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 enter college.
Trust me, just like you, I worked so hard to acquire a good score on the entrance exam. And after achieving that, there was another vital exam waiting for me: college placement tests.
A test that determines your placement in certain coursework, especially in Math and English. It plays a significant role in your college career by making you realize your expertise.
However, in this brief guide, I will walk you through each stage of college placement tests, from understanding the test concept to interpreting your scores.
So, hang on, and let’s jump right into it.
Understanding College Placement Tests
College placement tests are standardized tests given to incoming students to assess their academic skills and place them in appropriate courses. The tests typically cover English, reading, math, and foreign languages. College placement tests are used to ensure that 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 Math, 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 break it down for you.
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, around 90 percent of community college students sit for placement tests before registering for classes. So, 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. As a result, a noticeable number of students who lack basic college-level academic qualifications get admitted.
Therefore, many colleges ask students to take a placement test so that they can judge them according to their abilities and place them in a certain course where they really belong.
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. Here are 7 placement tests that most colleges prefer to assess their students—
- Math
- Reading
- Writing
- Foreign languages
- English
- Computer and Internet technologies
- Health and natural sciences
Among these tests, the first five tests are the most common ones taken in most community or four-year colleges.
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 use to see how well students know reading, writing, and math.
ACCUPLACER is a testing system that includes a number of tests on subjects like reading, writing, and math 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
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, graphing, etc.
It also covers advanced topics like parabolas, logarithms, determinants, and so on.
You will get 90 minutes for 60 multiple-choice questions and a score of 30 or higher can get you a great placement in math courses.
It is an essential section to make sure you don’t struggle and become overwhelmed in advanced classes.
2. Reading Placement Test
Reading placement test assesses your reading comprehension ability. You will be involved in reading different texts and passages. Afterward, you will be asked to answer multiple-choice questions.
The total number of questions varies from college to college. In general, you have to answer around 30 questions. For more info, you can 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
A writing placement test asks students to read a short piece of writing and then write a well-organized essay about it.
In a writing placement test, students are required to read a brief composition and then compose a coherent essay in response to it.
This section evaluates how good your grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and thought expression are.
Whether you have already done a good job in your school, your writing skills might not be adequate for college . That’s why, for first-year college students, there is a writing placement test requirement from most community colleges.
In most cases, you have to submit a passage or a thesis paper within two hours and this whole process includes topic outlining and writing. But fear not, because I know, just like me, you can also do it.
4. English Placement Test
An English placement test is a test that colleges use to see how well you can read and understand written English. The test has three parts: reading, writing, and listening.
An English Placement Test (EPT) gauges a student’s proficiency in reading and comprehending written English.
It is used by the colleges to determine in which English class you will fit the best. The test consists of three sections: reading, writing, and listening.
Unlike other placement tests, an English placement test is not mandatory for every college or university. However, some of them require it.
For instance, the University of Georgia takes an English placement exam that contains 60 questions and the test lasts for 60 minutes.
This test will assess your broader language skills, including vocabulary, language usage, and grammar.
5. Foreign language Placement Test
A foreign language placement test helps students sign up for the right foreign language class. The test is designed to make sure that students are placed in the right foreign language class based on their past classes or experience with the language.
Foreign Language Placement Test or Foreign Language Placement Assessment (FLPA) is designed to assess the foreign language proficiency of a student based on his previous coursework and skill on the language.
By taking this test, colleges identify your appropriate level for that particular foreign language course, whether it’s introductory, intermediate, or advanced.
The foreign language test mostly includes questions related to listening, vocabulary, and grammar. This process ensures you are not placed in a class that’s not too easy or too challenging for you.
6. Computer and Internet Technologies Placement Test
The Computer Skills Placement Test (CSP) is a test that colleges use to see how well you know how to use computers.
A Computer Skill Placement(CSP) test, also known as a Computer Skills Assessment, is an evaluation designed to assess your computer literacy and proficiency in using various computer applications and software.
Students who plan 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, software, and hardware.
Other than that, the test examines your basic and essential knowledge of databases or spreadsheets.
However, the exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics like introduction to computer systems, system software, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, etc.
7. Health Science Placement Test
Health Science Placement Tests are tests that colleges use to place students in the right health science classes for their level.
The Health Science Placement Test or TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is an entrance exam that determines entry-level skills of health science students in four subjects to place them in the right courses according to their expertise.
Here are the subjects-
- Reading
- Math
- Science
- English and language usage
If you are an applicant for a nursing or radiology program, you have to take the TEAS test. Plus, it is a computerized exam consisting of multiple-choice questions.
The time and number distribution are given below—
| Section of Exam | Number of Questions | Time (minutes) |
| Reading | 53 | 64 |
| Math | 36 | 54 |
| Science | 53 | 63 |
| English and language usage | 28 | 28 |
| Total | 170 | 209 minutes or 3 hours, 29 minutes |
Now the question is, what are the possible skills depending on which you will be questioned?
- Reading (31%) – Craft and structure, key ideas and details, consolidation of ideas and knowledge.
- Math (22%) – Measurements and data, Numbers and Algebra.
- Science (31%) – Scientific reasoning, Life and physical science, human anatomy and physiology
- English and Language Usage (16%)– Vocabulary, Knowledge of language, standard English
Why Are College Placement Tests So Important?
College placement tests are important because they help colleges see if students have the skills they need to start college.
The placement tests not only help the college to make an informed decision about the course placements but also assist you in your academic career. It makes sure you remain in your comfort zone and enjoy the classes.
You see, the scores you achieve in these tests carry a substantial weight. High scores can open the doors of advanced courses for you.
What happens if you get low scores in College Placement Tests?
If you don’t do well on a placement test, you’ll be placed in classes that will help you learn the material before you move on to harder classes. But you can’t fail a placement test.
It will lead you to a remedial class, which ultimately helps you to improve. So, it’s a win-win situation.
I can remember my high school friend Sarah, who scored exceptionally well on the placement test, resulting in her being placed in advanced math and science courses right from the start.
This particularly boosted her confidence and helped her to be ahead of schedule.
Conversely, my good friend 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.
7 Important Tips to Prepare for College Placement Tests
Here are seven practical tips on how to prepare effectively for placement tests—
Understand the Test Format
Start by familiarizing yourself with the format and structure of the placement test. You must get 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, if it’s a math placement test, review concepts in algebra, geometry, and arithmetic.
And for the writing placement test, brush up on 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 like test prep books, online courses, and study guides. There are often free or affordable options available online.
Create a Study Schedule
You have to have a study schedule according to your learning style and commitments. Dedicate specific times each day or week because consistency is key, so stick to your schedule.
Break It Down
Divide your study material into manageable chunks. Plus, 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 real test.
Taking the Test – Dos and Don’ts
Now, finally the test day. What to do and what not? Well, taking a placement test requires exquisite planning and execution. Follow my following instructions to ensure an amazing score—
- Always 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 (identification, pencils, any allowed reference sheet, or calculator).
- When you start, read each question and prompt carefully. If there is a passage, you can first read the questions and identify some keywords. This will make the answering process faster and more efficient.
- Smart time management is important. Don’t dwell on difficult questions. Just move on to the next after marking them for review.
- If there is no penalty for a wrong answer, answer all the questions. An educated guess can earn you points.
- Finally, at the end of every section, check for omissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a decent score for College Placement Tests?
In general, an ACCUPLACER test score between 200 to 230 is considered a low score, and above 230 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. He will assess your academic history and let you know whether you need to take a test. Then, 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
And there you have it! College placement tests are pivotal in shaping your academic success. Have faith! Proper preparation, intellectual guidance, careful execution, and a positive mindset can really get you what you desire.
For you, these tests aren’t barriers, these are opportunities that are waiting for you. They are ways to showcase your abilities and expertise.
So, embrace them, stay focused, and let them guide you towards a brighter future and achievement.
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
