At BTC, we provide guidance for you to make an informed decision about which math and English classes you will start in with the help our placement tools and your College Navigator. The math and English Guided Self-Placement (GSP) assessments will help you select classes based on your academic and work experience, study skills, and other life factors. After you complete both placement tools, you will make an appointment to meet with your College Navigator to discuss the results and finalize course selection.
You may select either the math or English assessment to complete first, and you will spend about 90 minutes total on both placement tools.
The GSP process should be completed after you have submitted the Online Admissions Application and have received and activated your ctcLink ID. If you need assistance with the activation process, please contact the BTC Library by email library@btc.edu or phone at 360.752.8383.
If you already have a ctcLink ID from another college, you will not need to reactivate it, but you will still need to apply to the college. The math GSP tool utilizes Canvas, our online learning platform. You will use your ctcLink ID and password to log in and can contact the library for assistance.
If you are trying to enroll directly into Adult Basic Education, High School Completion (diploma or GED), IMPACT! Youth Reengagement, or English Language Acquisition, please contact Transitional Studies directly instead of completing the GSP assessments.
Guided Self-Placement (GSP) is a locally developed tool or process that allows students, in consultation with college navigators and other faculty members, to determine suitable entry coursework. Students can determine proper placement into appropriate Mathematics and English entry-level classes, with the help of advisors. Research indicates that testing and other placement measures are not always effective predictors of success. Guided Self-Placement is found to be a more comprehensive mode of determining proper placement than traditional testing methods.
GSP encourages students to evaluate their own past course work, success rates, and self-determination as a part of placement. The tools developed by faculty at Bellingham Technical College provides students with basic information about classes and their requirements: course descriptions, types of assignments, modes of evaluation, and required hours of study. These conversations should help determine the appropriate level of placement, keeping the student’s educational goals in the forefront. The goal of GSP is to help students evaluate their own strengths and preparedness for college work. Guided Self-Placement tools help optimize a student’s investment and educational experience, resulting in higher success rates, and the attainment of a technical degree or college certificate.
We want to ensure that each student understands the options for Mathematics and English classes as early as possible. Self-placement means students have agency over which course they decide to take. Guided means that College Navigators, advisors, and faculty members help students make that decision.
The goal of this tool is to assist you with the decision about which math course for you to start with at BTC that will allow you to be most successful. We encourage you to be honest with yourself to get the best guidance.
We can make the best recommendations if you know what math course you will need. If you are unsure, visit the Areas of Study then choose the program and specific degrees and certificates you are interested in. Then look at what math course(s) it requires.
We recommend all students complete the guided-self placement tool regardless of their math background. It can be a great refresher before the quarter begins.
When you are ready you can continue to the guided Math self-placement it will prompt you to log into your BTC Canvas
The guided self-placement (GSP) assessment tool for English was created by Bellingham Technical College English instructors to help you determine which English course is right for you. It is intended for students who are not able to get a placement based on their recent U.S. high school transcript.
The self-assessment is a computerized, survey-like tool that will guide you through several questions. These are designed to help you:
Review course descriptions to determine your confidence level;
Review sample assignments and determine your comfort level in completing;
Review major course concepts and see if they are familiar to you.
There are no failing grades or final score on this self-assessment. It is designed to measure your current knowledge and understanding of English. The results will help you select the right course, succeed in the classes you need for a technical program, and reach your education goals.
After the self-assessment is complete, an English course recommendation is given. Those courses are also forwarded to your College Navigator. You will discuss the results of the assessment and choose a class with their guidance.
Once you apply to BTC and receive a student ID number, you will be given the link to the GSP assessment for English. Your results will be visible once you finish the survey, as well as the course recommendation by BTC’s English Faculty.
Remember, the English GSP Assessment Survey …
Is not a test. There are no wrong answers. The questions in this survey reflect your current understanding of English skills – reading comprehension, writing tools, and subject analysis.
While you are participating in this survey, you should keep your educational goals in mind, as well as your past experiences in other English courses. You should always think about how familiar these concepts are to you, as well as what comfort level you have as you explore the classes, and the work involved to successfully complete them.
This should take about 45-60 minutes to complete.
You are only eligible to take the survey one time. You cannot repeat it.
When you are ready you can continue to the English Guided Self-Placement Survey.