment, but so do many other courses in a variety of disciplines. For all these reasons, students should make it a priority to complete the skills assessment as early as possible after admission, but no later than than the point of registration. Cecil College skills assessment is conducted through an agreement with ACT/Compass/ESL. You can practice your skills on their website at www.act.org.

No student is denied admission to the College as a result of performance on the skills assessments; however, students whose scores indicate a need for skill development are required to complete the appropriate developmental courses.

There are some courses/disciplines that, because of their content, are exempt from the skills assessment requirement. Students may enroll in these courses with no expectation of having to take the skills assessment. However, students are expected to read and write at the college level.

Automatic Waivers
Waivers are granted for math if a student has an SAT score of 550 or above in math, and are granted for English and reading if a student has an SAT score of 550 or above in English. A waiver would also be grated for a student with an ACT score of 21 or higher in math and English or a student with an earned degree.

Students who can document work and/or academic experience that would suggest the ability to do college-level work can provide such documentation to the appropriate department chair for consideration of a waiver of the skills assessment.

Placement of Students without High School Diploma or GED
Any student (full-time or part-time) who does not have a high school diploma or GED must take all the skills assessments.

Any of the assessments may be completed during the registration process on a walk-in basis. Students should contact the Testing Center or an academic advisor for more information about the skills assessment.

The Testing Center is located in the Arts & Sciences Building, Room 410. Please call 410-287-1015 for more information or testing hours.