Directed Self Placement - Math

Directed self-placement is a process that empowers students to make informed decisions about their math course placement. Directed self-placement provides students with the necessary information to choose the courses that best align with their experience, goals, and needs. It’s crucial to start in the right classes to avoid unnecessary stress, anxiety, and resource wastage. 

Does it matter what level of Math I want to take? 

For Math, it is helpful to know which level you want to enroll in.  

Students who are interested in the following classes can potentially use the Math DSP for placement: 

  • Pre-college math classes 
  • MATH 70 Pre-Algebra
  • MATH 72 Elementary Algebra
  • MATH 97 Intermediate Algebra
  • College Level I classes
  • MATH 107
  • MATH 108
  • MATH 146
  • MATH 171/172

Students who want to take the following courses should take the WAMAP placement test, not the DSP: 

  • MATH& 147 Finite Mathematics-Business and Social Science
  • MATH& 141 Precalculus I
  • MATH& 142 Precalculus II
  • MATH& 151 Calculus I

Here’s how DSP works: 

  1. Understanding Your Needs: Directed self-placement allows you to assess your mathematical abilities honestly. You’ll reflect on your previous experiences, preparedness for academic coursework, and expectations for future Math courses.
  2. Survey Participation: Take a self-guided survey that takes approximately 30 minutes. Answer questions related to your math skills, and overall readiness for academic coursework. These steps help you gain insight into your current practices and understand what will be expected of you in college-level Math courses.
  3. Course Recommendation: Based on your survey responses, you will receive recommendations for your first-year courses. For Math, the recommendation will guide you to the most suitable math class based on your background and skills. Remember that these recommendations are not binding; they’re tools to guide your decision-making process. Consult with your advisor to review the recommendations and make an informed choice. 
Is Directed Self Placement (DSP) my best option?  

Many students are able to use high school and college transcripts and other documents for course placement.  You can upload unofficial transcripts at www.greenriver.edu/upload.  To determine your best placement option, please take our placement survey at www.greenriver.edu/placement.  

DSP is suitable for the following students:

Students who have exhausted other placement methods: If you've explored other placement options and they don't apply to you, directed self-placement is the logical next step.

Who is eligible to take the DSP? 

DSP is only for current and prospective Green River College students.  Students in the following programs are excluded from using DSP: 

  • International Programs (IP) 
  • English Language Learners (ELL)
  • VA benefit users 
  • High School Completion programs (including Open Doors and HS21+)
  • Adult Family Home
  • For another college or union/apprenticeship

 Students falling into any of the categories listed above should take the WAMAP for math placement.

Go to greenriver.edu/request to request taking the DSP survey from home, or come to the Placement & Testing Center during our open hours.