Smarter Balanced Assessment Scores

High school students in Washington state take the Smarter Balanced Assessment to find out whether they will be ready for college or a career once they graduate. For college-bound students, the assessment helps identify whether they are on track to go directly into college-level courses in English and math or whether they might need additional course work to prepare.

You may use your scores for English 101 Placement if you meet the following conditions: 

• You graduated from high school within the last one-year.
• You scored a 3 or 4 on the Smarter Balanced ELA Assessment or
• You earned a B or better in a designated Bridge to College English class as a senior.

You may generally use your scores for Math placement if you meet the following conditions:

• You graduated from high school within the last one college quarter. For example: you graduated from high school in June and are using your score for the upcoming summer or fall quarter at the college.
• Running Start students may use the test score only in the academic year after taking the assessment.

For placement into Math 99, Math& 107, Math 130:

• You must show a Level 3 or 4 score on the Smarter Balanced Math assessment plus
• You have earned a B or better in Algebra 2 and
• You can show on your high school transcript, successful completion (C or better) of one math course in your junior or senior year
• OR
• You have earned a B or better in a designated Bridge to College Math class as a senior

For placement into Math& 131, Math 138 or Math& 141:

• You must show a Level 3 or 4 score on the Smarter Balanced Math assessment plus
• Have earned a B or better in a high school pre-calculus or higher course

Most Washington state public high school transcripts have designators that indicate the passing of the Smarter Balanced Assessment. Look for the following at the end of the transcript:  WA STATE HIGHER ED PLACEMENT AGREEMENT………………..ELA/MATH

For more information, go to: Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges – Bridge to College