College of Southern Maryland
askme@csmd.edu
8730 Mitchell Rd
PO Box 910
La Plata, MD 20646-0910
301-934-2251
Select academic information and policies from the following list:
The Skills Surveys & Placement Procedures
The purpose of the English, mathematics, and reading skills surveys 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 that students have completed the appropriate skills surveys for placement prior to enrollment, but so do many other courses in a variety of disciplines (biology, chemistry, early childhood education, and information technology services, for example). These requirements are listed under prerequisites in the course description section of this catalog. For all of these reasons, students should make it a priority to complete the skills surveys as early as possible after admission but no later than the point at which they have accumulated nine credits.
No student is denied admission as a result of performance on these; however, students whose scores indicate a need for skill development are required to complete the appropriate developmental courses. Students who place in developmental courses in two or more disciplines are: 1) limited to a maximum of 13 credits, or the equivalent, during their first full-time semester; and 2) required to take CSS 1010 - College Success Skills.
During the first sessions of a developmental course, student performance is closely monitored and a change in placement may be initiated by the instructor.
Skills review materials are available from the Testing Centers to help students prepare for these skills surveys. Questions concerning retaking them are referred to the Testing Center.
Any of the tests may be completed during the registration process. Students should contact the Testing Center on the La Plata, Prince Frederick, or Leonardtown campuses for information or to sign up for the test.
Please note: There are some courses/disciplines which, because of their content, are exempt from the skills survey requirement. Students may accumulate credits in these courses with no expectation of having to take the skills surveys. These are: WFS activities courses, ART lab activities, MUS and THE performance courses, OFT skills courses, COM 1040, COM 1050, COM 1060, and COM 1070. (top)