Choosing the right courses at the start of your college journey is crucial for academic success and future career prospects. At Napa Valley College, we understand this and offer a range of placement tools designed to guide you into the most appropriate English, English as a Second Language (ESL), chemistry, and math classes based on your current skills and academic background. These tools are valuable resources to ensure you’re set up for success from day one.
Our English, Chemistry, and Math placement process primarily considers your high school performance. To ensure accurate placement, it’s essential that the information you provide aligns with your official high school transcript. This ensures that the placement is a true reflection of your academic achievements and preparation.
For students looking to enhance their English language skills, our ESL placement tool is specifically designed to assist in selecting the right class level. This tool provides examples of what is expected in different ESL classes, allowing you to self-assess and choose a starting point that matches your current proficiency. We encourage you to explore the ESL webpage and consult the college catalog or a counselor for detailed information on your placement options and your rights regarding access to transfer-level coursework.
If you are interested in studying Spanish, our Spanish Placement Tool will help you determine the most suitable Spanish class level for you. If you have prior experience with Spanish, either through previous classes or if Spanish is spoken at home, prerequisites may not apply to you. You can directly enroll in a class that aligns with your level. Use this placement tool as a guide to identify the correct level and then utilize the provided form to register.
For your convenience, here are direct links to our placement tools:
English and Math Placement Tool
Understanding English and Math Placement Determination
Your placement in English and math courses is primarily determined by your completed high school coursework and your overall unweighted high school GPA. Detailed information, including placement standard tables, is available on the Academic Affairs English, ESL, and math placement website. This resource offers a comprehensive understanding of the criteria used for placement.
Registration Timeline After Placement
Placement results are processed and uploaded into student records within one business day after you complete the placement tool. Once your results are uploaded, you will be able to register for your recommended class(es). This quick turnaround ensures you can promptly proceed with your enrollment process.
Challenging Your English and Math Placement
We understand that there may be instances where you believe your placement does not accurately reflect your abilities. Napa Valley College provides a challenge process for both English and math placements. To challenge your English placement, please contact the Testing Center at (707) 256-7437 or via email at [email protected]. For math placement challenges, reach out to the Counseling Department at (707) 256-7221 or [email protected]. They will guide you through the necessary steps to initiate a placement review.
Accessing Your English and Math Placement Information
Students can easily view their placement tiers through Student Planning. This online platform provides a clear and accessible way to see your recommended placement levels for English and math.
English and Math Placement Tiers Explained
You can find your specific placement tier number in MyNVC or Student Planning. Below is a breakdown of the Math and English placement tiers to help you understand your results and course options:
Math Placement Tiers: NVC AB1705 Placement Tiers
Please note that enrollment options are subject to your chosen major.
- MATH-P1: Open to any General Education (GE) math course, co-requisite required.
- MATH-P2: Required to enroll in Tech 92 and Tech 107.
- MATH-P5*: Required to take Math 120 with a co-requisite.
- MATH-P6*: Open to any GE math course, co-requisite needed if selecting Math 120.
- MATH-P7: Open to any GE math course, co-requisite needed if selecting Math 120, Math 115, Math 106, or Math 232.
- MATH-P8: Open to any GE math course, co-requisite needed if selecting Math 120, Math 115, or Math 106.
- MATH-P9*: Open to any GE math course, co-requisite needed if selecting Math 115 or Math 120.
- MATH-P10*: Open to any GE math course, co-requisite not required.
- MATH-P11: Required to take Math 130 with a co-requisite.
- MATH-P12: Required to take Math 130, co-requisite not required.
- MATH-P13: Required to take Math 115 or Math 120 with a co-requisite.
- MATH-P14*: Required to take Math 115 or Math 120, co-requisite not required.
- MATH-P15: Required to take Math 232 with a co-requisite.
- MATH-P16: Required to take Math 115 or Math 120, co-requisite needed if selecting Math 120.
- MATH-P18*: Required to take Math 232, co-requisite not required.
- MATH-P19: Required to take Math 120 with a co-requisite.
- MATH-P20*: Required to take Math 120, co-requisite not required.
Chemistry 110 Placement Eligibility*
- MATH-P5
- MATH-P6
- MATH-P9
- MATH-P10
- MATH-P14
- MATH-P18
- MATH-P20
English Placement Tiers:
- Tier 1 & 2 (High School GPA lower than 1.9): English 95 (Composition Support) alongside English 120 (College Composition & Research).
- Tier 2 (High School GPA 1.9-2.6 or graduated High School more than 10 years prior): English 95 (Composition Support) alongside English 120 (College Composition & Research).
- Tier 3 (High School GPA higher than 2.6 or B- in 11th grade English both semesters): English 120 (Reading & Composition 1).
Note: Students are eligible to register for courses within their placement tier or courses in lower tiers.
Registering for Your Classes
Once you have determined your placement and are ready to enroll, follow the steps to successfully enroll detailed on the Admission & Records website. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the registration process, ensuring a smooth and efficient enrollment experience.
By utilizing Napa Valley College’s Career Placement Tools, you are taking a proactive step towards academic and career success. These tools are designed to empower you to make informed decisions about your education and set you on the right path from the start.
