Academic Placement
As a comprehensive community college, Triton College has a fundamental responsibility to provide educational opportunities for community residents able to benefit from college-level instruction.
In accordance with this objective, the institution expects all students to either possess at the time of admission or acquire through appropriate developmental coursework the basic reading, writing, and mathematical skills that are necessary for success in the course or program of study chosen by the student.
The following exemptions are permitted for placement if credentials were attained within 18 months for math and 3 years for English and is available on the Triton College website: prescribed ACT, SAT, or GED scores, prescribed high school GPA based on 6 semesters in high school, grade of “C” or higher in appropriate course from another accredited institution, grade of “C” or higher in high school transitional course; successful completion of appropriate developmental course from another accredited institution; or exemption granted by an appropriate College Dean or designee.
The placement test results are valid for 18 months (math) and 3 years (English. Students are allowed to retake the placement test once each year; they must allow a three-day waiting period before completing the first retest. A retesting fee will be charged for each subject area test. If students are currently enrolled in the discipline, they will only be allowed to retest after completion of the course in which they are enrolled. The highest scores will be used for placement.
Academic course placement may be based on the results of the placement exam, other measurements outlined above, and a non-cognitive assessment. There is no time limit on the high school GPA. Students scoring in the developmental range on the English placement test must enroll in appropriate college reading and/or writing courses prior to registering for 12 or more academic credit hours.
Upon instructor recommendation, a student may be referred to the Counseling Department for other assessment of academic skills. Based upon a basic skills assessment, the counselor may require the student to withdraw or take appropriate developmental courses.
Students, who do not possess a high school diploma or equivalent, may not receive federal financial aid until the "ability to benefit" testing requirement is fulfilled. These guidelines are in accordance with the Department of Education’s "ability to benefit" regulations.