Remediation

Avoid No Credit College Courses

No-credit courses, also called remedial courses, are classes based on college entrance exam scores that students must take to build skills – most often in reading, English and math – before they are allowed to take regular college classes. These courses are designed to improve skills, fill in gaps, or help students gain proficiency in these subjects. Some students may be required to take remedial courses in a single area or several areas. However, at most colleges, remedial courses do not count toward graduation. So students will be required to take these courses, and pay tuition, prior to taking the courses that lead to their degree.

Downloadable documents require a PDF software viewer such as Acrobat Reader and the ability to view Microsoft document types such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

All colleges handle remediation differently.

How can students avoid no-credit courses?

Here are some steps to follow:

  • Re-take the ACT or SAT to improve scores.

    Set aside plenty of time to study.

  • Take challenging classes in high school.

  • Ask for help when needed.

    Talk to a school counselor or consider a tutor.

  • Make sure students have time for schoolwork.

    Cut down on extracurricular activities if needed.

  • Stay focused during senior year.

    Adjusting to college is easier if you keep working hard through your last year of school.

  • Enroll in a math class senior year.

    Avoid forgetting much of what you know before taking your college placement exams.

  • Take college placement exams seriously.

    The exams can help students avoid no-credit courses.