I only need language and math to complete IGETC, math im taking next semester. I was under the impression that CCCs could give you a test and it would get me out of taking the class. I got a tutoring job so I want to keep my schedule as open as possible. So I went to the counselors yesterday but they told me that “UCs don’t accept tests”
and yet I read this today- “Satisfactorily complete a proficiency test administered by a community college, university or other college in a language other than English. The test must assess the student proficiency at a level equivalent to at least two years of high school language.” http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/transfer/advising/igetc
This isn’t the first time I’ve had them give me backwards information but I thought I would double check. And also- what can I do? I really want to test out of it because its pointless for me to take a class I dont need but they said no.
Should I go to a different CC and ask if they’ll give me the language test?
I’ve heard this mixed message as well. Not sure what to say. (I thought even a language prof can give you a test.) If you have time you could just enroll in the highest language course and be done with it.
Also, perhaps you should contact the UC directly and get feedback. That might be your best option.
Look in section 10.6 about policies relating to the language other than English portion of the IGETC pattern.
Proficiency or placement testing at a college can be used to fulfill that portion of the requirement (10.6.1.7-10.6.1.8), but that does not guarantee that a college offers such testing in any given language. However, it is odd that there is no such testing in a language as common as Spanish at a California community college, since there are probably lots of heritage speakers who need placement in Spanish courses higher than the beginner course.
If you are unable to get such testing done at a college, you could take an SAT subject test in Spanish and get a score of 520 or higher (10.6.1.4) or take other tests (10.6.1.5-10.6.1.6).
I’m not sure where you are in California, but in the LA area almost all of the CCs have a UCLA Undergraduate Representative assigned to them. If it’s similar in your area, I’d find out who that is and get in touch with them. Your advising office should know. I received a LOT of mixed messages from my school’s advisors and finally got them straightened out via UCLA’s reps. They’re extraordinarily helpful.
The UC’s will accept such a proficiency test for IGETC purposes, in fact they even go so far as to state:
“If an appropriate achievement test is not available to assert proficiency, have competency verified by a faculty member associated with a California community college. Such verification requires that the college provide a document on letterhead asserting that the student’s proficiency in the language is equivalent to two years of high school study.”
The above can be fulfilled at virtually any CCC in that case, which was the exact intention. However, whether or not your CC is willing to do that for you is up to them.
I chose PCC as an example because they have a nice webpage explaining their position on the subject. YMMV. At PCC, they would only accept a proficiency test for Chinese, and I’m not sure “testing into Spanish 3” or something would cut it (at least technically according to what they say) At PCC you would need a satisfactory SAT subject score (which you could still take in January!)
The point being, check with your school as to what you need to do to fulfill this requirement. For me, I merely took a Spanish for Spanish speakers class (quite popular here in SoCal) and that did the trick for IGETC. Ask your school and let us know! Feel free to msg me for any questions OP.