PALS (Program of Adult Literacy Services) Resource Guide: ELL Credit

Welcome to Hagerstown Community College! We are excited for you to begin (or continue) your educational journey toward a degree, certificate, career, or transfer to another institution.

HCC offers English Language classes for students who did not grow up speaking American English or who have not attended many years of school in the United States. If you have any questions, please contact Advising or Liz Hadley at 240-500-2912 or cehadley@hagerstowncc.edu.

Did you graduate from a U.S. high school within the last 5 years with at least a 3.0 GPA?

•    If YES - you do not need to take placement tests and may register for college level classes (101 or higher). Please consider registering for ENG 101E, which is designed to support students who may need language support as part of the English Composition curriculum.

•    If NO - you will need to take the Accuplacer placement tests in math and English to determine which classes are right for you.

We strongly recommend that you complete some Accuplacer practice tests before you schedule your placement testing appointment. You will be more comfortable with what is on the tests. Go to https://practice.accuplacer.org/login to access the online app. Create a free account using an email address and password. From the list of test choices, 
•    Select Accuplacer to work on Arithmetic and Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
•    Select English as a Second Language (ESL) to work on ESL Reading, ESL Sentence Meaning, and ESL Language Use

Each subject has two different kinds of tests: Learn as You Go and Practice Tests. When you consistently score 70% or higher on the Practice Tests, you are ready to schedule your appointment at HCC Academic Testing Center.

When you arrive at the Academic Testing Center for your appointment, the computer system will ask you questions about your language history to be sure that you take the English as a Second Language (ESL) Tests.

All students must meet with a Student Support Advisor who will help you schedule your first semester of classes. 
 

If your English needs to improve before taking college credit classes, we have free ESL classes that may help you. The Program of Adult Literacy Services (PALS) offers free ESL classes throughout the year. 

When you are ready for college credit classes, your first semester may look something like this, but a Student Success Advisor will work with you to plan the right schedule for your first semester. Visit a Student Support Advisor for more information and to schedule an appointment.
•    RDG 095 
•    SDV 089
•    ENG 101E + ELL 095
•    Appropriate math class if ready and desired