First time PERT

Taking the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) for the first time can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. From my experience, retaking the placement test helped me better understand where I stand academically. Even though my reading and writing scores were not quite high enough for English 1101, I was pleased to have advanced to Developmental 2, which is a solid step forward compared to previous attempts like the SAT. My math placement was even better, allowing me to jump right into college algebra, which gave me a sense of accomplishment and confidence. One thing I found especially helpful was continuing to take courses like English Developmental 1 and Intermediate Algebra. These classes strengthened my foundation and better prepared me for the PERT retake I am planning toward the end of the month. I learned that preparation and persistence are key, especially when aiming to save on tuition costs by skipping developmental courses. For example, qualifying for English 1101 could save me around $600, which is a significant financial incentive. Walking on campus for the first time in a while brought mixed emotions. Being in my 30s among younger students made me realize that education is a lifelong journey without age limits. It was inspiring to see others pursuing their goals and motivated me to keep pushing forward despite any insecurities. If you plan to take the PERT exam, my advice is to focus on consistent study, use practice tests to identify weak areas, and try to understand your scores in detail. Also, don’t be discouraged if you don’t immediately reach your target score—the important part is gradual improvement and using courses to build your skills. The PERT is just a tool to place you appropriately, so give yourself credit for every step you take, no matter how small. Overall, my first PERT experience was positive, reminding me that with determination, I can improve my placement and continue to advance toward my educational and career goals.