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Guided Self Placement

Guided Self-Placement (GSP) for English and Math

At Pierce College, we believe you know yourself best as a learner. Guided Self-Placement (GSP) is not a test. Rather, it's a reflection and decision-making tool that helps you choose the English and Math courses that match your current skills, confidence, and goals.

GSP is designed to:

  • Empower you to make informed choices about your academic path.
  • Replace traditional placement exams with a thoughtful reflection on your experiences, comfort with reading, writing, and problem-solving, and your future program or transfer plans.
  • Support your success by ensuring you start in courses that feel appropriately challenging and relevant to your goals.

You won’t receive a score or be “placed” by someone else. Instead, you’ll be guided through a series of questions and examples that help you reflect on your recent experiences and readiness. Your responses, along with the support of an advisor, will help determine your starting point in English and Math.

The goal of Guided Self-Placement is simple: To help you succeed by beginning your academic journey at the level that’s right for you.  GSP can be completed through the online Student Success Orientation.