UTC's Directed Self-Placement Program
Are you ready for freshman composition?
While universities across the country use a number of ways to determine placement, UTC uses a combination of placement by ACT English subscores or their SAT Verbal equivalents and Directed Self-Placement (DSP) to determine English Placement. Directed Self-Placement, which is in use at a number of colleges and universities across the country, helps you choose the course that will give you the best chance for success. Your Directed Self-Placement begins by familiarizing yourself with our courses and examining your writing and reading practices through self-analysis. You will learn the detailed expectations of each course and make a selection based on your judgment of your ability to meet those expectations. Please read all the information carefully before making your choice. We suggest that you consult with your high school counselor, teachers, parents or guardian, and others who are familiar with your writing and your study habits before making your final placement decision.
Directed Self-Placement
Before you begin the Directed Self-Placement process
- Read the Descriptions of the Freshman English courses (Click here to read the course descriptions.)
- Read the Course Expectations for the UTC Freshman English Courses. (Click here to read the Course Expectations.)
- Read the Expectations for Entering College Writers at UTC (Click here to read the Expectations for Entering College Writers.)
Next, make sure you have the following information:
- Your ACT English sub-score or SAT Verbal score
- Your approximate rank in your high school graduating class
Complete the Directed Self-Placement (DSP) Questionnaire and write down your result. (The DSP Questionnaire can be found in MyMocsNet under the "Academics" tab or you can access it here.) Then consult the chart below to decide which is the best course for you.
- If you have an ACT English sub-score of 30 or above (SAT Verbal of 680 or above), you may enroll in English 1020 and skip English 1010. However, if your result on the DSP Questionnaire was below 35, you may need more practice working with college level texts. You should consider taking English 1010 to improve your chances for success.
- If your ACT English sub-score is 24-29 (SAT Verbal of 570-670), you should enroll in English 1010. However, if your result on the DSP questionnaire was below 35, you may consider enrolling in English 1011 to improve your chances for success.
- If your ACT English sub-score is below 24 (SAT Verbal of 520 or below), English 1011 will give you the best chance for success. However, if your result on the DSP questionnaire was above 45, you may be able to do well in English 1010.
Once you have decided which course is best for you, please make a note of your choice because you will be asked for it as you complete your Academic Interest Questionnaire (AIQ).
For Students with Credit for Freshman English
If you already have credit for English 1006, English 1010, and/or English 1020 through dual enrollment, transfer credit, or another means, you do not need to complete Directed Self Placement. Instead, to select the appropriate course, click here.
For our policy on credit for an Advanced Placement (AP) test, click here.
If you have any questions, please email or call the Director of Composition at (423) 425-5807 or the Composition office at (423) 425-4261 or the English Office at (423) 425-4238. Please accept our best wishes for a productive and enjoyable experience in your first year classes.
