Your LOEP scores will help you and your academic advisor decide what classes you will take as you begin your study at GRCC. Results will be displayed on a a computer print out for you after you have completed your tests. All scores are sent to the Counseling and Career Center so your advisor will have them before your appointment to help you select classes.

Permanent residents of the United States who do not speak English as their first language take LOEP. Permanent residents of other countries must present high TOEFL scores instead of LOEP scores before they can be admitted to GRCC.

This is not a pass or fail test. The scores will tell you what level of English study will fit you best.

Does GRCC have a class for every level of English?

No, GRCC does not have classes for the true beginner who speaks and reads no English. True beginners of English should explore community education and social service agencies. Referrals can be found in the Community Resource Guide.

How long will this test take?

You should plan on up to four hours. During this time you will answer approximately 60 questions related to language use in English and write an essay.

You will also take a mathematics test called ACCUPLACER with up to 37 questions. Everything will be done on a computer, even writing the essay.

What if I think the test has made a mistake?

You can take the test again if you think there has been a mistake. You will have to pay for retaking the test. Also your instructor will give a test on the first day of class to make sure you are in the right place. If you are not, your instructor will move you to a class that fits your skills better.

What ESL classes does GRCC have?

GRCC has four levels of ESL listening, four levels of ESL reading, and four levels of ESL grammar/writing.

After I complete ES 114, the highest level of ESL writing, what writing class do I take?

You take EN 100 or EN 101. They are the same class with the same texts, assignments, and outcomes. They transfer the same. The only difference is that EN 100 has fewer students per class and it meets one more hour a week so students can get extra help.

What about EN 097? When do I take that?

Never. EN 097 is a pre college level class. Your ESL classes are all 100 level college classes. They will give you all the skills you need to be successful in college-level reading, writing, and speaking in English.

After I complete ES 124, the highest level of ESL reading, what reading class do I take?

You do not need more reading classes.

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Here is a description of each of the tests you will be taking.

Reading Skills: Students read passages of 50 to 90 words and then answer questions about their reading. The reading passages will be about a variety of different topics. They may read about the arts, science, or history. Half of the test questions ask about information that is stated in the passage. The other half will ask students to identify the main ideas, or fact vs. opinion, or the author's point of view.

Language Use: This test measures the students' understanding of the English vocabulary. The sentences come from a variety of different subject areas. Students are asked questions about basic and important idioms, particularly terms of beauty, age, greatness, and size, adverbs such as before, after, during, and prepositions of directions and place (from, to, at, etc.).

Essay: Students will have 60 minutes to write an essay on a topic provided by the administrator. Students are asked to organize their ideas carefully and to present them in more than one paragraph.

Listening Test: The test measures the ability to listen to and understand one or more people speaking in English. The conversations take place in academic environments such as lecture halls, study sessions, a computer lab, the library, the gymnasium, and the like; and in everyday environments such as at home, shopping, at a restaurant, at a dentist's office, listening to the radio, reading the newspaper, and performing tasks at work.

Math Test: (includes two tests)

Arithmetic: This test measures your skills in thee categories:

1. Operations with whole numbers and fractions
2. Operations with decimals and percents.
3. Applications and problem-solving.

Elementary Algebra: This test measures skills in three categories:

1. Operations with integers and rational numbers.
2. Operations with algebraic expressions.
3. Equation solving, inequalities, and word problems.

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Preparing for the Test

Relax! The LOEP English tests and ACCUPLACER mathematics tests are designed to help you succeed in school. Once you identify your academic strengths and weaknesses, you can get the help you need to improve English and mathematics skills before they interfere with your learning.
You will be able to concentrate better on the test if you get plenty of rest and eat properly prior to the test. You should arrive a few minutes early so that you can find the testing center, find your seat, and gather your thoughts.
Be sure you understand the directions before the test begins.
After you have submitted answers, you cannot go back and change your answer. Your answer is your final answer.
If you have a problem or question during the test, raise your hand and the test administrator will help you. Although they cannot answer test questions for you, they can help with other types of problems.
You cannot use a calculator.

GRCC is committed to your success as a student.
This test is your first step to a successful college career.

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