Placement at NMC

What is my Placement?

Placement is a tool used by NMC to check the academic skill level of incoming students and place them into the correct level courses. NMC requires multiple placement measures — we'll place you using GPA and test scores (ACT, SAT, Accuplacer, etc.,) into the appropriate course.

• Placement is important — it determines where you start in your math and English coursework.
• Placing into more advanced courses can save you time and money by allowing you to skip over beginner courses.
• Of course, if you need a refresher on math or English skills, your placement will ensure that you do not start in a course that puts you in over your head.
• Placement for math and English should be completed before new student orientation.

You can check your math and English placement by logging in to NMC Self-Service here using your NMC ID and password. Select “Student Records” and then “View Your Academic Transcript”.

Sample study (unofficial) transcript:

Where do I take the English placement?

If you are eligible for English Placement, you will find a link on your study transcript to complete the Writing Survey. You can do this from any computer on or off campus. The English placement survey and writing sample is untimed.

Where do I take the Math placement test?

The Osterlin Testing Center (#3 on this map). You do not need to make an appointment to take placement on campus but you can do so in My Success. You will only need to bring a photo ID as we will provide a calculator and scrap paper. The math placement is untimed, take as long as you need to complete it but plan for around 1-2 hours.

If you are unable to test in-person in the Osterlin Testing Center, you can request a test session with Zoom. To do this, you will need:

• An appointment (not a current NMC student? Call 231-995-2134 to schedule)
• A computer with audio capabilities, a webcam and high speed internet
• Please make sure your equipment is functional by visiting the Zoom Test Meeting

How can I prepare for the math placement?

• Brushing up on your skills prior to testing can save you valuable time and money in college!
• The Accuplacer placement test will start with 20 questions in quantitative reasoning, algebra and statistics. Depending on how well you do, you will either move to arithmetic or college algebra. That second part will also be 20 questions. An on-screen calculator is provided.
• Prepare for your math placement using the free Accuplacer Study App.
  • Create a free account.
  • Review starting with the Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics section. You may need to do some review of the Arithmetic section depending on your comfort level.
• If you would like to study more broadly, we recommend looking at using the pre-algebra and algebra modules in Khan Academy.

What do my scores mean for placement?

• English Course Placement Chart

• Math Course Placement Chart

What math and English classes might I take at NMC?

The math and/or English you take with NMC depends on your program of study/major. Work with your NMC academic advisor (listed in MAP and on your study transcript) to determine the best math pathway for you!

Questions? Contact the Testing Center Specialist at (231) 995-1228.