Frequently Asked Questions About Advising Students At ACC

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General Placement Questions
Distance Learning Advising Questions
English Advising Questions
Math Advising Questions
General Placement Questions
For more information, contact Mary-Charles Barrett, ext. 4140, barretmc@alamancecc.edu
When and where are the placement tests offered?
The ASSET and COMPASS tests are offered Mondays at 1 p.m., Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. in room G119 in the Gee Building.  Students can contact Student Development to schedule appointments.
What is the difference between the ASSET and the COMPASS tests?
The ASSET test is a paper-and-pencil, timed test (normally between 25-35 questions on each part). The COMPASS test is computer-adaptive. Students can work at their own pace since it is not timed.  A disadvantage to the COMPASS is that the student must answer a question to go on.  For example on the math, the student cannot skip a problem and come back to it later.you cannot skip a problem and come back to it later.  In English, placement is based on the lower score/placement - reading or writing.  Both tests give immediate results.
Should students make appointments to take the placement test?
Yes, students should make an appointment at the information desk to be sure that there will be space available when they plan to take the test.
How long does it take to complete the placement test?
Students should plan for about two hours for all of the parts of the test.
How should I place my advisee in classes if he/she has not taken a placement test?
Students should not be placed in an English or math class (or any other class with English or math prerequisites ) without placement test scores. The only exceptions for English classes are ENG115, Oral Communication, and ENG102, taken only by dental assisting students. These two courses do not have prerequisites.
What if my advisee has forgotten to bring a copy of his/her placement scores to the advising session (or registration)?
This information is available in Datatel in the TSUM section.
Can students re-take the placement test to try to get a higher score?
Yes, students can request to re-take the placement test one time in a year.
What are the minimum SAT and ACT scores to place students in courses without taking the placement test?
The minimum SAT score for placement in ENG111 is 480 for the SATV or the SATCR and SATW. The minimum ACT score for placement in ENG111 is 21. The minimum SAT math score is 440. 
How should students with lower SAT or ACT scores than the minimum for math and English be placed?
Students with SAT scores below 480 (SATV, SATCR, SATW) or 440 (SATM) and ACT scores below 21 should take the ASSET or COMPASS placement test and use those scores for placement.
What do the new SAT scores mean?
Beginning in March 2005, students began taking the new version of the SAT.  The new test added a writing section (SATW) that combines objective grammar questions with an essay response.  The old verbal section was replaced with critical reading questions (SATCR).  The math section now includes some questions from Algebra II.
What if a student's placement scores are borderline?
Each point on the placement test represents a number of questions; therefore, students should not be placed in a higher course because their scores were close.  Students with scores that are close to the minimum score will still be dropped from courses.

What if a student's reading and writing scores would place the student in different courses?
Students with scores that place them in different English courses must register for the lower of the two courses. For example, a student with a reading score for ENG095 and a writing score for ENG075 must sign up for ENG 075.

What options are available for reviewing materials before testing or re-testing?
Students can sign up for BSP2000 review classes in English and/or Math. The classes are free of charge and meet for two weeks. At the end of the course, students have the option of re-taking the placement test. The success rate for students testing out of at least one developmental course after completing a BSP2000 course has been very good. The courses are offered in the summer and at the end of fall semester. Students should call 506-4377 for further information or to sign up. (See the Developmental Exit exam in the English Advising Questions area.)
What happens if a student signs up for a course without meeting prerequisites?
If a student registers for a course without prerequisites, the student will be dropped from the course.  When practical, students are called before they are dropped.  This results in the student having to change schedules later when classes are full.
Distance Learning Advising Questions
For more information, contact Don Miller, ext. 4335, millerd@alamancecc.edu
Can advisors register students for online or hybrid courses from their offices?
The course instructor, the instructor's department head, or the Distance Learning Coordinator must set up an override in Datatel in order for a student to be able to register for an online or hybrid class. Then the advisor can register the student.

How much computer access should a student have to be successful in an online class?
The student should have very good access to a computer, preferably a computer at home with Internet access. Students with dial-up access are often frustrated in an online course, though it is possible for them to be successful. Students should always have a backup plan in mind in case there is a problem with their computers during the course.

What skills should a student have in order to take online and hybrid courses?
A student should have moderately good computer skills, a high level of motivation, and an ability to work independently.

English Advising Questions
For more information, contact Anne Helms, ext. 4206, anne.helms@alamancecc.edu
What types of scores are required for a student to be placed into ENG111?
Students can place into ENG111 with SAT (SATV or SATCR and SATW) scores or 480 or above, ACT scores of 21 or above, ASSET placement scores in reading and writing of 41 or above or a COMPASS reading score of 81 or above and a COMPASS writing score of 70 or above.  Placement scores may not be averaged to determine the student's placement. The lower score must be used.
Can students' ASSET and COMPASS reading and writing scores be averaged?
Scores cannot be averaged. The student has to use the lower of the two scores.
Does a student who has completed ENG085 successfully take ENG090 or ENG095?
Typically a student who has completed ENG085 successfully will take ENG095.  The exception would be for a student who has successfully completed ENG085 and has reading scores that are high enough for ENG111; then the student could take ENG090 which covers only the writing portion of what is taught in ENG095 and meets only three hours a week. 
Is there any way for a student to skip a level of developmental English other than by re-taking the placement  test?
The English department also offers a developmental exit exam in essay format for students with the recommendation of their English instructor.  Some students are able to skip one or more developmental English courses based on the the results of this test.  This test is a good option for students who are more effective in writing essays than in taking objective tests.
What options are available for reviewing materials before testing or re-testing?
Students can sign up for BSP2000 review classes in English and/or Math. The classes are free of charge and meet for two weeks. At the end of the course, students have the option of re-taking the placement test. The success rate for students testing out of at least one developmental course after completing a BSP2000 course has been very good. The courses are offered in the summer and at the end of fall semester. Students should call 506-4377 for further information or to sign up.
An advisee has English courses on his/her ACC transcript that are not in the catalog anymore.  How should the advisor place him/her in classes?
ENG1101, ENG1102, ENG101, ENG102, ENG103, and ENG204 were quarter courses offered prior to1997.  If a student took ENG101 or ENG102 since 1996, the courses are current applied communication courses for diploma programs.  ENG101 and 102 taken prior to 1997 were quarter courses which continue to be accepted in place of ENG 111 in some AAS programs as long as the student completed both courses successfully.  Students who took only the old ENG 101 (not 102) should take the placement test to determine which course to take next.  Students who will need to take ENG 112, 113 or 114 should be encouraged to take ENG111 even if they have taken ENG101 and 102 in the past because they will be much better prepared.
What do course  numbers mean on an ACC transcript such as ENG101X, 102X, 201X,  212X, etc.?
Course numbers with an X following the number are college transfer courses from the period of time when ACC offered courses in conjunction with UNCG.  ENG101X is the same as ENG111.  ENG102X  is the same as ENG112.   Two hundred level courses can be considered equivalent to current two hundred level literature courses.
Which English courses transfer well to a university to fulfill writing composition requirements?
ENG111, 112, and 113 transfer as composition courses.  ENG114 transfers, though a few universities count it as an elective rather than a composition course. The nursing program at UNC-G requires ENG114 as the second composition class. Developmental English classes (ENG075, 085, 090, 095) and ENG 101 and 102 do not transfer to universities as credit courses.  Most universities also do not accept ENG115 for transfer.  See questions below for literature courses.
Which courses meet Associate in Arts and Associate in Science requirements for literature?
ENG131, 231, 232, 241, 242, 251 and 252 meet literature requirements for the AA and AS degrees. ENG131 is widely accepted as  a literature course in universities, but it is not accepted to fulfill the literature requirement at UNC.
What requirements are met by African American Literature (ENG273) and Introduction to Poetry (ENG 134)?
ENG 134 and 273 count as electives in the AA and AS degrees.  They do not fulfill the literature requirement. ENG 273 is a required course in the new 2+2 agreement in education with NC A&T.
What is the difference between ENG115 Oral Communication and COM231 Public Speaking? ENG115 and COM231 cover many of the same topics.  ENG115 includes a variety of speaking situations while COM231 is more focused on formal speeches.  COM231 is preferable if the student wishes to transfer the course to a university.  COM231 can be substituted for ENG115 in AAS programs.
Should I advise non-native English speakers (ESL students) any differently than native speakers for English courses? Students who have ENG115 in their course requirements should probably be encouraged to take ENG115 prior to ENG111 since non-native speakers often have stronger speaking skills than writing skills initially.  University transfer students could take COM231 for the same reason.
Math Advising Questions
For more information, contact Cathy Johnson, ext. 4237, cathy.johnson@alamancecc.edu
If a college transfer student does not know what he/she wants to do, which math course should an advisor recommend?
MAT 151, Statistics, is the most versatile course that we offer.  It should satisfy basic math requirements at most schools.
How do I determine correct placement for a student with old placement scores or math courses that are very old?
If a student has Nelson Denny placement scores, that student should retake the placement test.  MAT 1101 (or 1102) is not a replacement for MAT 060.  MAT 131, 141S, or 146S can be used in place of MAT 070.
If a student's asset scores place him in MAT 060 but place him out of MAT 070, what should I register him for?
Use the lower score for placement.
Are the labs for MAT 140 and MAT 161 required? What do you do in a math lab?
The labs are required for both courses. Lab time is used for review of material from the lecture, individualized student instruction, correction of homework and tests, and group projects.
What options are available for reviewing materials before testing or re-testing?
Students can sign up for BSP2000 review classes in English and/or Math. The classes are free of charge and meet for two weeks. At the end of the course, students have the option of re-taking the placement test. The success rate for students testing out of at least one developmental course after completing a BSP2000 course has been very good. The courses are offered in the summer and at the end of fall semester. Students should call 506-4377 for further information or to sign up.
What math courses should a student planning to major in liberal arts (education, English, history) take to complete an AA degree?
Students who hate math (liberal arts majors) need to complete MAT 070 and then they can take MAT 140, 140A, and CIS 110 for the AA degree. Students can also take MAT140 and MAT140A and use those courses as the prerequisite for MAT151, Statistics, without taking MAT080. Beware of the fact that MAT 140 is not accepted as fulfilling math requirements at many schools including UNC, Elon, NC A&T.
What math courses should a university transfer student planning to major in business take?
Students who are business majors need to complete MAT 070, 080, 171, 172, 271.  We do not teach Business Calculus here. If they plan to go to UNC-G, they can take MAT 171 here and then take the Business Calculus course at UNC-G without MAT 172.
What math courses are available for students seeking an AS degree?
Students who are science majors (AS degrees) need to complete MAT 070, 080 before beginning math courses.  Take either MAT 161 or 171 (recommend MAT 171) but NOT both.  Other courses to recommend: MAT 151, MAT 172, MAT 271, MAT 165.  They cannot take MAT 140 for this degree.
For changes or additions to this page, contact Anne Helms, ext. 4206, anne.helms@alamancecc.edu
Page last updated 08/02/07