English Placement

What is Placement? 

Placement is a process that assesses your readiness for English courses.  

English Placement 

Here at Bellevue College, our placements ensure that you are able to actively engage with course content and meet course outcomes successfully. The 100- and 200- level English courses are general requirements for an AA degree, and are sometimes prerequisites for courses in other disciplines and programs.  

If you use the Guided Self-Placement Tool for English, you can decide which English course is appropriate for you.  

Remember: It is important to meet with an academic advisor or your program advisor to help guide your decision.  

  • If you need additional support with English skills, you may contact our Basic and Transitional Studies (BaTS) department for more information. The BaTS division includes:  
    • English as a Second Language (ESL) 
    • Adult Basic Education (ABE)    

Which English Classes Do I Need? 

View the English and math course sequence chart [PDF]. The chart helps you plan for the classes you need based on your BC Pathway. 

What You Will Need  

  • A net ID  
  • A device (I.e., computer, phone, tablet). Computers are located for use on campus at these locations.  

Need Accommodations? 

If you need disability accommodations, please contact the Bellevue College Disability Resource Center at drc@belleveucollege.edu. 

Guided Self Placement at Bellevue College

Guided Self Placement is a process that suggests students, with guidance from faculty and advisors, can self-determine suitable coursework in English. By providing students with questions that reflect on their current skills, as well as information about course expectations, guided self-placement encourages investment, motivation, resolve, and thus, student success. 

English Guided Self Placement: Overview 

This process is designed to help you choose the English course that is most suitable for your current skills and abilities. It is not a test; it is a tool that will assist you in reviewing and reflecting on information to best support your success. 

This tool was created by faculty in the English Department and BaTS Departments who believe that students are able to assess their strengths, reflect on their current abilities, and evaluate themselves as learners in order to find the path that is right for them. 

It is important that you answer questions honestly. Take time to reflect on your current skill level. We want you to succeed in our writing, reading, and language classes.  

Who Should Not Take the GSP 

If you need more help to improve your language, reading, and writing skills, the Basic and Transitional Skills department has classes that may be right for you. 

How Does Our Guided Self Placement Work? 

This is a four-step process: 

  • Step 1: Read two essays and answer a reflection question with 1-3 sentences.  
  • Step 2: Answer 10 multiple choice reflection questions and Submit
  • Step 3: Look for an email to your BC email, within ten minutes. This email tells you the recommended placement and additional information
    • Read the descriptions of the available English courses offered at Bellevue College 
  • Step 4: Placement is active when you receive another email within 2-3 business days. Then you may enroll in your chosen class

The Guided Self-Placement module takes about 1-2 hours to complete. 

If you’re ready, let’s start! 

Start Guided Self-Placement Module