What is the remediation process in college English?

I've heard some students have to go through a remediation process for college English classes. What does this entail and how should I prepare if I end up needing it?

Remediation in college English – often referred to as developmental English or preparatory English – is designed for those students who need to improve certain language skills before taking college-level English courses. These courses may cover a range of foundational skills such as grammar, sentence structure, and academic writing.

The purpose is to ensure that students walk into a higher-education setting with the skills they need to successfully comprehend collegiate reading materials, compose in-depth essays and research papers, and participate confidently in class discussions. Generally, a placement test decided by the university upon entry will determine whether you need to take such a course.

As for preparation, it largely depends upon your own areas of strength and weakness. However, a few things can be helpful across the board:

1. Keep Reading: Engage with different kinds of text, such as newspapers, novels, and academic articles. This will help you in expanding your vocabulary, understanding complex sentence structures, and gaining exposure to various writing styles.

2. Practice Writing: Consistently writing is critical. Consider starting a journal or a blog, or participate in a writing group. Focus some of your writings on constructing argumentative or persuasive essays as they are a common requirement in college-level English.

3. Work on Grammar: Strengthen your knowledge of grammar and punctuation rules to more effectively write and edit your work.

4. Seek Help: There are many free resources available online that offer English language exercises and guides.

In any case, entering remediation isn't a measure of failure or deficiency, but rather a stepping stone to better equip you for success in your college journey.