Highline’s Directed Self Placement process will ask students to reflect on their prior experience with reading and writing at an academic level, inform them about our institution’s expectations, provide academic activities to reflect on current skills, and require an assessment of students’ own experiences to help determine the best course placement. DSP is delivered on the computer and requires some typing and mouse skills.

If either of these are difficult for you, we can find an accommodation that will work best for you.

Students must have a Highline Student ID number (SID) in order to take this test. You will first meet with an Entry Advisor in Building 6 or by emailing entryadvising@highline.edu. If you graduated within the last 10 years, you will need to bring or email your high school transcript or unofficial college transcript.

Testing is available for drop-in at Highline College, no appointment is necessary. Please bring your picture ID to the Entry Advising in Building 6 when you are ready to take the test. View our available testing hours.

Directed Self-Placement can be taken remotely. Please email entryadvising@highline.edu to schedule this assessment.

To determine which English and Reading course you are eligible for after Directed Self Placement, click here. Click on a video below to see what students say about these courses.