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How to Write an Essay for a College Placement Exam

When just beginning or transferring to a college, students may be required to take a college placement exam that includes math, reading and writing tests. As part of the writing exam, students are expected to write an argumentative essay that states a clear position and provides analysis and evidence. The exam is rated and evaluated by faculty members at the college, and the scores determine into which level English course each student is placed.

Most college placement essays require students to read a set of circumstances and formulate an argument based on those circumstances. Often the prompts for college placement exams involve community- and school-related issues. Once you have carefully read and understood the prompt, decide which position you will take in your essay. Then take a few minutes to plan the basic structure, or outline, of the essay before you write it. Begin by writing a clear thesis statement -- a single sentence that sums up the main point of your entire essay. Then jot down and plan the order of the main supporting point and evidence you will present in the essay.

Writing the Essay

Typically, the essay portion of a college placement exam should be structured in a five-paragraph format consisting of an introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion. The thesis statement should be placed in the introduction and all subsequent information should directly support -- with explanation, analysis and specific examples -- the thesis statement. For example, if you are arguing that school days should be lengthened for public schools, you can support your claim with the following reasons: working parents will benefit from having their children stay longer in school, students will have fewer opportunities to get into trouble and students will be better prepared for college as a result of the additional schooling. Make certain as you write that each body paragraph's central idea is distinct from the others while still proving the thesis statement.

Part of the score of the college placement essay is determined by grammar, spelling and clarity of structure. Once you have completed the essay, take a few minutes to carefully read through it and proofread the text for errors. Reviewing the essay before you submit it also provides you the opportunity to develop or clarify the sub-arguments. Take time to read through and polish the essay to improve your chances of earning a higher score.

Time Management

A key strategy in the college placement exam essay is to take full advantage of all the time that is allotted. By managing your time wisely, you can allow sufficient time to plan, compose and proofread the essay before you submit it. Typically, each student is allowed 60 to 90 minutes to read the prompt, as well as to plan, write and review the essay. Keep your eye on the clock and allot at least 5 to 10 minutes at the start and the end of the allotted time to properly complete your pre- and post-writing.

ACT Compass: Writing Essay (e-Write)

Soheila Battaglia is a published and award-winning author and filmmaker. She holds an MA in literary cultures from New York University and a BA in ethnic studies from UC Berkeley. She is a college professor of literature and composition.

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English Placement Test Online Preparation, Free Practice Questions & Tips – 2024

English Placement Tests
Free English Placement Tests Practice Test

What Is an English Placement Test?

The English placement test is a type of a verbal reaoning psychometric test used to gauge your level of fluency in English. The English placement test measures your aptitude for a variety of factors within the language. The test can be scored in a multitude of ways, but regardless of how the score is given, you will be rated on a scale of elementary to advanced. In the academic world, a high English placement test score can earn you course credits without having to take an extra English course. Employers often use the English placement test to gauge your overall understanding of English. Refer to the below tips to aid in your preparation for test day!

How to Prepare for the English Placement Test?

Remember, an English placement test is an assessment designed to determine your proficiency level in the English language. These tests are often used by educational institutions, employers, and language programs to place you in appropriate courses or positions that match your skill level. To ensure you perform your best on the test, follow these tips:

Understand the test format. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the test. It may include sections on reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, listening, and writing. Knowing the format will help you manage your time effectively during the test.

Review basic English concepts . Brush up on fundamental English concepts such as grammar rules, sentence structure, verb tenses, prepositions, articles, and parts of speech. Use textbooks, online resources, or language learning apps to reinforce your knowledge.
Enhance your English vocabulary . Build a strong vocabulary by learning new words, idiomatic expressions, and synonyms. Consider using flashcards or vocabulary-building apps to help you remember and practice using these words.
Practice reading comprehension . Improve your reading skills by reading a variety of texts, such as newspapers, magazines, short stories, and academic articles. Pay attention to main ideas, supporting details, and inferences.
Develop listening skills. Listen to English audio materials, such as podcasts, news broadcasts, or online videos. Focus on understanding different accents, tones, and contexts. This will help you excel in the listening comprehension section.
Practice writing. Write essays, paragraphs, or journal entries to enhance your writing skills. Focus on organizing your ideas logically, using proper grammar and punctuation, and expressing your thoughts clearly and concisely.
Time management. On the test day, manage your time wisely. Allocate specific time limits to each section and question. If you’re stuck on a question, move on and return to it later if time permits.
Take practice tests. Obtain practice tests or sample questions similar to the format of the actual test. This will give you a feel for the types of questions you might encounter and help you identify areas that need more improvement.
Simulate test conditions. Practice under conditions similar to the actual test. Find a quiet place, set a timer, and attempt the practice tests without interruptions to mimic the testing environment.
Review and reflect. After taking practice tests, review your answers and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on improving areas where you struggled and continue practicing until you feel confident.
Get plenty of rest. Prioritize a good night’s sleep before the test. A well-rested mind will help you think clearly and perform your best.
Test day preparation. On the test day, arrive early to the test center. Bring required identification and any permitted materials, such as pencils, erasers, and identification documents.
Stay calm and confident . During the test, maintain a positive mindset. Stay calm, read instructions carefully, and approach each question thoughtfully. Trust in your preparation and don’t let anxiety affect your performance.
Pace yourself. Pace yourself through the test. Don’t rush, but also avoid spending too much time on any single question. Remember, it’s better to complete the entire test with reasonable accuracy than to leave many questions unanswered.
Accept the results. After the test, accept the results and use them as a starting point for your English language journey. Whether you place at a higher or lower level, you now have a clear understanding of your skills and can work towards improvement.

Remember, an English placement test is a tool to assess your current level of proficiency, and it’s okay if you don’t know every answer. Use the results to guide your language learning goals and continue practicing to achieve the level of English proficiency you desire.

Example Question with Explanation

Let’s take a look at a sample question you might see on an English placement test.

Example question: Identify the error in the following sentence and select the correct option to fix it.

“Neither of the books on the shelf are mine.”

Neither of the books on the shelf is mine.
Neither of the book on the shelf is mine.
Neither of the book on the shelf are mine.

Explanation: The correct answer is B. This is because the subject in this sentence is “neither,” which is singular. This can be confusing as we use this word to reference two things, but it’s singular because it is actually referring to two objects (in this case, books) that are not in possession of the person in the sentence. In other words, the absence of multiples within the word makes it singular despite referring to two things.

Because we have a singular subject, the verb in the sentence (“is” which is a conjugation of “to be”), needs to be singular as well. This makes using “are” incorrect. As for why “books” needs to be plural, that is because the subject “neither” means that there are at least two options.

It’s okay if this seems confusing. That’s because grammar is difficult! All the more reason to make a point to review your grammar rules and implement plenty of practice prior to taking the English placement test. The more time you spend practicing and brushing up on all aspects of English, the more natural these skills will come.

English Placement Test Sample Questions

Now that we’ve gone over the necessary information for preparation, it’s time to practice! Below you will find eight free sample questions with which to practice what you’ve learned. An answer key can be found at the bottom. Good luck!

Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

Passage: “The sun sets in the west, casting a warm glow over the horizon. The sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples. It’s a breathtaking sight that reminds us of the beauty in nature.” Question: What colors are typically seen in the sky during a sunset?

Yellow, purple, pink
Green, blue, purple
Black, green, pink
Orange, pink, purple
Me and my friend is going to the movies.
My friend and me is going to the movies.
My friend and I are going to the movies.
Me and my friend are going to the movies.
He often reads science books.
He often reads books science.
He science often reads books.
Books he often reads science.
A type of dessert
A difficult task
A simple task
A type of bread
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English Placement Test
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College Placement Test

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English Placement Test Essay Examples

You will find English placement test essay examples for your college entrance exam on this page.

In the writing section of the test, you will see literary nonfiction, essays, and informational passages.

The passages are around 300 words in length and there are five questions on each one.

Our free study guide will help you learn all of the grammar rules that are covered on the test.

Here is a free sample from our writing test PDF download :

Instructions: Read the first of our English placement test essay examples below and answer the questions that follow.

(1) The Department of Education in our state recently stated that more discipline is needed in the classroom. (2) Can you believe it? (3) It comes a bit late – I’m sure you’ll agree – but then the employee’s at the Department have had a great deal to think about over the years. (4) I don’t generally put much stock in the Department of Education’s opinions. (5) For several years, I’ve seen bad behavior in some schools and nothing serious being done about it. (6) In the meantime, the Department of Education has insinuated through its silence that everything was just great. (7) Evidently, however, now it’s not.

(8) Consider for instance, one of the children in my gifted class. (9) Since the school is discontinuing the program, he has to move back into the main school, understandably, he’s told me that he doesn’t want to go. (10) He wants to stay where there are very high standards of behavior and work. (11) He’s done so well. (12) His parents can’t believe the high level he achieves. (13) How great is that?

1. What is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 3, reproduced below?

It comes a bit late – I’m sure you’ll agree – but then the employee’s at the Department have had a great deal to think about over the years.

A. Leave it as it is now. B. employees C. employees’ D. employees’s

2. What is the best decision regarding the underlined portion of sentence 7, reproduced below?

Evidently, however, now it’s not.

A. Leave it as it is now. B. Remove the comma after “Evidently” C. Remove the comma after “however” D. Delete “Evidently,” from the beginning of the sentence

3. What is the best decision regarding the underlined portion of sentence 9, reproduced below?

Since the school is discontinuing the program, he has to move back into the main school, understandably, he’s told me that he doesn’t want to go.

A. Leave it as it is now. B. Place a period after “school” and begin a new sentence with “Understandably,” C. Use a dash after “school” instead of a comma D. Use a colon after “school” instead of a comma

English Placement Test Essay Examples – Answers

1. The correct answer is B. The word “employees” forms the grammatical subject of the sentence. The writer is speaking about all of the workers at the Department of Education, so we need to use the plural form. An apostrophe is not required since we do not need the possessive form.

2. The correct answer is A. The sentence is best as it is written in the original essay. A comma needs to be placed after “evidently” as it is a transition word used at the beginning of the sentence. A comma also needs to be used after “however, because it is used within the sentence. The use of both words in this sentence serves as a logical connector to the previous argument that the writer is making.

3. The correct answer is B. We have two complete sentences here since each has its own grammatical subject and verb. So, a period should be used after “school” and a new sentence should be made starting with the next word.

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Writing Placement Test

To demonstrate college-ready writing skills, review the testing scores summary to determine if you need to take placement testing.

Writing Placement Test FAQ

What is the Accelerated Learning Program?

Rather than taking two semesters to complete ENG-098 and ENG-101, if you're placed into ENG-098 can take both classes in just one semester. Some ENG-098 students take the ENG-101 course, with students placed directly into ENG-101. The ENG-098 class meets immediately following their ENG-101 class for additional support.

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Who needs the writing placement test?

All new degree-seeking students are required to demonstrate initial placement levels in English upon entry to the College in order to register for their first semester.

Additionally, any student wishing to register for courses may also need to demonstrate specific placement levels in order to satisfy a particular course prerequisite.

19 or higher on the English portion of the ACT; or 480 on SAT or PSAT reading and writing; valid for 5 years; or
4 or higher on the PARCC reading and writing assessment; or
Successful completion with a C or better of ENG 098 or LTC 099 at ECC or an equivalent course at a regionally accredited college (official transcripts required); or
Successful completion with a C or better in college-level courses at another college/university (official transcripts required); or
High school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on an unweighted 4.0 scale; or
GED score of 165 or higher or HiSet score of 15 or higher plus essay score of 4; or
A minimum score on AP, CLEP, or IB exam .
Attain the specified level from the ECC English placement test (valid for 5 years).

How does the test work?

Using a computer, you will write an essay of approximately 2 pages in length. You will select one of three topics to focus your essay response. You are allowed to use a single piece of scratch paper.

An effective essay will include each of the following:

A thesis or main idea;
Several paragraphs of sufficient, relevant, and specific detail or examples related to the topic selected based on your experience, observations, or readings;
Good organization, including an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion;
Correct grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.

Before you submit your essay, you should proofread (reread and correct) your essay. You can use spell-check and scratch paper.

We strongly recommend that you take a few steps to get ready before taking your writing placement essay test. Students who review first typically do much better than those who do not. You can prepare by reviewing the sample scored essays .

Placement test results will be available within 7 business days.

How can I prepare for the test?

We strongly recommend that you take a few steps to get ready before taking your Writing placement essay test. Students who review first typically do much better than those who do not. You can prepare by:

Review the sample scored essays .

When will I get my score?

Writing placement test results will be available within 7 business days. Please plan accordingly to have the Writing placement test results completed prior to registration. You can view all placement test results on the accessECC portal .

What does my score mean?

If your writing placement test score is:

Prepare to retake the placement test.
Developmental course required. Enroll in LTC-099 (College Literacy)
Developmental courses required. Enroll in ENG-098 and ENG-101 (Accelerated Learning Program (ALP))
No developmental course required. Enroll in college-ready courses, including ENG-101.

If you are not happy with your first attempt, you may retake the placement tests twice, providing you have not started a reading or English course. Once you have completed a reading or English class at ECC, you may retest with the approval of the placement coordinator. Your reading and writing placement results are valid for five years.

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Hours Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm Friday: 8 am to 3 pm Saturday: 9am to 3pm

*Note: The Testing Center is closed Tuesdays from 2 to 3 pm for a department meeting. All tests and materials are collected 15 minutes before closing.

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Sample Essays

Below are two sample essays. Both essays are in response to the writing prompt below. The first sample essay demonstrates a readiness for English Composition I (a writing course required in all degree programs). The second contains weak areas demonstrating a need for additional support to foster success in English Composition I.

Penn College faculty evaluate essays based on the following:

organization
development of ideas
sentence structure
word choice
punctuation

The Faculty Evaluation section explains how effectively the student addressed each essay component and provides a rationale for each student’s placement.

English Composition I (ENL 111)

Write about a sport, hobby, or extra-curricular activity that you were involved with in high school and the impact that sport or activity had on your life. Be sure to clearly identify the sport or activity, and use specific details how this involvement made an impact on your life.

Student Essay:

One hobby or skill I pride myself in is my ability to cook, one that I have only obtained in my last 2 years working as a cook. When I started at Rotelli (an Italian restaurant in State College) it was right after my senior year in High school.

Fresh out of High school with no prior experience in the “real world” I was more or less forced to mature to meet the basic standards of a high-end kitchen employee. Allowing people to walk all over me due to my nonthreatening appearance and stoic resolve was no longer an option. Most of my coworkers were/are gruff, seasonal restaurant employees who will verbally “go for the throat” without a moments notice.

After several months of this environment and dreading going to work, I picked up on things to sharpen my wit, making what was before an entire night of being picked on into just playful verbal abuse. After this realization literally everything seemed less of a hassel, as well as near complete immunity to any sort of heckling. I even pushed the envelope by getting my lip pierced to “draw more heat” but no such insidents occurred.

In summation, the restaurant not only turned me into a good cook but also prepared me for the hassel and hardships of the real world, something that will be a definite benefit to me in the future.

Faculty Evaluation:

The essay shows a significant degree of organization . In the opening paragraph, the student mentions the specific hobby (cooking) that will be the subject of the essay, and then each paragraph relates to this particular hobby and its impact on the student’s life. The development of ideas occurs in each paragraph because the student writes about how the experience at this restaurant has impacted the student at the restaurant and the possible impact on the student’s future. There are some minor errors in punctuation , word choice , and spelling , but they do not take away from the reader’s ability to understand the paragraphs individually and the essay as a whole. The sentence structure is consistently strong throughout the essay, and evident in each paragraph. The essay contains specific details. The student connects the paragraphs to the prompt, clearly showing the impact that the experience at this restaurant has had on the student’s life. This student was placed in ENL111.

English Composition I (ENL 111) with English Composition Lab (ENL105)

For my essay I will be choosing number two. The activity I will be writing about is highschool wrestling. I chose this sport in nineth grade. The reason I chose it was because I herd it had good rewards. I will be writing to you about the difficulties, rewards, experience, all what I learned from challenges.

There are multiple problems with word choice and spelling.

I will start with the difficulties. The one major difficulty for most people is eating. You must keep your weight minimal or you shouldnt even show up. What you learn from this is disapline. The second is fear with anciaty. You may want this actualy before a match. You get scared and prepare better. Your anciaty gives you speek and strength when you get on the mat. This teaches you how to use your weakness.

The ideas are not developed here. For instance, there are no details on why weight is a problem.

The last difficultie is physical pain and edurance. The best way to deal with it is to ignore it. Your mind is whats telling you it hurts and you need to stop. Tell it to ignore it and over time it will. This teacies you the more important thing which is you can do anything if you beleive you can. Those are some of the Difficulties and lessens you learn from wrestling.

In addition to spelling, punctuation, and grammar problems, this paragraph does not connect the ideas to each other, nor to the prompt.

The rewards you experience are great. The greatest reward is self greatness. When you train and win you feel accomplishd. You also have respect from your team and coach. It feels like you have some power. The last reward is the body. You get a great body from it and you feel great. Girls will offten give you attention for having it. Those are some of the rewards of wrestling.

Spelling issues are present and the ideas are listed, but not developed.

Over all highschool wrestling is a great way to improve yourself. I have learnd many skill and discipline from it. I have changed my life because of it. There will always be difficulties but you will always get somthing out of it. That is what I have to discuss on my activity.

While the student demonstrates some understanding of five paragraph format, there are numerous errors overall and little idea development in the essay.

The essay shows a degree of organization . In the opening paragraph, the student mentions three points to be made in the essay: difficulties, rewards, and experience. In the body of the essay, however, there is very little development of ideas . In the second paragraph, the student does not develop the idea of disciplined eating or anxiety. Paragraph four is a list of three rewards from wrestling, but the ideas are only listed, not developed. While there are some errors in punctuation , there are significant problems with sentence structure throughout the essay, especially with grammar , word choice , and spelling . These are pervasive throughout the essay. This student was placed in ENL111 with the additional support of ENL105.

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November 18, 2023

Demystifying College Placement Tests – Your Path to Academic Success

The excitement and nerves that come with embarking on your college journey are impeccable. It’s a new beginning and a new experience. I remember the anticipation and uncertainty that I felt when I was about to resume college.

Trust me, just like you, I worked so hard to acquire a good score in the entrance exam. However, there were other vital exams waiting for me—college placement tests.

A test that determines your placement in certain coursework, particularly in Mathematics and English. It is crucial in your college career because it helps you realize your ability.

In this brief guide, I will walk you through each stage of college placement tests, from the test concept to interpreting your scores.

Therefore, hang on, and let’s jump right into it.

Understanding College Placement Tests

College placement tests are standardized tests administered to incoming students to assess their academic prowess and appropriately enroll them in courses. The tests typically cover subjects such as English, Reading, Mathematics, and Foreign languages. Students are placed in courses that are challenging but achievable and to help them succeed in college.

A college placement test helps colleges to know you better academically, helping them understand where you shine and where you might need a little extra support.

This assessment process assists them to place you in the right courses according to your academic skills.

Typically, placement tests cover subjects, such as Mathematics, English, Reading, Writing, and Foreign languages. These tests are often taken to see where you’re most comfortable and where you might struggle.

Let me explain in detail.

What is Placement Testing?

Placement testing is a process of evaluating your skills to place you in a course that matches your proficiency level.

According to a survey , approximately 90 percent of community college students sit for placement tests before registering for classes. Therefore, don’t be scared because you are not alone.

In most cases, two-year colleges and even four-year colleges provide open and non-competitive admissions. Consequently, a noticeable number of students who lack basic college-level academic qualifications get admitted.

Therefore, many colleges ask their prospective students to take a placement test so that they can evaluate them according to their abilities and enroll them in a certain course.

Unlike other traditional tests, placement tests have no “pass” or “fail. ” Rather, students with lower scores are required to take developmental or remedial courses to enhance certain academic skills.

Types of Placement Tests

There are a number of placement tests available for the students depending on the colleges. However, most colleges prefer to assess their students using these seven placement tests

Mathematics
Foreign languages
Computer and Internet technologies
Health and natural sciences

Most community and four-year colleges often require the initial five of these tests.

However, to make the whole testing process efficient for the students, the colleges have generated an integrated computer-based system named the ACCUPLACER test .

What is an ACCUPLACER and how does it work?

ACCUPLACER is a group of tests that colleges administer to assess how well students understand Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.

ACCUPLACER is a testing system that includes a number of tests on subjects, such as Reading, Writing, and Mathematics, to evaluate the incoming students’ capabilities. It helps colleges to place every student in the right courses, aligning with their skill level and academic readiness.

Now, let’s have a closer look at each placement test.

1. Math Placement Test

A Math placement test evaluates your mathematical proficiency. The test covers a wide range of topics such as arithmetic (addition, multiplication, subtraction, decimals, division, and fraction), pre-algebra, algebra, trigonometry, and graphing.

It also covers advanced topics, including parabolas, logarithms, and determinants.

You have 90 min to answer 60 multiple-choice questions, and a score of 30 or higher can get you a great placement in math courses.

To avoid struggle and becoming overwhelmed in advanced courses, it is critical to complete this section.

2. Reading Placement Test

A reading placement test assesses your ability to comprehend what you read. You will be involved in reading different texts and passages. Subsequently, you will be asked to answer multiple-choice questions.

The total number of questions varies per college. In general, you have to answer 30 questions. For more information, check out your college website or contact your college authority.

However, this test will gauge your ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written information . Your placement in English or Literature courses mostly depends on these results.

3. Writing Placement Test

In a writing placement test, students are required to read a brief composition and then compose a coherent essay in response to it.

This test evaluates your grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and thought expression.

Your writing skills might not be good enough for college, even if you did well in high school. Thus, there is a writing placement test requirement from most community colleges for first-year students.

In most cases, you have to submit a passage or thesis within two hours; and this whole process includes topic outlining and writing.

4. English Placement Test

An English placement test evaluates how well you can read and understand written English. The test has three parts: reading, writing, and listening.

Unlike others, an English placement test is not mandatory for every college or university ; however, some of them require it.

For instance, the University of Georgia administers an English placement test that contains 60 questions for a duration of 60 min.

This test will assess your broader language skills, including vocabulary, language usage, and grammar.

5. Foreign language Placement Test

Foreign Language Placement Test or Foreign Language Placement Assessment is designed to assess your foreign language proficiency based on your previous coursework and skill on the language.

It helps colleges to identify your appropriate level for a particular foreign language course, whether it’s introductory, intermediate, or advanced.

The foreign language test includes questions related to listening, vocabulary, and grammar .

6. Computer and Internet Technologies Placement Test

A Computer Skill Placement test, also known as Computer Skill Assessment, evaluates your computer literacy and proficiency in using various computer applications and softwares.

Students who aim to major in technology-related courses are required to sit for this placement test. Through this test, colleges or universities analyze if you have a fundamental understanding of computers, softwares, and hardwares.

Additionally, it examines your basic and advanced knowledge of databases and spreadsheets.

However, the exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as introduction to computer systems, system software, Microsoft (MS) Word, MS PowerPoint, and MS Excel.

7. Health Science Placement Test

The Health Science Placement Test or TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) examines your entry-level skills of health science in four subjects and assigns the appropriate course to you according to your expertise.

The four subjects include:

English and language usage

Take the TEAS test if you are an applicant for a nursing or radiology program. Moreover, it is a computerized exam consisting of multiple-choice questions.

The table below presents the time and number distribution

Now the question is, what are the possible skills for which you will be questioned?

You will be questioned about:

Reading (31%) – Craft and structure, key ideas and details, and consolidation of ideas and knowledge.
Math (22%) – Measurements and data, numbers, and algebra.
Science (31%) – Scientific reasoning, life and physical science, as well as human anatomy and physiology
English and Language Usage (16%) – Vocabulary, knowledge of language, and standard English

Why Are College Placement Tests Essential?

College placement tests are essential because they help colleges to determine if you have the required skills to enroll in college.

They help the college to make an informed decision about the course placements and assist you in your academic career. It ensures you remain in your comfort zone and enjoy the classes.

Your scores in these tests are critical; high scores can open the doors of advanced courses for you.

What Happens if Your College Placement Tests Scores are Low?

You’ll be placed in classes that will help you learn the material before you move on to harder classes if you don’t perform well in a placement test. However, you can’t fail a placement test .

It will lead you to a remedial class, which ultimately helps you to improve. Thus, it’s a win-win situation.

For instance, my high school friend Sarah, who scored exceptionally well in the placement test, resulted in her being placed in advanced Mathematics and Science classes right from the start of college.

This boosted her confidence and helped her to be ahead of schedule.

Conversely, Tom had difficulty in his writing placement test, leading him to enroll in a remedial writing class. Eventually, he improved his skills and excelled in higher-level writing.

Seven Important Preparation Tips for College Placement Tests

The following are seven practical tips on how to prepare effectively for college placement tests—

Understand the Test Format

Familiarize yourself with the format and structure of the placement test. You should have an idea about the types of questions, sections, and time constraints for each section.

Review the Content

Identify the subject areas covered in the placement test. For example, review concepts in algebra, geometry, and arithmetic if it’s a math placement test.

For a writing placement test, develop your grammar, punctuation, and essay writing skills.

Use Official Study Materials

Many placement tests, such as the ACCUPLACER , offer official study materials and practice tests. Utilize them and gain a better understanding of the test content.

Seek Additional Resources

In addition to official study materials, explore other resources including test prep books, online courses, and study guides . There are often free or affordable options available online.

Create a Study Schedule

Design a study schedule according to your learning style and commitments. Dedicate specific periods each day or week because consistency is key; therefore, stick to your schedule.

Break It Down

Divide your study material into sections. Moreover, focusing on one topic or subject area at a time will make studying more manageable.

Practice Regularly

Practice is essential for test preparation. Take practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual test environment. It will also help you get accustomed to the pressure of the test.

Taking the Test – Dos and Don’ts

It’s finally the test day! What you should do and what you shouldn’t? Typically, taking a placement test requires exquisite planning and execution. However, to ensure a good score, follow these instructions:

Aim to arrive early because arriving late can easily increase your stress levels.
Check your test center’s guidelines in advance and bring all the necessary materials (means of identification, pencils, any allowed reference sheet, and calculator).
When you start, read each question and prompt carefully . You can first read the questions and identify some keywords if there is a passage. This will help you to answer faster and more efficiently.
Smart time management is crucial. Don’t dwell on difficult questions; move on to the next after marking them for review.
Answer all the questions if there is no penalty for a wrong answer. An educated guess can earn you points.
Check for omissions at the end of every section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a decent score for college placement tests.

In general, an ACCUPLACER test score between 200 and 230 is considered a low score , while 230 and above is considered a good score . Having said that, I recommend aiming for 260.

How can I register for placement tests?

To register for a placement test, contact an enrollment advisor who will assess your academic history and inform you whether or not to take a test. Thereafter, sign up on your college website and download the placement test form to register. It may require your school account. Remember, the process can vary depending on the college.

How many times can I take a placement test for college?

You can have two retakes for college placement tests. However, some colleges ask the second retaker students to take the diagnostic version of the placement test as well.

Final Words

College placement tests are pivotal in shaping your academic success. With proper preparation, intellectual guidance, careful execution, and a positive mindset , you can achieve your desire.

These tests aren’t barriers, they are opportunities that are waiting for you; They are ways to showcase your abilities and expertise.

Therefore, embrace them, stay focused, and let them guide you towards a brighter future and success.

Reference Links

· https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Placement_testing

· https://study.com/academy/popular/how-many-times-can-you-take-the-accuplacer-test.html

· https://collegeforadults.org/applying-to-college/placement-tests

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Information on English Placement Exam

The following information refers only to the Placement Exam on the Columbus campus. For information about English Placement on another Ohio State campus, please contact your advisor.

The English Placement Exam asks students to respond to a prompt that requires critical reading, summary skills, and an original essay in response. Students read a short opinion piece (approximately 500-750 words) and are asked to summarize and then respond to it.

General Directions for the Placement Exam

The Placement Test asks you to read a short essay, write a one-paragraph summary of that essay, and write a response to that essay.

You have a few choices about the document type you use to write and submit your essay:

You may write your essay in Word, Pages, or Google Docs and copy and paste it into the submission text box once you have completed it and submit it there.

You may type your essay directly into the text box in the Testing area and submit it through the submission function.

Please read the essay before you begin writing. When you have finished reading the essay, respond to it in two ways.

Step 1: Write a one-paragraph summary of the essay that provides a good idea of what the essay is about. Be sure to identify the central argument in your summary and to include the title of the essay and the author’s name in the summary.

Step 2: Write an essay of your own that responds to the author's argument. In your essay, do your best to demonstrate your composition skills and familiarity with edited American English. While much academic writing requires finding and working with outside sources, this placement essay should consist exclusively of your own writing. While you may quote from the placement reading, do not include the work of other writers

You should work to display the following attributes in your writing:

A clearly defined central idea (thesis).

A clear and logical organization (clearly defined organization and logical paragraphs).

Strong supporting details drawn from experience, observation, and/or from the reading. No sources outside the reading should be included.

An understanding of the reading and argument presented in it.

Grammatically correct and effective sentences.

You may take some time to to free-write, plan, or outline your thoughts before you write the essay. If you are writing in Word, Pages, or Google Docs to copy and paste into the text box, be sure to include a header or separation between your notes and Steps 1 and 2. If you are typing directly into the submission text box instead of in a file that you will cut and paste, please indicate the location of your planning notes in the text box with a heading such as notes , brainstorming , or free - writing .

NOTE: The writing you submit should be your own . This is not only because the Student Code of Conduct requires that you do your own work, but also because it is essential for our assessment process that the writing you submit is typical of your writing. If you get help with your response, you may be placed in a class that is too difficult for you.

Please make an effort to proofread your work before you submit it. At the least, make sure that the separation between pre-writing notes and Steps 1 and 2 is clear.

We strongly recommend that you write both your summary and your response using Word, Pages, or Google Docs and then copy and paste them into the submission area. If you write in the textbox itself, you may lose your work if you have an internet interruption or your browser times out .

Once you have submitted your test, our team of readers will read the summary and response to determine which of the following English courses will be the best for you:

Level 4: either English 1110.01 or 1110.02 (3 credit hours)

Level 5: English 1110.03 (3 credit hours) and 1193 (1 credit hour) simultaneously (a total of 4 credit hours)

Level 6: English 1109 (4 credit hours). After completing 1109, you must enroll in English 1110.03 and 1193 simultaneously (4 credit hours) to complete your first-year writing requirement.

We will send your results to be posted to your Student Testing Profile in SIS. Once the results are posted in your Buckeye Link profile, you will be able to work with your advisor to schedule for first-year writing. (Results will not be entered in Carmen.)

Carmen works best using Chrome on a PC or Mac. We do not recommend using the Carmen app for the exam. The app offers a limited version of Carmen and can make it harder to find and access some features. In addition, your work may not properly upload into the submission area.

We recommend taking the test on a tablet or computer, not your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Placement exams are read and assessed every business day. Unless there is a technical issue or complication with your exam, you can expect to see your results in Carmen within 1-2 business days. After your result is posted in Carmen, it is sent to the Testing Center to be added to your Buckeye Link account. Your advisor will be able to see your result in SIS 24 hours after Testing updates it.

Please email us at [email protected] to request accommodations such as extended time at least two business days before you plan to take the exam. You should also register with Student Disability Services .

No. If you have taken the ESL Composition Placement test, you will be placed into EDUTL or English classes on the basis of that test. Please email us at [email protected] if you are asked to take both tests.

A placement result of 4 means you can register for English 1110.01 or 1110.02. A placement result of 5 means you must register for English 1110.03 and 1193. A placement result of 6 means you must register for English 1109.

If you experience technical difficulties, email [email protected] . We can reset your attempt and allow you to take the exam again. You will receive a new exam and have to begin again.

No. You can retake the exam if you have technical difficulties, but we do not reassess placement exams. If you have questions about your placement, you can contact Scott DeWitt ( [email protected] ) and Ashleigh Hardin ( [email protected] ).

Probably. Ask your advisor if placement procedures have changed since you were assigned the placement exam. You can also email [email protected] .

The best way to prepare for the Placement Exam is to ensure you're able to take the exam in a distraction-free environment with a reliable internet connection. You should also make sure you can devote the full 75 minutes to the exam. Take the exam when you're not sleepy or hungry. Read the instructions fully before you begin the exam. Other than these preparations, students should not need to "study" for the English Placement Exam.

Yes, unless you also took a First-Year Writing course at another school as well. We do not recognize placement exams from other institutions.

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University Composition Program

The CSU Composition Placement Program is designed to ensure that you register for the composition course most suited to your needs.

This video walks you through CSU's Composition Placement procedures.

Composition Course Comparison

Co130: academic writing.

Academic Writing is designed for students who require significant background to be prepared to take CO150. The course includes extensive practice with a fewer number of writing assignments and instruction in critical reading, writing skills, and grammar and mechanics for academic English. Significant time is dedicated to teaching students strategies for idea development, organization, citing sources, etc. to help writers build a repertoire of strategies to effectively communicate. This 3-credit course offers elective credit; successful completion allows you to register for CO150, preferably in the following semester.

CO150: College Composition

College Composition is designed for students who have successfully completed high school English courses, have a lot of recent experience with a variety of writing tasks, and who are motivated to enhance their critical reading and writing skills for college classes and beyond. The course moves at a moderately faster pace than CO130, and objectives include writing for various audiences and purposes, including writing well-developed researched essays using multiple sources. This 3-credit course fulfills the All-University Core Curriculum Intermediate Writing Requirement (AUCC Category 1A).

Composition Placement Procedure Details

The flow chart below illustrates CSU’s Composition Placement procedures. Match your highest test score (on the ACT, SAT, TOEFL IBT/PBT, IELTS or PTE) to the appropriate group. If you have taken more than one test (for example, the ACT and the SAT), we look at the highest score to determine composition placement.

University composition program placement procedures diagram

ACT / SAT Test Scores

Students without any test scores on file at CSU will place automatically into Group 2. If you do not have test scores on file at CSU, review this information on sending your scores to CSU.

Transfer Credit

Students with transfer credit for CO130 should see the composition transfer credits page for more information.

Placement Essay

Students without test scores can also choose to write the Composition Placement Challenge and Re-Evaluation Essay.

Self-Placement

The Directed Self-Placement (DSP) Survey is designed to help students decide which composition course is right for them.

Composition Placement Questions?

Contact the composition placement director.

Catherine Ratliff

Senior Instructor
Director, Composition Placement
Associate Editor, Academic Labor: Research and Artistry

Email: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

ACCUPLACER Test
ACCUPLACER WritePlacer Essay

Prepare for the ACCUPLACER Essay

Learn everything there is to know about the essay section of the ACCUPLACER English test. Prepare for the test with our TestPrep-Online comprehensive ACCUPLACER English practice pack.

Free ACCUPLACER Sample Questions

ACCUPLACER English Essay: What You Need to Know

How Is the ACCUPLACER Writing Test Graded?

Accuplacer writeplacer essay writing tips, start preparing for the accuplacer english test, the accuplacer english essay: what you need to know.

The ACCUPLACER Writing Test , or WritePlacer Test, evaluates writing skills such as focus of the text, sentence structure, and organization. The purpose of the ACCUPLACER Writing Test is to measure how well a student can develop an argument, using evidence-based support as well as the appropriate mechanical conventions. The student is given one hour to complete the test. The essay itself should be no more than 300-600 words. When preparing for the ACCUPLACER WritePlacer , it is very important to understand the expected outline of an essay. This will help you map out your ideas and stay on topic. Straying from the topic, or not sticking to the word count results in an immediate zero. To help you feel fully prepared for the ACCUPLACER essay, our ACCUPLACER English Pack offers information about the section, tips for writing, and standard examples of ACCUPLACER essay prompts.

The essay test is graded using a computer software known as Intellimetric . Intellimetric bases its grading method on an analysis of a large body of graded essays. The system analyzes factors such as conventions, language use, development, and organization, as well as essay length and relevance. You should try your best to write an organized, well-developed essay just as you would in an English class. A CCUPLACER essays are graded on a scale of 0-8, with "clear and consistent mastery" of essay-writing required to get an 8, the highest score. Though many are skeptical about this method of grading, there is one very clear benefit: With a computer graded essay, students can receive their grade immediately, and thus have more motivation to improve. In addition, students preparing for the ACCUPLACER essay can better understand what factors to employ into their writing. Our ACCUPLACER English Practice Pack includes past ACCUPLACER essay samples as well as typical ACCUPLACER writing prompts.

Unlike the Reading Comprehension section and the Sentence Skills section of the ACCUPLACER test, the essay portion is timed , which means you need to use your time wisely. Though you may feel that a good essay requires you to “wow” the grader, remember that at the end of the day, the grader is not a human, but a computer. It is not looking to be wowed by you; it is simply looking to grade you. Below are some tips to help you achieve a great score on the ACCUPLACER Essay :

Stick to a standard format , including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This will help you to maintain a consistent idea and will prevent you from straying from the topic. The ACCUPLACER Essay is a test of your formal writing skills, not of your creativity.
Keep your argument in line ; the ACCUPLACER WritePlacer is grading you on how well you can deliver and develop an argument. Make sure that you do so thoroughly by remembering the main points of your essay, and not going off on a tangent. Each paragraph should be relevant to the thesis, and each sentence within a paragraph should be relevant to the paragraph's topic sentence.
Use evidence . Don’t worry, the evidence does not have to be science-based, but it does have to be, well, evident. The ACCUPLACER Essay wants to see how you bring a claim forward. Make sure that you do so not as a magician conjuring things from thin air, but as a detective, showing the basis of your argument. What you choose to argue is not important, but how you make your argument is.
Read the prompt carefully —remember that your work is graded on relevance. If you do not answer the question that is asked, then it will not be graded, no matter how good the essay is.

At TestPrep-Online we offer you the ACCUPLACER English Practice Pack. In addition to a grammar guide with exercises, sample questions, and full practice tests, the pack also includes essay assignments with full high-scored essay samples from which you can learn how to write effectively. Grammar that you learn while preparing for the other parts of the ACCUPLACER English section can help you write an essay with better mechanics. Your preparation for the ACCUPLACER Reading section can help you improve the organization and development of your ACCUPLACER Essay. Start now! Want tips for the ACCUPLACER math test as well? Try our ACCUPLACER Premium Pack, which has all the material you need to prepare for every section of the ACCUPLACER.

ACCUPLACER® and WritePlacer® are trademarks and property of COLLEGE BOARD. The trademark holder is not affiliated with TestPrep-Online or this website.

English Placement Test (EPT) & Math Placement Test (MPT)

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English Placement Test (EPT)

Why do students need to take the ept.

Some students are very proficient in oral communication skills but cannot yet write at an academic level.
Some students score well on standardized tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL, but they cannot write an academic essay to the level required by their FDU professors. Therefore, without academic writing support, they may receive poor or failing grades.
Poor or failing grades in one or more courses will negatively affect a student’s GPA and scholarship and may affect the ability to graduate.
Failing a course will mean increased time and expenditures on course work, and it will also lead to increased stress and anxiety.

What Is The EPT?

The test provides a prompt: a short paragraph that describes a specific controversial statement.
You will write an argumentative essay that takes a position on the topic given in the prompt.
You will give a series of arguments that support your position on the issue.
The supportive details can be common knowledge or knowledge gained from your experiences in academic, professional or personal life.

How Is The EPT Conducted?

The EPT is conducted online via Zoom .
The EPT uses Microsoft’s online platform Office 365 (Word).
The EPT is 70 minutes long.

The EPT Example

Below is an example of how the various parts of an essay can be structured to complete the assigned task. Your goal is to demonstrate that you understand the topic and can develop an appropriate framework for responding to the prompt.

English Placement Test Example

How Should You Structure Your Written Response?

Create an outline of the essay before you write. Consider the topic and the outline when you write the introduction. Review the introduction and your topic sentences to prepare the conclusion.

Introduction (1 paragraph)

This paragraph introduces the topic, providing context or background of the controversy.
Do not use broad generalizations about the topic but create a focus that leads the reader to the thesis.
The thesis provides a clear statement of your position on this issue.
The thesis should control the content (information, evidence, and examples) that is given as support in the body paragraphs.

Body (3 – 5 paragraphs)

Organize the points you will make in an order that makes sense and creates a strong argument.
In one paragraph, include one idea from the opposing viewpoint. Then argue against that view, providing evidence to show why your position is the correct one.
Express your judgment, not your opinion. Judgment is based on evidence; therefore, use the available evidence to establish a valid conclusion.
Use a variety of evidence types: information and anecdotal evidence as well as personal experiences and observations.
Create clear and meaningful connections throughout your paragraphs.
Relate each paragraph explicitly to your position expressed in the thesis. If something does not relate, remove it.

Conclusion (1 paragraph)

Remind the reader of the issue and its relevance.
Summarize the argument(s) made, without being repetitive, and reinforce your position.

How Is Your EPT Essay Evaluated?

This test measures your ability to write effectively, which is a skill critical to your academic success. Your writing is evaluated on its content , organization, and language , as explained below.

CONTENT: The extent to which the essay demonstrates understanding and writing skill in

completes the task (persuasive essay)
provides reasonable, well-chosen argument and relevant main ideas that control the details
expresses your own ideas
makes the controlling argument and main ideas clear
uses relevant, insightful, and balanced supporting evidence to develop the ideas
does not use famous quotes or fabricated data as ‘proof’

ORGANIZATION: The extent to which your writing is

the introduction effectively presents the controlling idea, which orients the reader to the purpose, the topic and the position
body paragraphs maintain and support the position by using topic sentences that control the evidence provided
the concluding paragraph reinforces the stated position and provides closure
the main points are given explicitly and are supported by details that clarify, explain, and reassert
sentences are carefully constructed to be clear and to follow one another in a logical or reasonable order to create a flow of ideas
paragraphs are logically and meaningfully connected to create unity of thought

LANGUAGE: The extent to which your written English is

suitable for academic writing, not conversational
reflective of the task
distanced from the audience
concise – e.g., avoiding wordiness and repetition
clear – e.g., using suitable word choices
sentence forms – e.g., complete sentences; balance of types (simple/complex; varied lengths and structures)
grammar and mechanics – e.g., proper use of verb/word forms, subject-verb agreement, articles; commas and periods

What Score Do You Need?

You must score a minimum of 15 out of 18 points to pursue a full range of courses at the FDU – Vancouver campus.

What If You Don’t Achieve The Minimum Score?

If you score between 11 and 14 points, you will be required to take academic writing courses in either the Pre-University Program or in the Pre-Master’s Program
Successful completion of these academic writing courses means you are eligible to take a regular course load in the next trimester
If you score less than 11.5 points, you will be required to take a Pathway Program with a Pathway Partner Institution off-campus. Once you have successfully completed the pathway program, you will then enter either the Pre-University Program or the Pre-Master’s Program in the following trimester.

When Will I Receive My Result?

Results are sent on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Results are not sent during weekends, statutory holidays, and campus closure days.
when the volume is high during busy times (e.g. orientation, mid-terms, finals etc.)
when the result is indecisive and needs
Results will be graded within 5 – 7 business days. The grading phase starts the day after your initial test date (delays are subject to bullet point 2). Results are sent no later than 1 business day after the completion of the grading phase.

How Long Is My EPT Result Valid?

Your test result is valid for 2 years from the date of the test if you scored between 11 – 14. If you scored 15+ your test score will not expire.

Can I Re-Take My EPT?

You can take the EPT twice after the original test. The test can only be taken after 2 months of the latest test date.

Can I Be Exempted From Taking The EPT?

For EPT exemption conditions, please click here .

Math Placement Test (MPT)

Why do students need to take the mpt.

Student placement in math courses is determined by completing the Accuplacer assessments.
Only undergraduate students are required to take the MPT.

What Is The MPT?

Student Accuplacer math assessments: Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS).
The assessment is has 20 multiple-choice questions and 2 samples questions.
The MPT is 50 minutes long.
The assessments are adaptive, which means that the computer automatically determines the next questions based on responses to prior questions. Therefore, once an answer has been selected and confirmed, the question is complete and cannot be revisited.

MPT Example

Below is an example of how the various parts of the math multiple choice questions that are provided to complete the assigned task. Your goal is to demonstrate that you understand topics such as Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics and can develop an appropriate framework for responding to the prompt.

Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)

EPT & MPT Academic Regulations

I acknowledge that any misrepresentation or falsification of documentation or information will result in the cancellation of admission or registration, or dismissal from the University. Misrepresentation includes any infringements of the Academic Integrity Policy , such as incidents of plagiarism on the Statement of Purpose, on the English Placement Test and Math Placement Test.

Questions About The EPT & MPT?

Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to receive the booking instructions for an English Placement Test [EPT] and/or Math Placement Test [MPT]. If you have paid and taken the EPT and/or MPT the test fee is not refundable.
You are allowed to request a refund on your EPT/MPT booking if you cancel it 24 hours prior to your scheduled test date and set time. Cancellation requests made within 24 hours of the test date and time are not eligible for a refund.

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Admission & Aid

English and Math Placement

Placement in Math and English Courses by High School GPA

Unweighted high school gpa – english placements:.

HS GPA between 2.75 to 2.89
HS GPA between 2.9 to 3.19
HS GPA between 3.20 and above

Unweighted High School GPA – Math placements:

HS GPA 2.89 and below
HS GPA 2.90 to 3.04
HS GPA 3.05 to 3.29
Keystone Algebra Score – 1500 or higher
HS GPA 3.30 and above with a grade of "C" or higher in Algebra II or higher level math (If no Algebra or higher level math, placement will be in FNMT 118)
HS GPA 3.50 and above with a grade of "C" or higher in Trigonometry or Calculus (If no Trigonometry or Calculus, placement will be in FNMT 118)

Applicants with a High School GPA older than 5 years must take the ACCUPLACER Math Portion.

Any student can take the ACCUPLACER Math Portion to see if they can place at a higher level math course.

College Level Math by Pathways:

Note: FNMT 118 is required for students who need to take Pre-Calculus (MATH 161)

Placement Test Options

By taking the ACCUPLACER tests, applicants will be placed in the most appropriate English and Math courses as indicated by their ACCUPLACER test results. There are three options for testing.

Accuplacer Test Takers Must Be:

Applicants with a HS GPA of 2.74 and below
GED students
Students who cannot obtain a high school transcript
English as a Second Language (ESL) students will take their ACCUPLACER placement and be placed in Pre-ESL or ESL courses

Remember to bring a valid photo ID.

Main Campus

Monday through Friday: You can test in-person anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. No need to make an appointment.

Northeast Regional Center

Wednesday through Friday: You can test in-person anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Click here to complete a form to see if you’re eligible to receive a placement test voucher through Accuplacer and Examity. After you complete the form and we determine that you are eligible, we’ll send you a test voucher within 2 business days. Look for an email from Accuplacer/Examity with the subject line REMOTE VOUCHER NOTIFICATION.

Click here to make sure your computer is compatible with Examity .

Please note that to test virtually, you must have a computer with a webcam and audio capabilities. Tablets, cell phones and chrome books are not compatible with the test.

This service is offered Monday through Friday during business hours.

Send your full name, J number, date of birth and phone number to assessmentcenter [at] ccp.edu . Add that you’d like to take the test virtually with a CCP proctor.

Click here to make sure your computer is compatible with Accuplacer .

Students can alternatively submit the following to meet placement:

SAT score: A minimum score of 560 in English and 510 in mathematics, taken within the last five years
ACT score: A minimum of 21 in English and 21 in mathematics, taken within the last five years
Keystone Algebra Score (HS Transcript): A score of 1500 or higher
AP English Lit/Com Exam: A score of 4 or 5 on the AP Exam
AP Calculus AB or Calculus BC exam: A score of 4 or 5 on the exam, taken within the last five years
IBT (internet based TOEFL): A minimum score of 77 overall and a 20 in writing, taken within the last two years
IELTS score: A minimum of 6.0 overall and a 6.0 in writing, taken within the last two years
An official transcript from an accredited U.S. college or university: indicating you have earned a U.S. college degree or have passed college-level English or math with a grade of “C” or higher
All documents (transcripts and test scores) submitted for placement should be sent to the Transfer Credit and Placement Office at traneval [at] ccp.edu (traneval[at]ccp[dot]edu)

Taking and Preparing for the Placement Test

Take a practice accuplacer placement test.

Because the test determines your first year course load, it is very important that you familiarize yourself with the test format, test questions, and test strategies and that you practice taking the test. To do so, we highly recommend that you:

Visit the official ACCUPLACER site

Download the free ACCUPLACER Study app

Test Structure

Please take a moment to look at the test descriptions below. They will help give you an idea of what to expect on the actual placement test. Overall, the placement test consists of two parts: an English or ESL part and a Math part.

If your primary spoken language is other than English, you may be asked to take the ESL part, which includes ESL Listening, ESL Writing and ESL Reading Skills sections.

On the other hand, if you are a native English speaker, you will be asked to take the English part, which includes English Writing (Writeplacer) and English Reading Comprehension (Next-Generation Reading) Sections.

Finally, the Math Part consists of three sections:

Next-Generation Arithmetic
Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)
Next-Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF)

Depending on your performance, you may be asked to take one, two, or all three sections of the Math test.

All parts and sections of the placement test are computer-based, and offered at the Main Campus and Regional Centers. No computer skills are required. You simply use the mouse to click on the answer.

English and ESL Writing Sections

In the English or ESL writing sections, you will have 60 minutes to write about a topic you will be given that day. Topics are chosen randomly. The writing sample is then scored by ACCUPLACER; if necessary, it may also be reviewed by members of the English Department who are trained to read and evaluate placement essays. Your essay will be read by at least one faculty member, who will rescore your essay for placement. The combined scores of the faculty reader and ACCUPLACER, together with your score on either the Next-Generation Reading or ESL Reading Skills section, will be used to determine your placement in English classes.

For how the essays are evaluated and for sample practice questions as well as scored writing samples, please download the set of or the set of ESL Sample Essays.

Reading Comprehension, ESL Reading Skills, ESL Listening and the Math Sections (computerized):

The Next-Generation Reading, ESL Reading Skills, and ESL Listening sections are comprised of 20 questions each and are untimed, allowing you to work at you own pace.

The Math Part begins with either the Next-Generation Arithmetic or QAS section and may progress to AAF, depending on your skills. Each math section may consist from 17 to 25 questions.

Taking the Test

While the sections are untimed (except the English or ESL Writing section, which is limited to one hour), you should plan on spending at least two hours taking the tests.

You will have two options for taking the ACCUPLACER test:

In-person. A limited number of appointments are available for in-person testing. Please contact the Assessment Center by email at assessmentcenter [at] ccp.edu (assessmentcenter[at]ccp[dot]edu) to schedule an in-person test.
Online with remote proctoring via Zoom. If you want to take the test online, applicants should check their CCP email for an email from the Admissions Office with directions on how to schedule a remote testing appointment.

When you have finished the required sections of the placement tests, you will receive your placement results and instructions on how to login to your Online Orientation. The Online Orientation will provide information on financial aide, registration, payment options and college resources.

Test Prep Sites

Besides the official ACCUPLACER site and the study APP, other test prep sites for the Placement Test may be accessed on the internet by typing "ACCUPLACER Practice" from any browser search field. A number of sites will be listed, some for English and some for Math. Any of the free sites provide valuable practice opportunities; there is not need to use any site for which you need to pay a fee. Some of the better sites are as follows

https://www.mometrix.com/academy/accuplacer-test/
http://owl.excelsior.edu/essay_zone/
http://www.purplemath.com/modules/index.htm
http://accuprep.pccc
http://www.accuplacerpractice.com

Placement Levels and Courses

Based on your performance on the placement test, and depending on your specific English language and mathematics abilities and needs you will be placed in one of CCP’s college-level courses or pre- college-level courses.

Please review below the CCP placement levels and courses and visit the relevant department links to view brief course and program descriptions.

English Placement Levels and Courses Your placement in English courses is based on how you perform in the English Writing and the Reading Comprehension sections. The set of pre-college and college English levels and courses that you may be placed in are shown in the chart below.

If you are placed in ABE, you will able to retest upon successful completion of the ABE classes. Learn more about ABE classes .

If you are placed in Level 2 and pass the courses at that level with a grade of "Pass," you automatically move to College Level courses ENGL 101 and ENGL 098.

ESL Placement Levels and Courses Your placement in ESL courses is based on the combination of how you perform in the ESL Reading Skills section, the ESL Writing Section, and the ESL Listening. The set of pre-college and college ESL courses that you may be placed in are shown in the chart below.

If you place in Pre-ESL, you must contact the ESL Institute and pass their highest ESL level before retesting. You will need to bring a letter of completion to the Assessment Center in order to retest. For more information, please visit the ESL Institute .

All ESL Reading, ESL Writing, and ESL Listening/Speaking courses are part of a series and have to be taken sequentially depending on where you are initially placed.

Math Placement Levels and Courses

Your placement in mathematics courses is based on how you perform in the Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra, and/or College-Level Math sections. The set of pre-college and college math courses that you may be placed in are listed in the chart below.

The Foundational Math courses and Math courses are part of a series and have to be taken sequentially depending on where you are placed.

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Writing placement exam.

This exam is designed to help each incoming student find the writing support and instruction most suited to his or her individual skill level. Eligible students will receive an email notification to take the exam. We recommend that you meet with your advisor as they can provide the most support, but if there are questions, please contact Careen Szarmach at [email protected] and include your name, student information, and the detailed nature of your inquiry. Thank you!

I. Test Directions

Welcome to the CCSU Writing Placement Test! This test is designed to place you into the class that will offer you the best support. To complete the exam effectively, please make sure you have...

At least 2 hours and 15 minutes of uninterrupted, undisturbed time available
A stable internet connection
No other applications running, and no other tabs open (this can cause your laptop or browser to crash)
Full power to your computer (if you are using a laptop, please make sure you plug it in; don't rely on the battery!)

You are free to take notes as you prepare your essay. It is also fine for you to refer back to these instructions or to print them out. When you have read everything in this section, please return to the test and complete the Demographic questions before proceeding to the essay section.

The Placement Exam includes demographic questions and an essay section. Each part of the Placement Exam is mandatory, and you cannot continue to the next step until you’ve completed the step you are on. Both your answers to the demographic questions and written response will be used to determine your placement into a writing class.

II. Scoring Criteria

After you submit your essay, it will be read and scored by a member of the English Department’s writing faculty. Your essay will be evaluated on three areas: (1) thesis/controlling idea, (2) use of the reading/citation, (3) and writing genre, tone, and mechanics You can earn up to 4 points for each area. The highest score an essay can receive is 12 points. The grading rubric is on the next page of this document.

Your answers to the demographic questions will be considered in combination with your essay to determine whether a writing class that supports English language learners would be more beneficial to you.

III. Finding Your Placement and Descriptions of Writing Courses

How to Find Out What Your Placement Is:

After submission, your exam will be evaluated by faculty in the CCSU English Department and your writing course placement will be determined: WRT 100, WRT 105/105P, WRT 110, ESL 100, or ESL 105/105P. Your placement result should be available no later than 2-3 weeks after you take the test. You can ask your advisor to tell you which class you have been placed into.

If you’d like to look up your placement yourself:

1. Navigate to Central Pipeline

2. Click the WebCentral—Banner Web button in the middle of the page on the left side.

3. Log in to WebCentral with your email address and password

4. Click on the “Student” tab and scroll down to the Student Information Link

5. Look under Test Scores for your Writing Placement Test score, which indicates your placement. 0=WRT 100 3=ESL 100 1=WRT 105/105P 4=ESL 105/105P 2=WRT 110

Students cannot request to be placed into a different class. However, if you believe you would benefit from more writing support or from a writing class for English language learners and you are not placed into one, you can contact the Director of Composition, Dr. Elizabeth Brewer at [email protected] .

Writing Course Descriptions

Descriptions of the first-year writing classes are below if you would like to know more about them:

WRT 110: Introduction to College Writing is an introductory course in college-level academic writing. It asks students to read complex texts and analyze them, craft arguments in response to them, and conduct their own research on issues. WRT 110 satisfies CCSU’s first-year writing requirement and is 3 credit hours.

WRT 105: Enhanced Introduction to College Writing is an introductory course in college-level academic writing for students who would benefit from additional individual and small-group writing instruction. Students in WRT 105 take the equivalent of the 3-credit WRT 110, supplemented by two additional hours of tutorial assistance in a smaller group. WRT 105 satisfies CCSU’s first-year writing requirement and is 5 credit hours.

WRT 100: Fundamentals of Composition focuses on improvement of basic writing skills to prepare students for WRT 110. The course introduces students to academic writing genres, processes, and practices. Students who are required to take WRT 100 must pass the course with a C- or better before successful completion of 30 hours of coursework at CCSU. WRT 100 does not satisfy CCSU’s first-year writing requirement, but it fulfills a general education Skill Area I requirement, and passing the course with a C- or better qualifies a student to take WRT 110. WRT 100 is 3 credit hours.

Writing Courses for English Language Learners:

ESL 105: ESL Enhanced Introduction to College Writing is an introductory course in college-level academic writing for English language learners would benefit from additional individual and small-group writing instruction. The course shares WRT 110’s focus on reading and responding to complex sources, writing from inquiry, academic conventions, and the writing process. Students in ESL 105 take the equivalent of the 3-credit WRT 110, supplemented by two additional hours of tutorial assistance in a smaller group of English language learners. This tutorial focuses specifically on reading and writing skills for non-native English speakers. ESL 105 satisfies CCSU’s first-year writing requirement and is 5 credit hours.

ESL 100: ESL Fundamentals of Composition focuses on improvement of basic writing skills to prepare students for WRT 110. The course introduces English language learners to American academic writing expectations by teaching sentence and paragraph formation and the development of coherent essays. Students who are required to take ESL 100 must pass the course with a C- or better before successful completion of 30 hours of coursework at CCSU. ESL 100 does not satisfy CCSU’s first-year writing requirement, but it fulfills a general education Skill Area I requirement, and passing the course with a C- or better qualifies a student to take WRT 110. ESL 100 is 3 credit hours.

IV. Technical Problems

Q: i don't know how to get my bluenet id/student id# or my login is not working what do i do.

A: Please contact the IT Help Desk at [email protected] or (860) 832-1720 and include your full name and a description of the exact problem you are experiencing.

Q: While I was taking the test, my computer restarted/shut down/lightning struck my roof/the internet exploded and now I can't get back to my exam is there anything you can do?

A: In the event of a legitimate, technical problem in which you already began to take the exam and then were unable to finish, please email Careen Szarmach at [email protected] with your full name, contact information, student ID# and bluenet ID, and a detailed description of the issue. There is no guarantee of restoring any work done, or of being able to retake the exam, but we will make every effort to address the situation fairly.

Q: I took the test, but I'm not sure my essay was properly submitted and now when I go back to view it on Blackboard, it's not there! Did it get lost?

A: When an essay is submitted for examination, it is no longer available for you to view (which occurs for security reasons). If you believe that there was a technical error, please email Careen Szarmach at [email protected] with your full name, contact information, student ID# and bluenet ID, and the nature of your concern.

IV. Who needs to take the exam, and how are transfer credit/exam exemptions evaluated?

Q: who has to take the placement exam.

A: You must take the writing placement exam unless at least one of the following criteria is true:

Your SAT Writing & Language Test score is 31 or higher
Your ACT English composite is 23 or higher
You are transferring WRT 110-specific credit to CCSU from a previous institution ( Note: ENG 1xx credit i nsufficient )
You earned a 3 or higher on English Language & Composition AP exam ( not the English Literature & Composition AP Exam)
You have been admitted to the Honors Program

Students who have course credit that transfers as WRT 110 (not WRT 1xx), who are in the Honors Program, or who have successfully completed the Summer Bridges Program do not need to take the placement exam. If you meet the criteria to take the test and have not received an invitation or if you have received an invitation but meet the criteria for exemption, please email Careen Szarmach at [email protected] with your full name, contact information, student ID# and bluenet ID (if you have them), and an explanation of why you need to be enrolled/exempted.

Q: My test scores aren't in that range, but I still received the letter!

A: Please ensure that CCSU has received your transcripts and test scores; you received the letter because, most likely, we have not yet gotten your scores. If your scores were properly received and you are either above or below the score threshold, please email Careen Szarmach at [email protected] with your full name, contact information, and student ID# and bluenet ID (if you have them).

Q: I have AP Credits; do I still need to take the Writing Placement Exam?

A: A score of 3 or higher on the English Literature and Composition Advanced Placement Exam or the English Language and Composition Advanced Placement Exam will award WRT 110 credit. Please note: It is your responsibility to ensure that your test results have been received and processed by CCSU, and the English Department is not able to do that for you or give you any credit until your exam scores have been officially received by the university.

Q: I have taken a class at another college/university and I want transfer credit for WRT 110; how do I do this?

A: If you have taken a class at a member of ConnSCU (one of the other regional CT universities or a CT community college), please visit this page to find out what transfer credit a class will grant: https://webapps.ccsu.edu/CTAB/CCSU_TransCourses.aspx . If you went to a school not on that list, please contact your advisor to for further information. Please remember that it is your responsibility to ensure that all transferring credits are received by CCSU; you will not be given any credit or exam exemption until they are processed.

Q: I took/am taking the UCONN ECE course - do I still need to take the placement exam?

A: If you successfully complete the program then no, you do not need to take the placement exam. You do need to inform your advisor and to ensure that your credit is sent to and received by CCSU, however, to ensure that you are properly enrolled and that your record is updated.

Q: I am in the honors program. Do I still need to take the placement exam?

A: No. Please contact your adviser to ensure that your record accurately reflects this.

Q: What if I don't care what writing class I get into? Do I still need to take the exam?

A: Yes! And you should care about the class you take as it's a crucial component of your college career!

V. How does the test work and what do I need to do to prepare for it?

Q: how do i take the exam.

A: Log into Blackboard and sign in with your bluenet ID and password. Once there, look to the top-right of your screen and click on "Organizations@CCSU." The link to the Writing Placement Exam should appear; click on it to begin the process (the timer does NOT begin at that moment, so you can browse the materials before you begin). If you do not see the Writing Placement Exam link, please email Careen Szarmach at [email protected] with your full name, contact information, and student ID# and bluenet ID (if you have them).

Q: What is the exam like? How long do I have to take it?

A: You will be asked to read a selected text of approximately 500 words and to respond to specific prompts in a coherent, organized, formal essay of 500-600 words. You will be given two (2) hours to read the text provided and to compose, edit, and submit your essay.

Before you begin, you will be given some information about what we are looking for in your essay, how it will be evaluated, and how that evaluation will determine your placement in a writing class. You may review this information for as long as you like, and any time spent reviewing it will not count against the two (2) hours you have to complete the exam. If you wish, after reviewing the information you may log off and return at another time to write your essay.

After reviewing the evaluation information, you will be asked to answer some demographic questions about your language and writing background. This data will help our faculty decide which writing class is the best fit for you, and your responses will help us better understand the characteristics, goals, and abilities of our student population so that we can improve our program. The time you take to answer these questions will not count against the two (2) hours you have to complete the exam. If you wish, after answering the demographic questions you may log off and return at another time to write your essay.

If you choose to continue, be sure that you have two uninterrupted hours to write your essay because once you begin the process you cannot stop and start again. You will have only one opportunity to take the Placement Exam. When you begin, you will be given a short text to read along with a specific writing prompt to which you will be asked to respond. You will have two hours to read the text, develop your ideas, write your essay, and revise your work before submitting it. After submission, you will be asked to answer two more brief demographic questions that are not part of the two hour, timed writing exam.

Q: Do I need to schedule an appointment?

A: No! The exam is taken online and can be done so at any time, day or night (though taking it as soon as possible is definitely a good decision).

Q: Does the exam cost anything?

A: No, the test is free and requires only access to the internet and a computer. If you do not have internet access at home, you may take the exam from the student computing center on campus, or at any other public terminal.

Q: How do I prepare for the exam?

A: You do not need to prepare for the exam; there isn't a particular subject to study or skill to practice. The goal of the exam is to determine which class best supports your current level of writing ability, so artificially inflating (or depressing) your ability can only hurt you. Just make sure that when you do take the exam, you give yourself 2.5-3 hours of uninterrupted and distraction-free time and a stable internet connection.

Q: What is the deadline to take the exam?

A: You should take the exam as soon as possible. You cannot enroll in a composition course until you do so, and they fill very quickly, so you are in jeopardy of not being able to take a required course if you delay, which may end up delaying your graduation date! We usually offer the exam for newly-admitted Fall semester students from March until the Fall Semester Add/Drop Deadline, and then we re-open it from mid/late October until the add/drop deadline in Spring Semester.

Q: I have a disability and/or need special accommodation. How do I receive support?

A: Please contact Student Disability Services (SDS) and they will ensure that you receive any necessary accommodations. The English Department cannot assist you until you contact SDS and ensure that you are registered, at which point, we will be contacted; we will accommodate you in any way possible.

VI. How is the test scored/Questions about placement

Q: how is the exam graded what does "placement" mean.

A: After submission, it will be evaluated by faculty in the CCSU English Department and your writing course placement will be determined: WRT 100, WRT 105/105P, WRT 110, ESL 100, or ESL 105/105P. Your placement result should be available no later than 2 weeks after you take the test. To determine your score, login to WebCentral and look under Test Scores.

WRT 100, WebCentral Score 0
WRT 105/105P, WebCentral Score 1
WRT 110, WebCentral Score 2
ESL 100, WebCentral Score 3
ESL 105/105P, WebCentral Score 4

ESL writing classes are designed for students whose first language isn’t English, and they meet the same university general education requirements as their WRT equivalent courses. If you placed into WRT 110 but feel ESL 108 or 109 might be a better fit, you can take one in addition to your writing class. You can register for either class voluntarily, any semester. If you have questions about this, you may contact. Dr. Elizabeth Olson to inquire.

Q: How long will it take to get my score, and how do I view it?

A: You may check back on WebCentral at anytime; when your exam has been scored, the number will be visible. If more than 2 weeks have elapsed since you submitted your exam and you still have not received a score, please email Careen Szarmach at [email protected] with your full name, contact information, student ID# and bluenet ID (if you have them), and the nature of your inquiry.

Q: I took the exam and I disagree with my score...can I retake it and/or challenge my score?

A: We have a very rigorous training program for our placement exam graders, and we make our grading rubric and criteria visible to students even before they take the exam (which you can view on the exam itself), so we feel confident in our results. We do not allow students to retake the exam unless there are exceptional circumstances, but if you believe there is an error that needs to be redressed, please email Careen Szarmach at [email protected] with your full name, contact information, student ID# and bluenet ID (if you have them), and a carefully-written explanation of your concern and warranted action.

VII. My test in BlackBoard Learn has an old date and won't open.

Tests not stay open indefinitely. The testing period runs from March - drop/add in fall semester, and October - drop/add in spring semester. When drop/add comes to a close, the tests do as well. If the tests in your BlackBoard Learn are closed, you will need to be added to a new test. Please email your student ID and bluenet user ID to Careen Szarmach at [email protected] . Tests are emailed every Thursday morning, so manual additions must be emailed to Ms. Szarmach by Wednesday morning.

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Ramapo College of New Jersey Home Page » Student Success » Testing Center » Reading/Essay: FAQ

Testing Center Home
ACCUPLACER: Reading/Essay Test
Reclaim My Math
CLEP: College Level Examination Program
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PCMP: Preparation for College Mathematics Program
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TEAS: Test of Essential Academic Skills

Reading/Essay: FAQ

Important Information

Why am I being tested?

The purpose of taking placement tests is to identify students’ academic strengths and needs so that they can plan an appropriate schedule of course work.

The Ramapo College Reading/Essay Placement Test will give students information about their skills in writing/reading and will tell students at what level they need to begin their college studies. Staff will be on hand to explain results and answer questions.

What score would exempt me from taking this Placement Test?

SAT: 620 or higher Reading/Writing
ACT: Composite Score 26 or higher
Scores falling below those cut-offs will require Reading/Essay placement testing.

When is the Reading/Essay Placement Test offered?

The Reading/Essay Placement Test is offered daily unless otherwise noted on our testing appointment request form.

Should I take my Reading/Essay Placement Test before Orientation?

Yes, you should take the Reading/Essay Placement Test at least one week prior to your scheduled orientation date.
Sign up for the placement test(s) you need.
After completion, go to the Center for Student Success (D-207) and meet with an academic advisor.
Rearrange class schedule based on new score or as necessary.

How long is the exam?

The exam is at your own place for the Reading portion.
You will have a total of 40 minutes for the Essay portion.
We have found that students typically take 1 ½ hours for the Reading/Essay Placement Test.
Please note, we will pause a test after 2.5 hours and request that you schedule a continuation session if you have not yet finished. We have found that success rates decline after 2.5 hours.

What is the cost of the Reading/Essay Placement Test?

First time: $50.00 (non-refundable) paid via credit card at time of registration.
Re-test: $10.00 (non-refundable) paid via credit card at time of registration.

What happens if I do not pass the test?

Everyone passes the test. Students who place into developmental courses based upon the results of the placement test should plan to register for and complete these courses before or during their first semester of enrollment at Ramapo College.

Am I eligible to re-test?

On the Reading/Essay Placement Test, the range for re-test is an essay score of 1-6. If your essay score falls within this range, you are eligible to re-test.

Please note, re-testing will always be the combination of the Reading and Essay portion of the test. The test automatically starts with the Essay submission and then moves on to the Reading portion. We cannot separate sections and only re-test one piece of the test.

How could I receive accommodations for the Reading/Essay Placement Test?

All accommodations must be approved through the Office of Specialized Services.
If you were affiliated in High School and wish to be affiliated in college please contact the Office of Specialized Services (OSS) located in C205.
Current RCNJ students can fill out the form online or visit the OSS office in C205.
To contact the Office of Specialized Services you can email them at [email protected] or call at (201) 684-7514.

I am a transfer student, do I need to do the Reading/Essay Placement test?

Students with an Associates Degree that are waived from the general education requirements do not need placement testing.
Transfer students without an Associates Degree may need testing depending on incoming college credits.

Can I take my placement tests at another institution?

Yes, if you live more that 75 miles from campus you can take your placement tests at your local institution.
You must first request permission by emailing [email protected]
We will send you a voucher form to fill out and then you will need to make an appointment at your local institution that offers Next Generation Accuplacer testing.

505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, NJ 07430

p: 201-684-7500 e: [email protected]

Web Self-Service
Student Complaint Form

Placement Testing

The Testing Center administers placement tests or accepts measures of readiness to help determine a student's starting courses. Incoming college students must take a test or submit their measures after they submit an application but before registering for classes. Students who still need to satisfy college readiness may take one or more academic preparation courses before starting credit courses.

Take the placement tests with these instructions . Incoming traditional college students will take a placement test. The Testing Center administers the following placement tests to new students to measure their readiness for college courses:

CollegeBoard ACCUPLACER Reading and WritePlacer for U.S. students whose primary language is English.
The ESL ACCUPLACER test for international students.
The ALEKS-PPL math test to assess mathematics readiness.

Exemptions and waivers are here . The Testing Center also accepts other measures that grant exemptions to the placement test. Students may submit any or all of the following if they are less than 5-years-old:

High SAT, ACT, or GED scores.
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for graduates of U.S. public high schools.
Transfer credit from other institutions.
Recent, high placement test scores from other institutions.

WDCE programs have special instructions here . Students in some WDCE programs need a special version of the ACCUPLACER placement tests, which they may take in person or online. Traditional college students should not use these instructions.

Transfer placement test scores with these instructions . PGCC accepts some placement test scores from other institutions if they are less than four years old . Other institutions may accept some placement test scores taken at PGCC under certain rules and conditions. Please verify the other institution's rules for sending and receiving scores before attempting a score transfer.

The Placement Test Requires a Photo ID

Students must present one of these forms of photo ID for placement tests, waivers, and exemptions.

PGCC student ID or employee ID card (with name and photo).
State-issued driver's license.
Maryland state (MVA) ID card.
Employer's ID (with name and photo).
Valid passport.
U.S. Uniformed Service ID Card (military ID).
U.S. DoD Common Access Card.
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card/Form I-551).
Employment Authorization Document (work permit).

Rules for Placement Testing

Please complete all tests on your own using appropriate resources, such as a pencil and blank scratch paper.

Math tests provide a built-in calculator resource only for questions that require them.
Inappropriate resources include, but are not limited to, the following: other people, books, notes, the internet, phones, calculators, computers, etc.
If the College finds evidence that a student used an inappropriate resource while taking a placement test, their test scores will be invalidated and removed from their student record. Then, the student must take all future placement tests with an in-person proctor.
Incoming students must follow the College's Code of Conduct and other Testing Center rules .

PGCC uses ACCUPLACER and ALEKS-PPL Placement Tests

Prince George’s Community College uses different placement tests to help determine college readiness .

We use CollegeBoard's ACCUPLACER to evaluate reading and writing readiness for students educated in the United States and other countries. International students must take an ESL test to determine their English readiness. High school graduates will take ALEKS-PPL to evaluate their math readiness, while students in Early College Access programs will take ACCUPLACER's math tests.

Multiple Attempts

If you took a placement test multiple times, the College uses the best outcome to determine your final course placement. However, you may not take a placement test after you enroll in English or math courses since the test results cannot be used as a substitute for course performance. This applies even if you have only taken the placement test once.

Taking Each Test

All of the College's placement tests are web-based, but they will not work on phones or tablets. Click or tap the name of each placement test to read more about it. When you’re ready to take a placement test, please read our instructions for taking the placement test .

ACCUPLACER, from CollegeBoard, is a web-based test of English and Reading readiness for U.S. English-speaking students. ESL students are not eligible to use ACCUPLACER scores for placement.

ACCUPLACER WritePlacer is a single-question essay test of English readiness.
The platform will assign a single topic and you must write a roughly 300-word essay about it. The essay must be completed in one sitting.
This test takes around one hour to complete and is usually evaluated immediately. A result of “Score Pending” will become a final score on the next business day.
ACCUPLACER Reading is a multiple-choice test of Reading readiness.
You will have to read passages and answer questions about them.
The ACCUPLACER Reading test is adaptive. It usually has 20 questions, but may vary for each student and attempt.
This test takes around 40 minutes to complete and results are available immediately.

Current policy allows only two attempts at any ACCUPLACER test within a two-year time period. You may only take the test again if you did not enroll in an English or ESL class.

ALEKS-PPL is a web-based test of math readiness intended to replicate the pencil-and-paper experience. Students should use paper and pencil to work out the solution to each test question and enter it into ALEKS. It is not multiple-choice.

The ALEKS-PPL test is adaptive, and the number of questions changes as it measures your mathematics readiness. This test must be completed in one sitting and never exceeds 25 questions.
You have a time limit of two hours to complete and submit the test. If you exceed the time limit, the test will end, and you will receive a score and placement based on the work completed.
Most students need roughly one hour and 30 minutes for the test. Test results are available immediately.

When you finish, the ALEKS platform creates a series of prep and learning modules to help you improve your math skills for another attempt.

The Prep and Learning modules are self-paced math review lessons tailored to the results of your first ALEKS-PPL score.
You must spend at least five (5) hours of total work in the modules and wait at least one full day before you can retake the test. You do not have to complete all the work in one sitting.
ALEKS-PPL allows up to one year of time to work on the modules and retake the test before your access expires. Your previous scores will remain, but you may lose access to your modules and second test attempt. It is strongly recommended that you complete your required hours and retake the test as soon as possible.
Current policy allows only two attempts at the ALEKS-PPL test within a two-year time period. You may only retake the test if you did not enroll in a mathematics class.
The modules do not work on phones and tablets. You must use a desktop or laptop computer running recent versions of Windows, macOS, or recent Chromebook models.
The yellow button below lets you to log into ALEKS-PPL and continue working on your prep and learning modules. This link is not the placement test .

ALEKS-PPL STUDY MODULE

Starting in 2023, PGCC uses Accuplacer ESL to measure English and Reading readiness for international students. There is not a registration process. Students may take the ESL test immediately after applying to the college.

The ESL Test has four required sections: the ESL WritePlacer essay, Sentence Meaning, Language Use, and Reading Skills. You must complete all sections to get a final score.
The ESL WritePlacer section is a single-question essay. The platform will give you a topic and you must write a roughly 300-word essay under a 90-minute time limit.
The Sentence Meaning, Language Use, and Reading Skills sections have 20 multiple-choice questions each.
Each section can only be taken once.
The whole test takes roughly two and a half hours to complete, and results are available after two to three business days.

Students may only take the ESL test twice within a two-year time period.

Who takes the ESL Accuplacer test?

The ESL Accuplacer test is for incoming international students who need to demonstrate their level of English and Reading Readiness . However, international students may take the same English and Reading placement test as U.S. students if they satisfy any of the following conditions:

They completed all of their middle and high school education in the U.S.
They have a diploma from passing the GED tests in the U.S. Students with a GED diploma should submit their official GED transcripts to PGCC .
Antigua & Barbuda
The Bahamas
Cayman Islands
Commonwealth of Dominica
New Zealand
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Solomon Islands
Trinidad & Tobago
Turks & Caicos Islands
United Kingdom
United States of America
Virgin Islands

Sample Tests and Study Guides

This list of online resources can help students improve skills needed for the placement tests . Some may also be useful after starting courses.

Official CollegeBoard ACCUPLACER Guide
ESL Accuplacer Sample Test
Khan Academy
Purdue Online Writing Lab
Read Theory
Calculus Help
S.O.S. Mathematics

myPGCC, Owl Link, and Navigate

The College creates a myPGCC account for every student, unlocking many College services such as Owl Link and Navigate, without needing to visit our campus. These services will only work for students who submit their applications , pay any outstanding fees, and activate their myPGCC accounts.

You will need Owl Link to register for classes. Go to myPGCC and log in, then click Owl Link. If you have never used myPGCC, click First Time Login. New users may need to change their passwords. After you verify your Owl Link account, you can use PGCC Navigate to schedule appointments with advising and other offices.

Please contact the Technology Service Desk to resolve any issues.

Doing Well on the Placement Tests

No student will be denied admission to the College based on placement test results except for international students (F-1 visa) , who must score high enough to allow full-time enrollment. However, your test performance will determine which college courses you may or may not take. Academic preparation courses may be required for students whose scores do not satisfy college readiness. Students are advised to take the placement tests seriously and employ a common-sense approach when preparing for the test:

Eat well and get plenty of rest.
Allow yourself ample time to review the sample tests and study guides.
Review math operations with decimals, fractions, exponents, and algebra.

After Finishing the Placement Tests

For the in-person placement tests, students will receive a printed copy of their scores immediately. Instructors must evaluate the ESL test, which takes 2-3 business days. Typically, all scores will be posted to a student's record within two business days of receiving final scores from tests or assessments. Still, holidays and other college closures might delay this process.

Contacting an Advisor

After you finish the placement process, you must contact an advisor to register for courses. Please visit the College's advising site for the best ways to ask questions and schedule appointments.

ALEKS-PPL Prep and Learning Modules

When you finish the ALEKS-PPL math placement test, the ALEKS platform creates a series of prep and learning modules to help you improve your math skills for another attempt. The study modules do not work on phones and tablets . You must use a desktop or laptop computer running recent versions of Windows or macOS. You may also use recent Chromebook models. Use the yellow button below to log into ALEKS-PPL and continue working. This link is not the placement test.

Getting Copies of Placement Test Scores

If you have already taken a placement test at a PGCC campus within the last four years, you may request a printed copy of your placement test scores from the Testing Center. You must come to the Testing Center in person and show a valid photo ID to get your scores. The testing center is located in Bladen Hall, Room 100, at PGCC's main campus in Largo, MD.

Transferring Placement Test Scores

Students may also request a transfer of certain placement test scores directly to other accredited institutions. The College cannot guarantee which scores other institutions and organizations will accept or use. Contact us below for more information.

Contact the Testing Center

Email: [email protected] Phone number: 301-546-0147

Get Ready to Take the Placement Test
Learn About Exemptions and Test Waivers
Sample Tests
WDCE Program Tests
Transfer placement test scores

College Admission Glossary: Learn the Lingo

Find the right college for you..

What does admission mean? What is a transcript? What's the difference between early action and early decision? When applying to college, you're bound to come across unfamiliar collegiate terms. This glossary can help you make sense of all the college terms you're sorting through.

A standardized college admission test. It features four main sections: English, math, reading and science — and an optional essay section.

Admissions Process

The entire process you go through to get into college. To define admissions, you need to include a number of components. The process starts early in high school as you begin building your GPA and ends when you move into your dorm. Your research, college visits, applications, letters of recommendation, high school transcripts, and admissions essays are all important parts of the admissions meaning.

Admissions Decisions

The decisions made by the college admissions committee about which applicants receive acceptance letters and which applicants do not. Early decisions are available to students who submit their applications within each school's early decision timeline. See "Early Decision (ED)" for further information.

Admission Tests

Also known as college entrance exams, these are tests designed to measure students' skills and help colleges evaluate how ready students are for college-level work. The ACT and the College Board's SAT are two standardized admission tests used in the United States. The word "standardized" means that the test measures the same thing in the same way for everyone who takes it. Read more about admission tests .

Articulation Agreement

An agreement between two-year and four-year colleges that makes it easier to transfer credits between them. It spells out which courses count for degree credit and the grades you need to earn to get credit.

Bachelor's Degree

When you complete the required courses and earn enough credits, typically after four years in college, you will earn a BA or bachelor's degree. Depending upon your major, you may earn a bachelor of arts (BA), bachelor of science (BS), or bachelor of fine arts (BFA).

Candidates Reply Date Agreement (CRDA)

An agreement many colleges follow that gives applicants until May 1 to accept or decline offers of admission. This deadline gives students time to get responses from most of the colleges they have applied to before deciding on one.

A measurement of how your academic achievement in high school compares with that of other students in your grade. Your class ranking is primarily based on your GPA. Some schools calculate class rank differently than others, so check with your school officials for information on how your school calculates GPA.

Coalition Application

A standard application form accepted by members of the Coalition for College. You can use this application to apply to any of the more than 90 colleges and universities that are members of the Coalition.

College Application Essay

An essay that a college requires students to write and submit as part of their application. Some colleges offer applicants specific questions to answer, while others simply ask applicants to write about themselves. Colleges may refer to this as a “personal statement.” Learn more about college application essays .

College Credit

What you get when you successfully complete a college-level course. You need a certain number of credits to graduate with a degree. Colleges may also grant credit for scores on exams, such as those offered by the College Board’s AP Program® and CLEP. Learn more about AP and CLEP .

College Financial Aid Offer

An offer of financial assistance to those who receive acceptance to a college. The offer includes all the monetary assistance available to you to pay for college. Also called an award letter, a financial aid award letter, or simply an offer, your letter will include the need-based assistance you qualify to receive based on your FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and any other required forms such as the CSS Profile or an institutional form.

Common Application

A standard application form accepted by all colleges that are members of the Common Application association. The definition of the Common Application is synonymous with college application. You can fill out the Common App once and submit it to any one or several of the nearly 700 colleges that accept it. Go to the Common Application .

Deferred Admission

Permission from a college that has accepted you to postpone enrolling in the college. The postponement is usually for up to one year. Often, a college requires a good-faith deposit to hold your place for the deferment period. Additionally, your college may ask you to account for your experiences during deferment.

Demonstrated Interest

An action that demonstrates you have a sincere interest in attending a particular college. Many admissions committees consider this factor in making their decisions. Some of the ways you can demonstrate an interest in attending include a campus visit or virtual tour participation, having an initial interview, conversations with admission representatives, and applying for early admission.

Early Action (EA)

An option to submit an application to your first-choice college before the regular deadline. When you apply early decision, you get an admission decision earlier than usual. Early decision plans are binding. You agree to enroll in the college immediately if admitted and offered a financial aid package that meets your needs. Some colleges have an early decision option called ED II, which has a later application deadline than their regular ED plan. Learn more about applying early .

Early Decision (ED)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Everyone planning to attend college should fill in and submit a FAFSA prior to their first year. It determines if you qualify for financial assistance with tuition so you can attend the school of your choice. Your college offer may be based on your FAFSA results.

Financial Aid

Money given or loaned to you to help pay for college. Financial aid can come from federal and state governments, colleges, and private organizations. It might also include work-study assistance. Learn more about financial aid .

Grade Point Average (GPA)

A number that shows overall academic performance. It's computed by assigning a point value to each grade you earn. It is also a key factor in determining your class rank.

Legacy Applicant

A college applicant with a relative (usually a parent or grandparent) who graduated from that college. Some colleges give preference to legacy applicants (also called "legacies").

Need-Blind Admission

A policy of making admission decisions without considering the financial circumstances of applicants. Colleges that use this policy may or may not offer enough financial aid to meet a student's full need.

Open Admission

A policy of accepting any high school graduate, no matter what his or her grades are, until all spaces in the incoming class are filled. Almost all two-year community colleges have an open-admission policy. However, a college with a general open-admission policy may have admission requirements for certain programs.

Placement Tests

Tests that measure the academic skills needed for college-level work. They cover reading, writing, math, and sometimes other subjects. Placement test results help determine what courses you are ready for and whether you would benefit from remedial classes. They can also determine whether you need to take a basic course. Read more about placement tests .

Priority Date or Deadline

The date by which your application—whether it's for college admission, student housing, or financial aid—must be received to be given the strongest consideration.

The college official who registers students. The registrar may also be responsible for keeping permanent records and maintaining your student file.

Rolling Admission

An admission policy of considering each application as soon as all required information (such as high school records and test scores) has been received, rather than setting an application deadline and reviewing applications in a batch. Colleges that use a rolling admission policy usually notify applicants of admission decisions quickly.

College Board’s standardized college admission test. It features three main sections: math, reading and writing, which includes a written essay. Learn more about the SAT .

Sophomore Standing

The status of a second-year student. A college may grant sophomore standing to an incoming first-year student if they have earned college credits through courses, exams, or other programs at a previous school.

The official record of your coursework at a school or college. Your high school transcript is usually required for college admission, and for some financial aid packages or scholarship applications.

Transfer Student

A student who enrolls in a college after having attended another college. Before transferring, you should check with your current and future colleges to find out which credits will transfer.

Undergraduate

A college student who is working toward an associate degree or a bachelor's degree.

Universal College Application

A standard application form accepted by all colleges that are Universal College Application (UCA) members. Established in 2007, this application offers shortcuts—such as no recommendation letter requirement—that may help you complete your package sooner. However, not all colleges accept it, so check with your school to make sure. Go to the Universal College Application .

Waiting List

The list of applicants who may be admitted to a college if space becomes available. Colleges wait to hear if all the students they accepted decide to attend. If students don't enroll and there are empty spots, a college may fill them with students who are on the waiting list. Learn more about waiting lists .

Weighted Grade Point Average (GPA)

A grade point average that's calculated using a system that assigns a higher point value to grades in certain classes, typically more difficult ones. For example, some high schools assign the value of 5.0 (instead of the standard 4.0) for an A earned in an AP class.

Virtual College

Online college classes. Some colleges are entirely virtual and do not maintain an actual campus, while others offer online and in-person courses. While virtual college classes are often more convenient because they allow you to set your own schedule, some subjects, such as science labs, require hands-on participation that you cannot do online.

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Placement Testing at BSU

Bristaco the Bear waving tassels while leading the BSU marching band on campus

Incoming Student Placement Testing

Complete your placement testing asap..

Bridgewater Elementary Algebra Readiness (BEAR) Exam: A two-part mathematics exam to determine your math placement.

In-person BEAR Exam Registration

Online BEAR Exam Registration

English Essay: Self-submit your essay as soon as possible to get placed and scored into an English class. Essays submitted must be written using the prompt provided. To access the prompt, you must read through all instructions when you click the button below.

Access Prompt & Submit your English Essay

Information for Students

If you were recently accepted to BSU and have decided to attend our university, first off, congratulations! We're excited that you're joining our university! By now, you may have gotten word that you'll need to sign up for placement testing and orientation before you begin studying here at BSU. If you are an incoming first-year student, you'll need to complete placement testing. If you are an incoming transfer student, you may or may not need to complete placement testing, depending on your academic history at your previous institution(s).

To learn more about a particular placement exam, click on one of the tabs below.

$students working in math class$

Mathematics

Reading and Writing

Related links and resources, take the next step.

IMAGES

Essay Type Tests : Types of Tests.
English Placement Test
College Placement Test
to download a sample prompt for an English Placement Test
College english placement test essay
Oxford Placement Test 6

VIDEO

Placement test for UCundinamarca profesor
Full Placement test A Question 2
Full Placement test A Question 1
Essay Type Test : Meaning, Definition, Merits and Demerits // For all teaching subjects
A brief history of writing assessment
HOW TO WRITE ESSAY ! Court Exams ! SC HC DC ! Descriptive Test

COMMENTS

Download and practice with free sample questions
See sample questions to help you practice for ACCUPLACER ESL tests. PDF. 212.16 KB. Download sample essay prompts and view scored essays. WritePlacer and WritePlacer ESL guides show you the types of prompts you might see on the WritePlacer tests, as well as examples of responses to those prompts, the scores they received, and why they received ...
How to Write an Essay for a College Placement Exam
Writing the Essay. Typically, the essay portion of a college placement exam should be structured in a five-paragraph format consisting of an introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion. The thesis statement should be placed in the introduction and all subsequent information should directly support -- with explanation, analysis and ...
Home
ACCUPLACER tests help colleges make accurate course placement decisions and set students up for success. Registration is ... There are free sample questions available for download with all ACCUPLACER tests, including the ESL tests with essays. Download Samples For Students. Get ready to succeed on ACCUPLACER so you can start earning ...
English Placement Test Preparation
The English placement test is a type of a verbal reaoning psychometric test used to gauge your level of fluency in English. The English placement test measures your aptitude for a variety of factors within the language. ... Write essays, paragraphs, or journal entries to enhance your writing skills. Focus on organizing your ideas logically ...
English Placement Test Essay Examples
English Placement Test Essay Examples - Answers. 1. The correct answer is B. The word "employees" forms the grammatical subject of the sentence. The writer is speaking about all of the workers at the Department of Education, so we need to use the plural form. An apostrophe is not required since we do not need the possessive form.
Writing Placement Test
Before you submit your essay, you should proofread (reread and correct) your essay. You can use spell-check and scratch paper. We strongly recommend that you take a few steps to get ready before taking your writing placement essay test. Students who review first typically do much better than those who do not.
Sample English Essay and Evaluation
Sample Essays. Below are two sample essays. Both essays are in response to the writing prompt below. The first sample essay demonstrates a readiness for English Composition I (a writing course required in all degree programs). The second contains weak areas demonstrating a need for additional support to foster success in English Composition I.
Demystifying College Placement Tests
In a writing placement test, students are required to read a brief composition and then compose a coherent essay in response to it. This test evaluates your grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and thought expression. Your writing skills might not be good enough for college, even if you did well in high school.
Information on English Placement Exam
For information about English Placement on another Ohio State campus, please contact your advisor. The English Placement Exam asks students to respond to a prompt that requires critical reading, summary skills, and an original essay in response. Students read a short opinion piece (approximately 500-750 words) and are asked to summarize and ...
PDF Writing Placement Test Student Preparation Information
The Placement Test in Reading is an un-timed, multiple-choice, computer-based test called the COMPASS exam. The COMPASS differs from other placement tests in that it is computerized and ... essay should include: an introduction, a clear thesis statement, supporting details organized into neat paragraphs and units, and a conclusion. Question A
Placement
Composition Placement Procedure Details. The flow chart below illustrates CSU's Composition Placement procedures. Match your highest test score (on the ACT, SAT, TOEFL IBT/PBT, IELTS or PTE) to the appropriate group. If you have taken more than one test (for example, the ACT and the SAT), we look at the highest score to determine composition ...
ACCUPLACER WritePlacer Essay Test Practice
The ACCUPLACER Essay is a test of your formal writing skills, not of your creativity. Keep your argument in line; the ACCUPLACER WritePlacer is grading you on how well you can deliver and develop an argument. Make sure that you do so thoroughly by remembering the main points of your essay, and not going off on a tangent.
Writing and Reading Placement Testing
Writing and Reading Placement Testing. All incoming first-year students will compose a brief essay off campus, on their own time. This score along with high school GPA and SAT scores will help determine which first-year English course you will take. Incoming transfer students may also need to write an essay if English courses were not ...
Reading/Essay Placement Test Resources
We highly encourage students to study/review prior to testing. below are some sites you may find helpful. Accuplacer Sample Questions Accuplacer Web-Based Study App Essay Practice & Resources Khan Academy(link) Purdue Owl (link) Guide with Sample Essays (PDF) Guide with Sample Essays (PDF)
English Placement Test (EPT) & Math Placement Test (MPT)
The test provides a prompt: a short paragraph that describes a specific controversial statement. You will write an argumentative essay that takes a position on the topic given in the prompt. You will give a series of arguments that support your position on the issue.
Placement
Placement Test Options. By taking the ACCUPLACER tests, applicants will be placed in the most appropriate English and Math courses as indicated by their ACCUPLACER test results. There are three options for testing. ... Your essay will be read by at least one faculty member, who will rescore your essay for placement. The combined scores of the ...
Writing Placement Exam
The Placement Exam includes demographic questions and an essay section. Each part of the Placement Exam is mandatory, and you cannot continue to the next step until you've completed the step you are on. ... Look under Test Scores for your Writing Placement Test score, which indicates your placement. 0=WRT 100 3=ESL 100 1=WRT 105/105P 4=ESL ...
Reading/Essay: FAQ
On the Reading/Essay Placement Test, the range for re-test is an essay score of 1-6. If your essay score falls within this range, you are eligible to re-test. Please note, re-testing will always be the combination of the Reading and Essay portion of the test. The test automatically starts with the Essay submission and then moves on to the ...
Placement Testing
The Testing Center administers placement tests or accepts measures of readiness to help determine a student's starting courses. Incoming college students must take a test or submit their measures after they submit an application but before registering for classes. ... ACCUPLACER WritePlacer is a single-question essay test of English readiness ...
ALP/ESL Placement Test and Waiver
50-minute timed essay. Placement Test Preparation. Students are strongly encouraged to study for the placement exam; You may find available study guides on the "Accuplacer Study Guides" Web page. Review the Accuplacer ESL Tests Sample Questions; Check out the Accuplacer Writeplacer ESL Sample Essays; Placement Test Fee. Remote online ...
Common College Admission Terms Glossary
An essay that a college requires students to write and submit as part of their application. Some colleges offer applicants specific questions to answer, while others simply ask applicants to write about themselves. ... Placement Tests. Tests that measure the academic skills needed for college-level work. They cover reading, writing, math, and ...
Placement Testing at BSU
Placement testing at Bridgewater State University is, therefore, mandatory. Placement test scores are used in connection with other factors to inform course selection for math and English courses. Students' skills are assessed in three broad areas: mathematics, reading, and writing. , Information for Students If you were recently accepted to ...

How to Write an Essay for a College Placement Exam

Writing the Essay

Time Management

Verbal Reasoning Tests

English Placement Test Online Preparation, Free Practice Questions & Tips – 2024

What Is an English Placement Test?

How to Prepare for the English Placement Test?

Example Question with Explanation

English Placement Test Sample Questions

English Placement Test Essay Examples

English Placement Test Essay Examples – Answers

More English Test Practice

Writing Placement Test

Writing Placement Test FAQ

Testing Center

Sample Essays

English Composition I (ENL 111)

Student Essay:

Faculty Evaluation:

English Composition I (ENL 111) with English Composition Lab (ENL105)

The future needs you

Table of Contents

Demystifying College Placement Tests – Your Path to Academic Success

Understanding College Placement Tests

What is Placement Testing?

Types of Placement Tests

1. Math Placement Test

2. Reading Placement Test

3. Writing Placement Test

4. English Placement Test

5. Foreign language Placement Test

6. Computer and Internet Technologies Placement Test

7. Health Science Placement Test

Why Are College Placement Tests Essential?

Seven Important Preparation Tips for College Placement Tests

Understand the Test Format

Review the Content

Use Official Study Materials

Seek Additional Resources

Create a Study Schedule

Break It Down

Practice Regularly

Taking the Test – Dos and Don’ts

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I register for placement tests?

How many times can I take a placement test for college?

Final Words

Reference Links

Emily Watson

Scholarships for Working Moms in 2024

Associate Degree vs Bachelor’s Degree

11 Main Reasons Why Students Drop out of College

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Information on English Placement Exam

General Directions for the Placement Exam

Frequently Asked Questions

UNDERGRADUATE

Composition Course Comparison

CO150: College Composition

Composition Placement Procedure Details

ACT / SAT Test Scores

Transfer Credit

Placement Essay

Self-Placement

Composition Placement Questions?

Catherine Ratliff

Frequently Asked Questions

Prepare for the ACCUPLACER Essay

How Is the ACCUPLACER Writing Test Graded?

Related Links

English Placement Test (EPT) & Math Placement Test (MPT)

English Placement Test (EPT)

What Is The EPT?

How Is The EPT Conducted?

The EPT Example

How Should You Structure Your Written Response?

How Is Your EPT Essay Evaluated?

What Score Do You Need?

What If You Don’t Achieve The Minimum Score?

When Will I Receive My Result?