Prerequisites and Corequisites

What is a prerequisite?

A prerequisite is a class or skill level that is required before you can  register for a course. The guidelines are put in place to help you be successful in the class. For example, most non-Spanish speakers need to pass Spanish I before taking Spanish II.

A prerequisite may be:

  • A particular course that you must complete satisfactorily.
  • A specific test score.
  • Some other particular qualification.

You must meet the prerequisites for a class before you register for it. Prerequisites are listed just under the course title in the schedule.

What is a corequisite?

A corequisite is a course that must be taken at the same time as another. For example, if a class has a corequisite, usually a lab or some similar class, you must register for the corequisite at the same time as you register for the class.

General prerequisites

For course levels 100 and above : You must achieve Academic Level 6 in Reading and Academic Level 6 in Writing to enroll in most 100 level courses, such as English 111.

For course levels below 100 : Most courses under the 100 level do not usually transfer to other colleges; however, they provide an excellent introduction and important skills for the higher level courses.

Get ready for 100-level classes and higher with these college classes:

  • English as a Second Language (ESL) classes: Classes for students whose native language is not English. ESL class placement is based on your ESL ACCUPLACER scores. See an advisor.
  • Reading and writing classes for students whose native language is English, and who have an Academic Level of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 in Reading and writing.
  • Mathematics readiness classes for students who have an Academic Level of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 in Mathematics.

Find your current academic level in MyWCC

You have a variety of ways to establish your academic levels including high school GPA, WCC writing sample, standardized tests, prior college attendance, and/or course completion.

Your academic levels will be noted in MyWCC after you’ve completed one of the steps below:

  • Submit a high school transcript from a US high school and must have graduated high school or be currently in the 12th grade and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Submit ACT/SAT scores that place you at college levels in Reading and Writing.
  • Submit 10th/11th PSAT scores to be used for calculating your academic levels for Reading, Writing and Math.
  • If you have earned a minimum of 15 hours from an accredited US college/university with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, you are exempt from the reading and writing placement tests. You will still need to take the math placement test.
  • If you are a guest student or already have a college degree from an accredited US college/university.
  • Complete WCC placement testing to establish or improve your academic levels.

View the information on Academic Levels .

Check your course listings for prerequisites

 

No Basic Skills

  • Classes that list "No Basic Skills" are open to students regardless of Reading or Writing level as long as they meet any other prerequisites for the course.

Level I Prerequisites

  • Most classes require Academic Level 6 in both Reading and Writing
  • Some classes have additional prerequisites such as:
    • Successful completion of another WCC course
    • Instructor Consent
    • Prerequisite course that allows concurrent enrollment

Corequisites (two classes must be taken together)

Level II Prerequisites

  • Are suggested, but not required to register for the class.
  • These are checked by the instructor on the first day of class and may include:
    • WCC courses
    • Other conditions required to succeed in the course.
    • Some classes also require specific skills and equipment.
    • Some of these requirements are specified in the course listing.

Course repeat limits

Students can take a course twice, but must seek permission to register for it a 3rd time or more. Find out more details about Course Repeat Limits.

Course prerequisite check

You can use a feature in MyWCC to determine if you have met a course prerequisite, such as the ones described above.  To see if you meet the prerequisites of the courses you want:

  • Login to MyWCC
  • Click on Student Services
  • Click on Registration
  • Click on Course Prerequisite Check

Mail all official transcripts to:

Washtenaw Community College
Attn: Transcript Evaluator Student Records Office
4800 East Huron River Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-4800

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