Assessment at De Anza College

If you are attending De Anza on an F-1 visa, you will need to complete our assessment process to determine which courses in Math, English or English as a Second Language (ESL) are right for you. Assessment is required for all degrees, regardless of major, and for priority enrollment.

De Anza uses a variety of assessment methods to help you choose the right courses in these subjects, based on your current skill level and your academic goals. This webpage will explain the options available to you.

No More Placement Tests

De Anza no longer uses placement tests for assessment. While we do consider outside English test results in evaluating your application for admission as an F-1 visa student, the Assessment Center does not consider outside exams in determining your English or ESL placement. This includes exams such as the Cambridge English Test, Duolingo, GTEC, IELTS, iTEP, Pearson Test of English (PTE), Step Eiken or TOEFL.

Assessment Methods

If you attended high school in the United States for grades 9-11, we can assess you on the basis of your high school transcript. Our Assessment Center will review the transcript that you submitted when you applied for admission to De Anza. You will then receive an email explaining how to check MyPortal for your assessment results.

If you didn’t attend a U.S. high school, you will need to use our other assessment methods.


English and ESL at De Anza

Here are some important things to know.

  • English courses at De Anza include college-level reading and writing. If you need basic instruction in grammar, writing, reading or speaking, you will probably need to take ESL before enrolling in English.
  • ESL courses at De Anza focus on grammar, writing, reading, listening and speaking for students who  did not learn English as their first language. 
  • Taking ESL courses will not affect your ability to transfer, but many ESL courses do not count for transfer credit.

Questions?

For more information, contact the Assessment Center or your counselor.

College Transcripts

The Assessment Center does not evaluate college or university transcripts. Please visit the Submitting Transcripts webpage to learn how to submit college or university transcripts for possible college credit or for clearing prerequisites.

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