College Placement
Hours and Location
Placement Requirements
Before meeting with an academic advisor or registering for classes, students new to LWTech will either need to take the Guided Self-Placement (GSP) college placement assessment, or show evidence of English and math level through an approved alternative placement option such as other tests or prior college or high school transcripts. English and math placement is required to register for any course at LWTech.
Students cannot meet with an advisor or take the Guided Self-Placement until they:
Lake Washington Technical Academy
Per academy policy, all students who are enrolling in Lake Washington Technical Academy (LWTA) are required to take a college assessment. Formal assessment is a required component of enrollment at LWTA and alternative placement measures are not applicable for students of LWTA only.
- Students applying directly to the college, including Running Start, are eligible to apply alternative placement measures as described on the LWTech Assessment website.
- LWTA student enrollment and placement process.
Which Placement Option is Right for You?
Students are advised to review the alternative placement options on this page prior to taking the Guided Self Placement.
- I have an alternative placement option: Students with an alternative placement option can meet with an advisor and provide their alternative placement for advising and registration.
- I do not have an alternative placement option: Students who do not have an alternative placement option are encouraged to take the Guided Self Placement assessment at LWTech for placement. Once this is completed, they may meet with an advisor for advising and registration.
Alternative Placement Options
You may have an alternative form of placement that can be utilized for registration. If you have one of the options listed here, you do not need to take the Guided Self Placement and can meet with an advisor to review your alternative placement option.
Test Reciprocity from Another College
Option
Placement tests or assessments taken at other Washington Community or Technical Colleges
may be utilized for placement due to a state wide reciprocity agreement.
Process
- Provide a copy of placement scores during a meeting with an Advisor after completing the admission process and receiving a Student Identification Number.
- The Advisor will evaluate the documents and place the student in a manner equivalent to placement at the former college.
Expires
- Expires 1 year from date taken
For all entering students at any Washington community and technical college, system policy states:
- A student who qualifies for a specific level of pre-college math, English, or reading, either through course completion or local skills assessment, will have that course placement level honored at another Washington Community or Technical college if the student so requests, even if the courses may not be exact equivalents.
- A student who qualifies for entry into college-level math, English, or reading, either through course completion or local skills assessment, will be considered to have met the entry college-level standard at every community and technical college.
- Students requesting reciprocity must initiate the process within one year of their initial placement assessment.
Students may complete an optional Placement Reciprocity Form along with their unofficial placement score documentation.
Unofficial Transcripts for Placement
Option
Provide transcripts from another college with a grade of 2.0 or higher in English or Math courses. College must be accredited by one of the following accredited agencies to use for placement or credit transfer purposes:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Process
- Provide a copy of unofficial transcript during a meeting with an Advisor after completing the admission process and receiving a Student Identification Number.
- The Advisor will evaluate the documents and place the student into the appropriate course
Expires
No expiration
Notes
You must provide an official sealed copy of the transcript to have the class(es) transferred into LWTech to count towards your program of study. To transfer credits to LWTech, visit LWTech.edu/Transfer for instructions. Unofficial transcripts can be used for placement purposes only.
International Transcripts
Advisors can use international transcripts for placement only if the transcript has been evaluated by an international credential evaluation agency. For more information visit LWTech.edu/Transfer.
Unofficial High School Transcript
Option
Provide an unofficial high school transcript showing class & grade requirement(s) below within the time limit listed.
Placement using unofficial high school transcript can be utilized by high school graduates and by current high school students who have completed at least the first semester of sophomore year.
Process
- Provide a copy of unofficial transcript during a meeting with an Advisor after completing the admission process and receiving a Student Identification Number.
- The Advisor will evaluate the score and place the student into the appropriate courses
Time Limit
The time limit listed is from the date of graduation and applies to the following fall quarter. For example, a student who graduated from high school in June 2021 may use their high school transcript for placement to register for all quarters leading up to and including Fall 2022 for 1 year time limits and Fall 2023 for 2 year time limit placement options.
English
| High School Course and Grade | Time Limits | Placement into LWTech Course |
|---|---|---|
|
B grade or better in approved English class
*English as a Second Language English courses may not be used for placement. |
2 years |
ENGL&101 |
|
B or better grade in Bridge to College English* class as a senior *English as a Second Language English courses may not be used for placement. |
1 year | ENGL&101 |
Math
Non-STEM Math Placement
- Non-STEM Math definition: When the program math requirement is Math 105, Math&107, or Math&146
Time Limit
- Graduation within the last 2 years
Notes
- If more than one category applies, student may register for the higher-numbered course.
- If it has been more than 2 years since high-school graduation, student will need to take non-STEM placement test.
- If student does not agree with transcript placement, student may challenge by taking non-STEM placement test.
| High School Course | Grade & Placement into LWTech Non-STEM Math |
|---|---|
| 1 year of Pre-Calculus, Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry combo class, or Calculus, |
|
| 2 years of Algebra |
|
|
1 year of Algebra and/or Geometry |
|
| Bridge to College Math Course |
|
| AP Statistics |
|
STEM Math Placement
- STEM Math definition: When the program requires Math 111, Math&141, Math&142, Math&148, or Math&151+
Time Limit
- Graduation within the last 1 year
Notes
- If more than one category applies, student may register for the higher-numbered course.
- If it has been more than 1 year since high-school graduation, student will need to take STEM placement test.
- If student does not agree with transcript placement, student may challenge by taking STEM placement test.
- Any student who places into Math&141 or higher may also register for Math 105, Math&107, or Math&146.
| High School Course | Grade & Placement into LWTech STEM Math |
|---|---|
| 1 year of Calculus |
|
| 1 year of Pre-Calculus or Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry Combo Class |
|
|
2 years of Algebra |
|
| 1 year of Algebra and/or Geometry |
|
| Bridge to College Math course |
|
Provide Smarter Balanced Test Scores
Option
Provide Smarter Balanced Test scores showing the following requirements within the time limit listed.
Process
- Provide a copy of documentation during a meeting with an Advisor after completing the admission process and receiving a Student Identification Number.
- The Advisor will evaluate the score and place the student into the appropriate courses
Expires
Spring quarter following high school graduation. Ex: If student graduated in June 2019, they could use this placement through June 2020 (end of spring quarter at LWTech).
English Placement
For placement into ENGL&101 (English Composition):
- Level 3 or 4 score on high school Smarter Balanced assessment
Math Placement
For placement into Math& 107 (Math in Society), Math& 146 (Statistics), or their equivalents:
- Level 3 or 4 score on high school Smarter Balanced assessment
Notes
Agreement in effect for graduating classes 2018-2022
Provide AP Test Scores
Option
Provide unofficial documentation showing Math or English with the appropriate score for placement purposes only.
Process
- Provide a copy of AP test scores during a meeting with an Advisor after completing the admission process and receiving a Student Identification Number.
- The Advisor will evaluate the score and place the student into the appropriate courses
Expiration
No expiration
Officially Transferring AP Credits to LWTech
LWTech will award transfer credits for these AP exams. To transfer AP credits to LWTech, visit LWTech.edu/Transfer for instructions. Unofficial AP scores can be used for placement purposes only.
ACT and SAT Test Scores
Option
Provide ACT or SAT test scores following requirements within the time limit listed.
Process
- Provide a copy of test scores during a meeting with an Advisor after completing the admission process and receiving a Student Identification Number.
- The Advisor will evaluate the score and place the student into the appropriate courses
| Test and Score | Time Limits | Placement into LWTech Course |
|---|---|---|
| ACT: Score of 23 or better in math | 2 years | Math 105, &107, or &146 |
| ACT test scores: 19 or better in English | 2 years | ENGL&101 |
| SAT: Score of 550 or better in math | 2 years | Math 105, &107, or &146 |
| SAT scores: score of 500 or better in evidence-based reading and writing | 2 years | ENGL&101 |
TOEFL & IELTS
For placement into ENGL&101
- TOEFL*: iBT 72 (Writing 18). LWTech’s Institutional Code for sending TOEFL scores is C117 Lake Washington Inst Techlgy-Other
- IELTS*: 6.0 (5.5 Writing)
Guided Self Placement Assessment
The Guided Self Placement (GSP) consists of two tests, one in writing and one in math, and the intention of the GSP is to support student success and allow students to make informed choices about their academic skill levels. The test is free, and it can be scheduled by emailing assessment@lwtech.edu.
English and Math Guided Self Placement Information
The English placement is based on a writing sample developed by the student in response to a short reading passage and writing prompt. Students will have one day to complete the sample. See for more information on the main Assessment webpage. Two English faculty will score it based on a rubric developed by the English Department. The faculty will return the assessed result to the Assessment Center, with a recommended class, and students should then watch the video about the recommended class and the classes one level higher or lower before making a registration decision.
- Scoring: writing samples will be scored within one business day during the regular business hours of the college.
- Expires: 2 years
- English Retesting Eligibility: students may retest one year after taking the test with the approval of the English Department Chairperson.
English Course Placement Guide
|
Recommended Placement |
Courses Student Can Register |
|---|---|
| EASL ( English as a second language) | Refer to Academic Support Center for ESL or Academic I-BEST |
| ABED 046 | Must go to Academic Support center for registration into ABED 046 or Academic I-BEST |
| English 093 | Must go to Academic Support center for registration into ABED 046 or Academic IBEST or ENGL 093 or ENGL 099 |
| ENGL 099 | ENGL 093 or ENGL 099 or Engl& 101 |
| Engl& 101 | ENGL 099 or Engl& 101 |
The Math GSP uses Washington Mathematics Assessment and Placement (WAMAP). Students will select the STEM or non-STEM problem set when taking the math assessment. The test is not timed, and math scores will be available right after a student completes the assessment. The student’s results will recommend a class, and students should then watch the video about the recommended class and the classes one level higher or lower before making a registration decision.
- Expires: 2 years
- Math Retesting Eligibility: students may retest one year after taking the test with the approval of the Math Department Chairperson.
Which Math Placement (STEM or non-STEM) should I take?
Students who are pursuing programs that are NOT listed below may take the non-STEM version of the placement test if they do not have an alternative placement option.
Students pursuing any of the programs below must take the STEM placement if they do not have an alternative placement option.
Programs That Require STEM Math
Associate in Applied Science
- Architectural Technology, AAS or AAS-T
- Computer Security and Network Technology, AAS-T
- Computing and Software Development, AAS or AAS-T
- Electronics Technology, AAS-T
- Mechanical Design Technology, AAS-T
Associate DTA/MRP
- Biology, Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program (DTA/MRP)
- Business, Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program (DTA/MRP)
- Computer Science, Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program (DTA/MRP)
- Construction Management, Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program (DTA/MRP)
- Math Education, Direct Transfer Agreement/Major Related Program (DTA/MRP)
Associate in Science – Transfer, Track 2
- Bioengineering and Chemical Pre-Engineering, Associate in Science Transfer
- Computer and Electrical Pre-Engineering, Associate in Science Transfer
- Mechanical, Civil, Aeronautical, Industrial, Materials Science Pre-Engineering, Associate in Science Transfer
Math Course Placement Guide
Problem Set A – non-STEM math leading to Math 098, Math 105, Math& 107 or Math& 146
| Recommended Placement | Assessment Score | Courses Student Can Register |
|---|---|---|
| ABED 040 | 0.00-2.49 | For ABED 040 must go to Academic Support Center for additional placement assessment. |
| Math 087 | 2.50-7.49 | For ABED 040 must go to Academic Support Center to register or Math 087, Math 098 or Math 105 |
| Math 098 | 7.50-17.49 | Math 087, Math 098, Math 105, Math& 107 or Math& 146 |
| Math& 107 or Math& 146 | 17.50-25.00 | Math 098, Math 105, Math& 107 or Math& 146 |
Problem Set B – STEM math leading to Math 090, 099, 111, &141
Note: The STEM Math Placement only places as high as MATH&141 (pre-calculus). If you score into MATH&141, you can request to take an additional STEM math placement test for placement into MATH&142 and above.
| Recommended Placement | Assessment Score | Courses Student Can Register |
|---|---|---|
| ABED 040 | 0.00-2.99 | For ABED 040 must go to Academic Support Center for additional placement assessment. |
| Math 087 | 3.00-8.99 | For ABED 040 must go to Academic Support Center to register Math 087 or Math 098 or Math 105 |
| Math 099X or Math 090 and Math 099 | 9.00-20.99 | Math 087, Math 090, Math 099, Math 099x, Math 105, Math& 107, Math 111, Math& 146,
Math& 141 or Math 145 Students needing slower pace: take Math 090 then take Math 099 Students wanting to go at a faster pace: take Math 099X |
| Math 111 or math& 141 or Math 145 | 21.00-30.00 | Math 090, Math 099, Math 099x, Math 105, Math& 107, Math 111, Math& 146, Math& 141 |
Note: The STEM Math Placement only places as high as MATH&141 (pre-calculus). If you score into MATH&141, you can request to take an additional STEM math placement test for placement into MATH&142 and above.
