English Placement Information

2025 Update: The English Placement Survey is now available for Current FSC Students and Spring 2026 New Students.

All Current Students (Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Fall 2025), please sign-up here.


New Spring 2026 Admits

Students will sign-up via their RAM portal. To determine if you are eligible, please visit the Placement Testing homepage.


Important Information

The English placement process is designed to determine the class where you will be most successful. There are two options at Farmingdale State College. 

Both courses fulfill the (3) credit graduation requirement. You must earn a C or higher in either EGL 101 or EGL 101E to progress to EGL 102.

EGL 101/101E- Infographic

EGL 101/101E- Infographic Accessible Document Version


This is the first part of a required sequence in college essay writing. Students learn to view writing as a process that involves generating ideas, formulating and developing a thesis, structuring paragraphs and essays, as well as revising and editing drafts. The focus is on the development of critical and analytical thinking. Students also learn the correct and ethical use of print and electronic sources. At least one research paper is required. A grade of C or higher is a graduation requirement.

Students with an ELA-Regents score of 83 and higher or a Guided Placement (GP) recommendation will register for 101.

This section of EGL 101 provides additional class time and support from your instructor. English 101E students participate in 50-minute class meetings on an assigned day and time. Participation is required. A grade of C or higher is a graduation requirement.

Students with an ELA-Regents score of 70 and below or a Guided Placement (GP) recommendation will register for EGL 101E.

Commonly Asked Questions

General

In both EGL 101 and 101E, you will develop a solid foundation in college writing. The only difference—101E is “enhanced.” It includes an additional 50-minute class meeting each week.

In all majors and programs, writing expectations are more demanding than in high school. Students are expected to complete readings and assignments independently and participate in class. Both EGL 101 and 101E help with these skills.

EGL 101E offers an extra 50-minute class meeting each week. Many students benefit from this additional support. They can start assignments, ask their instructors questions, and complete writing activities.

Both EGL 101 and 101E satisfy the graduation requirement. There are no additional financial costs associated with the extra 50 minutes in 101E. Speak with your advisor about your class schedule and progress toward your degree.

The Guided Self Placement is a survey designed to help you reflect on your skills as a writer. Surveys are evaluated individually by FSC faculty in the English and Humanities department.

The survey includes a mix of short answers, multiple choice questions, and long responses. Please note that the writing portion requires a minimum of 5-7 sentences per question.

It is best to answer questions honestly and without augmenting your writing with AI or any other editor program to ensure you are recommended for the appropriate course.

It generally takes about 20- 30 minutes to complete the survey. It is recommended you have a quiet space with a stable internet connection.

Plagiarism and use of artificial intelligence (including Grammarly, ChatGPT, Claude, Wordtune, or any other iPhone or Android embedded AI) is strictly prohibited. Writing must not be augmented to receive a placement. You will be required to resubmit your GP if plagiarism or AI is detected which can delay your registration.

Some programs and apps have AI built into their platforms or are automatically activated without user consent. It is important to ensure that any automatic text predictor or AI editor is turned off.

For any questions, contact the Writing Center at writingcenter@farmingdale.edu 

You will receive a recommendation in 7-10 business days depending on holiday closures.

Current Students (Fall 2024 - Fall 2025): You must confirm your course selection within 2 weeks of receiving the recommendation or your GSP survey will be void.

New Students (Starting Spring 2026): You do not need to select your course. The faculty recommendation will be the course that you register for as your first-year writing course: EGL 101 or 101E. 

New & Current Students: Contact your academic advising department to register for a first-year writing course. 

Current Students (Fall 2024- Fall 2025): For EGL 101, you may register after you have confirmed your course selection on your RAM Portal Checklist

Any changes to your course schedule must be discussed with your advising department.

Please check the corresponding academic calendar for the last day to register for and add/drop courses.

To request an appeal, please follow all steps on your RAM portal and information sent to your Farmingdale State College email address.

Appeals must be received within (5) business days of receiving your placement. Please ensure you pay close attention to all deadlines; otherwise, your appeal will be denied.

The Writing Center is a free service for registered students currently enrolled in courses. Peer and professional tutors work with students in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.

Our services include:

  • Individual Tutoring on any writing project including Public Speaking.
  • Drop-off Service
  • Support for English Language Learners

We are also fully accessible and work closely with the Disability Services Center. 

In addition to tutoring, we host events and attend on-campus activities! We also hire peer tutors and student front desk attendants. 

Find us in Greenley Library, 3rd Floor (next to men's restroom) or reach out to writingcenter@farmingdale.edu

The Writing Center offers support for English language learners to build both fluency and confidence. 

We offer:

  • Individual Tutoring
  • Conversation Partners 
  • Bilingual Writing Sessions in select languages
  • Events

Visit the Writing Center for more information or contact writingcenter@farmingdale.edu


New & Transfer Students

Please visit the Placement Testing homepage to determine eligibility.

Yes, you must take the GP. SAT scores do not determine eligibility; however, they are considered in the overall GSP faculty recommendation.

Yes, you must take the GP. Advanced Placement courses do not determine eligibility; however, they are considered in the overall GSP faculty recommendation.

If you took Advanced Placement courses and received credits:

  • Confirm by reviewing your transcript on OASIS.
  • If your AP credits were not approved for EGL 101, the GSP will appear on your RAM portal.
  • Continue to check your RAM portal for updates to your checklist.
  • If there is a change to your checklist, you will receive an email confirmation.
  • Review your transcript on OASIS to confirm you received credit.
  • If your transfer credits were not approved for EGL 101, the GP will appear on your RAM portal.
  • Continue to check your RAM portal for updates to your checklist.
  • If there is a change to your checklist, you will receive an email confirmation.

If you took Advanced Placement courses and received credits:

  • Confirm by reviewing your transcript on OASIS.
  • If your AP credits were not approved for EGL 101, the GP will appear on your RAM portal.
  • Continue to check your RAM portal for updates to your checklist.
  • If there is a change to your checklist, you will receive an email confirmation.
You may sign-up for another date using your RAM Portal.
Please contact the Writing Center at writingcenter@farmingdale.edu.  

Current Students/LIEOC

Current students who enrolled after Fall 2024 must sign-up using the Writing Center appointment bookings page. 

Contact the Writing Center at writingcenter@farmingdale.edu to setup an on-campus exam.

You will take an on-campus exam in the Writing Center which takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. Available hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

For testing-related accommodations, please contact Disability Services Center prior to taking the exam. Accommodations must be coordinated in advance with DSC and the Writing Center.

Here is a practice placement exam to help prepare you for the on-campus exam. 

Contact the Writing Center at writingcenter@farmingdale.edu  to setup an on-campus exam.

You will take an on-campus exam in the Writing Center which takes approximately 90 minutes to complete. Available hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

For testing-related accommodations, please contact Disability Services Center prior to taking the exam. Accommodations must be coordinated in advance with DSC and the Writing Center.

Here is a practice placement exam to help prepare you for the on-campus exam. 

You must retake EGL 101E. 


Ready to Register?

New Students: Click Here

Current Students: Click Here

 

 

Last Modified 12/3/25