An Introduction to Accuplacer and How it Works

Preparation and Tips

The Test

An Introduction to Accuplacer^® and How it Works

The Accuplacer is a new type of assessment test developed by the College Board. Like other assessment tests, it determines the academic level of proficiency of students in three areas – English, reading, and mathematics. The scores of the placement tests assist colleges, universities and technical schools to evaluate course placement for new students. However, unlike a standard assessment test, the Accuplacer is a computer adaptive assessment test that measures the complexity of each question by your answer to the previous question. The score of the test is determined by the number of questions answered correctly and the difficulty of those questions. Therefore, it is important not to skip questions. Skipping questions will result in the software choosing simpler questions that will affect the overall score. An answer can be changed before moving on, but you can not go back and change previous answers. There is no time limit, so you can take as much time as needed to be certain that you answer all of the questions.

Because questions are determined as a student progresses through the exam, every test is tailored to each individual. This is more beneficial than a traditional standardized assessment test because it allows a college to evaluate your abilities and needs in a lot less time and with a lot less complication. It also allows you to be more at ease during testing because there are no time limits. Taking the test online allows instant scoring so that you can begin to work with an academic advisor immediately to determine what classes are appropriate for your skill level, goals and interests.

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Preparation and Tips

You should begin preparing for the Accuplacer^® as soon as possible by reviewing materials for the specific areas you will be tested in. You can also look at sample questions online to help you get a feel for how questions are delivered and how the test is set up. Remember, the more you do in preparation, the more confident and relaxed you will feel on the day of testing.

Check out www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer for more information about the test OR
 www.accuplacer-test.com/accuplacer-tips.htm for tips to help you achieve your maximum performance.

OR

Here are a few tips to help you achieve your maximum performance on the Accuplacer test:

• Make sure to get enough sleep
• Eat properly
• Visit the test center before the test
• Arrive early for the exam
• Relax
• Take your time
• Read the directions and be sure to follow them
• Carefully answer the first number of questions
• If you aren’t certain how to answer, eliminate the most obvious wrong answers first
• Be sure to answer the question you’re working on before moving to the next

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The Test

The test may include one or all of these 6 portions:

• Arithmetic Test - A 17 question test that includes application and problem solving, operations with whole numbers and fractions, and operations with decimals and percentages.

• Elementary Algebra - This section consists of 12 questions that will test your knowledge of solutions of inequalities, word problems and equations, addition and subtraction of polynomials and monomials, operations with integers and rational numbers, and operations with algebraic expressions.

• College Level Math Test - A 20 question section that will assess your knowledge of college level math from intermediate algebra to precalculus. The test questions include elements of coordinate geometry, solutions of equations and inequalities, algebraic operations, applications and other algebraic topics, and functions and trigonometry.

• Sentence Skills - This 20 question portion will determine your knowledge of sentence correction and construction shifts.

• Reading Comprehension - This section includes 20 questions to evaluate how well you understand key ideas and elements when reading particular passages and determine your understanding of sentence relationships.

• A Written Essay - The essay portion is the only part of the test that may be timed. It will determine your writing proficiency and will be scored based on five criteria: development and structure, focus, mechanical conventions, organization, and sentence structure.

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