Reading and writing placement requirements are used to measure your skills to determine your proper course placement.
Years of School Completed - Kindergarten Through 12th Grade
- Students who are non-native English speakers and have completed less than 4 years of schooling in the United States must fulfill one of the following requirements outlined below.
- Students who are native English speakers and have completed more than 4 years of schooling in the United States must fulfill one of the following requirements outlined below.
Placement Options
Students can meet Reading and Writing Category One course requirements using any of the following measures:
- Minimum high school cumulative, non-weighted GPA of 2.6 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent, with a minimum of 5 semesters (3.6/5.0). Official transcripts with proof of GPA must be sent to HStranscript@cod.edu. High school students can submit official transcripts after their 8th semester if their GPA increases beyond the minimum requirement. Grade point average must be from a high school in the US or a country with English as an official language. Special education and ESL/ELS coursework are not eligible. Students who attended more than one high school must submit official transcripts from all high schools, and GPA will be recalculated.
- ACT Composite score of 20 or higher, ACT English subscore of 18 or higher, or ACT English Language Arts (ELA) subscore of 20 or higher. Submit unofficial score report to testing@cod.edu.
- SAT total score of 950 or higher or SAT Reading/Writing subscore of 480 or higher. Submit unofficial score report to testing@cod.edu.
- Completion of High School Transitional English with a “C” or higher. Submit official transcripts to HStranscript@cod.edu.
- GED Language Arts subscore of 165 or GED total score of 660 or higher. Official transcripts must be submitted directly from the Regional Office of Education (ROE) to HStranscript@cod.edu.
- Successful completion of appropriate developmental coursework from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution. Submit unofficial transcripts to prereq@cod.edu and complete a Prerequisite Verification Request Form. Transcripts are then evaluated by COD Developmental English faculty.
Reading Category (One Only)
- College-level credit totaling 12 semester hours with a 2.0 GPA or higher. Submit unofficial transcripts to prereq@cod.edu and complete a Prerequisite Verification Request Form.
- College certificate, Associate degree, BA/BS degree, or Graduate degree. Submit unofficial transcripts to prereq@cod.edu and complete a Prerequisite Verification Request Form.
If you have additional questions, contact academictesting@cod.edu.
Students can meet Reading and Writing requirements using any of the following:
- TOEFL Score 550 paper/pencil, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based. Submit score report to testing@cod.edu.
- IELTS Score 6.5 or higher. Submit score report to testing@cod.edu.
- Duolingo score of 115 or higher. Submit score report directly through student's Duolingo Account.
- ACT composite score of 20 or higher, ACT English subscore of 18 or higher, or ACT English Language Arts (ELA) subscore of 20 or higher. Submit unofficial score report to testing@cod.edu.
- SAT total score of 950 or higher. Submit unofficial score report to testing@cod.edu.
- Kaplan Test of English (Part 1 & Part 2). Test can be completed at any COD Testing Center location. For additional information regarding the Kaplan Test of English, please see below.
Reading Category (One Only)
- College-level credit totaling 12 semester hours with a 2.0 GPA or higher from a US academic college or university. Submit unofficial transcripts to prereq@cod.edu and complete a Prerequisite Verification Request Form.
The Kaplan Test of English (ELS Placement Test) will assess your English language proficiency in order to help you find the right classes. The test is divided into two parts. Students are placed based on the cumulative score from Part 1 (Multiple Choice) or the average score from Part 2 (Writing and Speaking).
Before you take the Kaplan Test of English (ELS Placement Test), you might want to:
- Practice for the test
- Part 1 Practice Test - Copy and paste the link below: testflight.kaplanenglishtest.com/register/cod1234
- Part 2 Practice Test - Copy and paste the link below: testflight.kaplanenglishtest.com/register/cod-ws1234
- Schedule an appointment with a Writing, Reading, Speech Assistance (WRSA) coach for preparation assistance.
- Take a proctored test at one of the five testing locations.
After you take the Kaplan Test of English (ELS Placement Test):
- Review the placement chart to select your classes. For additional help choosing a class, contact Counseling Services at (630) 942-2259.
More information about the Kaplan Test of English, can be found on the English Language Studies (ELS) webpage.
If you have additional questions, contact elstesting@cod.edu.
Contact Information
Academic and Specialized Testing Center, Glen Ellyn - Main Campus
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 2A06/2A08
(630) 942-2401
Email: testing@cod.edu
Testing Hours and Locations