Who should take the ESL Guided Self-Placement (GSP) process?

The ESL Guided Self-Placement (GSP) process is for students who wish to take Credit ESL classes at Los Angeles City College. This program serves students who are not native speakers of English and who have not graduated from a U.S. high school.

If you are a non-native speaker of English who has graduated from an American high school, you should register for a transfer-level composition course: English 101, English 101Z, or ESL 110 (College Composition for Non-Native Speakers).

I am a new student. How do I get an LACCD student ID number?

Before you take the ESL Guided Self-Placement (GSP) process, you will need to obtain your LACCD student ID number. You can get a number by applying online at Apply Online webpage or by going to the Admissions Office (Student Services Building, 1st floor). You can also visit the Welcome Center (Student Services Building, 1st floor) for assistance.

For the GSP process, it is important that you enter your correct LACCD student ID number, which starts with 88 or 9. (Do not use your driver’s license number, passport number, work identification number, etc. Using such numbers will only delay the time that you can see your placement recommendations and register for your classes.)

What rules must be followed during this process?

You will receive instructions before you begin the GSP survey and writing assessment. You may not use textbooks, notes, dictionaries, Google search, or your cell phone. You may also not use a grammar or spellchecker, Google Translate, or an AI program like ChatGPT.

You must present a photo ID to complete the Guided Self-Placement (GSP) process. Any form of fraud (e.g., using a false name or ID number, submitting a composition written by another person, or engaging in any other form of cheating) constitutes a violation of the Standards of Student Conduct and may result in disciplinary action.

I have a disability. How can I get assistance to take the GSP?

The Office of Special Services (OSS) serves students with verified disabilities such as vision or hearing impairment, physical or mobility issues, mental health, learning disabilities, and more. Based on your individual needs, you may qualify for assistance in completing the Guided Self-Placement survey and writing sample. Some examples of accommodations include: a distraction-free room, Braille or large print, extended time, a wheelchair accessible testing station, screen-reading technology, provision of scribes, and permission to bring and take medication.

To qualify for OSS services, you will be asked to provide verification of your disability (e.g., doctor’s note, school records such as an IEP) and complete the OSS Application process.

For further information, please contact OSS:

• In Person: Student Services Building, 1st Floor, Window 15
• Phone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 2270
• Email: oss@lacitycollege.edu

The OSS office is open Mondays through Thursdays (8:00 am - 4:00 pm) and on Fridays (8:00 am - 2:00 pm).

When and how will I get the results of the Guided Self-Placement (GSP) process?

Within two business days, you will receive an email from the General Counseling staff. It will give you both your Self-Placement Level and Recommended Level.

If the levels are the same, you may go ahead and register for the course offered at that level. For example, if your Self-Placement Level and Recommended Level are both Level 5, you may register for ESL 5A, which is a required course, as well as ESL 5B and ESL 5C, which are elective courses.

However, if the levels are different, we will ask you to make a choice. For example, if your Self-Placement Level is 4 and your Recommended Level is 5, you may choose either Level 4 or Level 5.

The same is true if your Self-Placement Level is higher. For example, if your Recommended Level is 3 and your Self-Placement Level is 4, you may choose either Level 3 or Level 4. It is your decision.

After you reply to the email from the General Counseling staff with your decision, your final placement level will be entered into the SIS system, and you will be able to register for your credit ESL course(s).

After I have completed this process, what can I do next?

You will be able to register for your credit ESL course(s). The Credit ESL Program at LACC offers the following courses:

• Writing and Grammar (ESL 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 8)
• Reading and Vocabulary (ESL 3B, 4B, 5B, and 6B)
• Listening and Speaking (ESL 3C, 4C, 5C, and 6C)
• College Composition for Non-Native Speakers (ESL 110)

Learn more about the Credit ESL Program

You may also contact the General Counseling office to receive academic counseling, including developing your educational plan. The General Counseling office is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Services Building. Online assistance is available through live chat (through Cranium Café).

Learn more about the General Counseling Department

May I repeat the ESL Guided Self-Placement (GSP) process?

The ESL Guided Self-Placement (GSP) process is designed to help you achieve academic success by guiding you to the credit ESL course level that best matches your English language proficiency.

Please note that ESL Guided Self-Placement (GSP) is a one-time process and cannot be repeated. If you have any questions or concerns about this process or which courses you should register for, please contact: Department Chair Jeffrey Nishimura at nishimjm@lacitycollege.edu or ESL Vice Chair Thi Thi Ma at mat@lacitycollege.edu.

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