Frequently Asked Questions about Placement

 took the COMPASS test and got a writing score of 67, but the computer won’t let me into a Writing 101.”

You also need a COMPASS reading score of 71. Be sure you have met that requirement.

You should be able to register unless the Writing 101 course you want is full, .  If a computer error like this has occurred, take proof of your identity (picture ID) and COMPASS score (COMPASS score printout with your name on it) to an advisor in Building 6 or the Writing Program Coordinator in Building 5.   If the course has openings in it, you will get an entry code for a Writing 101 course.

“I took a 4 credit class called English 100 at Whatcom Community College and got a 3.2.  Can’t I just get an entry code from a writing instructor for Writing 101, even though the computer won’t let me in?” 

No.  Go to the educational planning center (Building 6). One of the advisors will call our credential evaluator or send you to go see her. If she tells us that the courses are equivalent, then we will give you an entry code and then you’ll be able to take the next course that is appropriate for you.

“I took High School honors English and got a 4.0.  Can’t I get an entry code from a writing instructor and go directly into Writing 101, based on this?” 

No.  Take COMPASS writing test. (It usually takes about 15 minutes).  If you did really well in English in high school, your COMPASS score will probably reflect these skills.  Without the appropriate compass score, you cannot enter Writing 101.

“I don’t think the COMPASS score accurately reflects my abilities.  It placed me in Writing 91, but I think I should be in Writing 101.  Can’t I just get an entry code?”

 No. You have two options:

1)      Retake the COMPASS test and try to get a better score OR

2)      Register for Writing 91 and talk to this teacher about moving up.  Most writing teachers assign a diagnostic essay to students in the first few days of class in order to see where students are with their writing. If the writing sample indicates that you might be more successful in a higher or lower class, your instructor will talk with you one-on-one.

You cannot get an entry code to take Writing 101 based on your opinion that you should be in a higher class if you don’t have the appropriate COMPASS score.

“I scored a 61 on the writing portion of the COMPASS.  Because it is close to the border, can’t I just get an entry code to take Writing 101?”

 No. The cut-off numbers are set for a reason.  You have two options:

 

1)      Retake the COMPASS test and try to get a better score OR

2)      Register for Writing 91 and talk to this teacher about moving up.  Most writing teachers assign a diagnostic essay to students in the first few days of class. If the writing sample indicates that you might be more successful in a higher or lower class, your instructor will talk with you one-on-one.

 

You cannot get an entry code to take Writing 101 based on your opinion that you should be in a higher class if you don’t have the appropriate COMPASS score.

“I took a lot of courses that had writing in them and got good grades.  I got an A in Econ, and it required a lot of writing.  Can I just show the writing coordinator some papers I wrote and get an entry code for Writing 101?”

No.  If you have advanced writing skills, the COMPASS test will reflect this.  Take the COMPASS test and your score on the writing portion will place you in the appropriate course.