University System of Georgia
New Learning Support Requirements
Beginning Fall 2012

Statements below apply to South Georgia College and may differ at other University System of Georgia institutions.

• Students who test into three Learning Support classes will be required to be admitted to South Georgia College only by Presidential Exception. The number of Presidential exceptions is limited.
   
• There are new minimum COMPASS scores. Students scoring below the minimum will be required to be admitted to South Georgia College by Presidential Exception.
  • 62 for Reading
  • 32 for English
  • 20 for Mathematics
     
• Scores on the COMPASS test will be used for placement in college classes. The passing scores to exempt the Learning Support classes are as follows:
  • 74 for Reading
  • 60 for English
  • 37 for Mathematics
     
• Exemption of the COMPASS test by acceptable SAT/ACT scores will still be honored for students who have completed the Georgia Required High School Curriculum. Visit our website, www.sgc.edu for more information on scores.

The benefits of planning ahead while in high school:

Learning Support courses are classes that students must take if they have deficiencies in reading, English, or math according to the COMPASS placement test. This test is given to students prior to their admission to college, if their SAT/ACT scores do not exempt them from taking the test.

The skills taught in Learning Support courses are covered in high school curriculum. Below are some facts to share with students about the importance of being prepared.

• If a student is placed in a Learning Support course, he/she must successfully complete it in order to be qualified to enter certain college courses with a learning support prerequisite.
• A student does not receive any credit hours for Learning Support courses. These courses do not count toward any degree.
• A student may have to stay in school longer to finish a degree. Courses such as English 1101 and Math 1111 require the student to exempt or complete Learning Support classes in those areas before obtaining entrance.
• Learning Support course placements limit when you can register and what other classes you can take.
• Learning Support courses can cost a student extra time and money.
  • For example, a three hour institutional credit English 099 (Grammar Review/Basic Composition) course would cost $240 plus the cost of the textbook (usually about $80). This is only for one learning support course. See the SGC website for information regarding financial aid payments and learning support courses.