FAQ

Prerequisites: Frequently Asked Questions

I sent in an official copy of my transcript and had it evaluated for a Shoreline degree. Why does this not work for prerequisite checking?

What about biology courses?

I took the ACT and/or SAT. Why are you not using these tests to meet prerequisites?

I didn't do so well on the COMPASS test, but am confident that I am ready for a higher level course. Since I am paying for the class, will you let me register for a higher level class anyway?

What is the ASSET test?

How do I use the course entry code?

I am using the entry code to register online, but it is not letting me register for the class, what is happening?

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I have sent in an official copy of my transcript and had it evaluated toward a Shoreline degree. Why does this not work for prerequisite checking?

At this time the Washington State does not have a computer system that automatically recognizes individual courses and their equivalencies.

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What about biology courses?

The Biology Department is starting prerequisite checking on Biology classes. Starting with Fall 2012 registration, Biol& 211 will be checked. In future quarters, additional courses will be added. The web site will be updated regularly.

In addition, please note that some classes are reserved for students in the Biotechnology Laboratory Specialist Program: BIOL 249, 265, 266, 270, 274, 275, 277, 279, 280, 285, 286, 287, 288, 290. For those classes, please contact the Biotechnology Program Director, Guy Hamilton at ghamilton@shoreline.edu .

In general, please read the course description carefully and follow prerequisite instructions, even if the class prerequisites are not being checked.

If you have questions, or need someone to review your prerequisites, please email biologyadvising@shoreline.edu . Please attach transcripts as applicable.

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I have taken the ACT and/or SAT. Why are you not using these tests to meet prerequisites?

Those tests were designed to predict college success in general and help universities in their admissions process. They are not designed to indicate measurements of specific knowledge in English and mathematics or matched with particular courses. Most universities require their incoming students to take a placement test in mathematics and sometimes also in English.

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I didn't do so well on the COMPASS test, but am confident that I am ready for a higher level course. Since I am paying for the class, will you let me register for a higher level class?

The answer is NO and here are the reasons. First, many students will look at math problems and remember they have done them before, therefore they look familiar. However, their memory is not strong enough to actually do the problems and also understand the theory. With college courses moving at a very fast pace, the student must be ready from day one for the level of the class they are taking. There simply isn't time to relearn lower level material. Second, one or a few students in a class that is too high for them often create significant difficulties for their classmates and the instructor. Those students will have many questions that the rest of the class already knows as they belong to previous levels. In each class level a lot of material must be covered, so any time taken to discuss lower level content takes away from the whole class. Third, student tuition does not cover the full cost of the class. State tax monies still pay a significant portion of the cost. Therefore as a college we must be stewards of our class spaces as a public resource.

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What is the ASSET test?

On some web or printed pages you will see reference to the ASSET test. It is a similar test in paper and print version. It is currently only used by special request and usually for students with a disability. Please contact the Testing Center if you wish to talk to someone about that. Most students prefer the COMPASS test which is on the computer and allows students to work at their own pace, as opposed to the ASSET which has specific time limits on each section of the test.

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How do I use the course entry code?

This code tells the registration database that someone at the college has reviewed your documents and verified that you meet prerequisites.

Go to Shoreline's web registration page
In the Item Number Field, enter the class item number that you want to add
Click the Submit Add/Drop button. Registration is blocked for the class and a message appears indicating that you do not automatically meet the prerequisite and a course entry code is required. In the blank field next to the message, enter the 5-digit code.
Each code is specific to the quarter and the course, but not to a specific section (item number) of the course.
Each code can only be used once. If you need to change sections, you will need to contact the department for another code.

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I am using the entry code but the web is still not letting me register for the class, what is happening?

Additional reasons registration for a class may be blocked are:

You are trying to register before your assigned registration date
You are a new student at Shoreline CC and have an advising requirement. This is true if you do not have previous college experience and are planning to study a certificate or degree program here. Please go to the Orientation web page for more information.
The class is already full. You will have an opportunity to add yourself to the waitlist.

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