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 3 or 5 in Reading, or an Academic Level of 2 or 3 in Writing.
- Mathematics readiness classes for students who have an Academic Level of 1 or 2 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