Should i study for placement exams

Things to know about tests on a computer: There are fewer questions. The questions change to match your ability. For example, if you answer a question incorrectly, the next question will not be harder. Most of these tests are timed. Scores are shared immediately. But: Reading text on a computer screen can be difficult for some people.

For the math section, you need to work out the problem on scrap paper and then input the correct answer in the computer. Things to know about tests on paper: You can go back and check or change your answers when you are done answering all the questions, if you have time. You do not need to know how to use a computer to take it.

You can work out math problems right in the test booklet. But: The test is timed. For example, you may have to complete 25 questions within 35 minutes. The level of difficulty of the questions cannot change to match your ability. Questions tend start off relatively easy and then get harder. It might take a few days or weeks to receive the results. Preparing for a Placement Test You cannot fail a placement test. If English is Your Second Language: It is important to ask at the college which placement test they use if you want to earn college credits towards a degree.

How long will it take? Is it timed? Will you be allowed to use any study aids to complete the exam? Knowing what you are up against will help eliminate any pretest anxiety and help you get prepared. The tasks and text reflect what would typically be encountered as a first-year student. It is divided into five subtests:.

Computer adaptive testing is a little different than tests you have traditionally taken over the years. It selects from a group of questions and presents them to test takers based on skill level.

The test represents a range of difficulties so that it is tailored to each student, and their individual responses reveal the most valuable information about them. These are not pass or fail tests — instead, they show the measure or your academic skills.

The level of difficulty may be different for each person based on the responses to the questions which are given. It is an untimed test, so you can take all the time you need to consider your answers before submitting them. The number of questions on the tests is variable as well. There may be between 12 to 40 questions in total, and each test will be different. The sequence of the questions will vary with each test, as well.

The Accuplacer tests are all in multiple-choice format except for the essay portion. The Reading test assesses your ability to derive meaning from a range of texts and to determine the meaning of words and phrases in short and extended contexts. Passages on the test cover a range of content areas, writing modes, and complexities. Both single and paired passages are included. The Arithmetic test focuses on computation, order of operations, estimation and rounding, comparing and ordering values in different formats, and recognizing equivalent values across formats.

The Arithmetic test assesses the following knowledge and skills:. The WritePlacer essay measures your ability to write effectively, which is critical to your academic success. Your score is based on your ability to express, organize, and support your opinions and ideas. The following five characteristics of writing will be considered:. There are many online resources to choose from to help you prepare to do your best on the exam.

Practice tests, quizzes, flashcards, writing prompts, and more are all just a click away. Mometrix Test Preparation Materials. Exam Sam. There may be workshops, review packets, and helpful tools both on and offline. If you can visit the campus learning center to prepare, do so. This will help you familiarize yourself with the surroundings, so when the test day arrives, you know where to park, which area of campus you need to report to, and other details.

If you still have notes and books from previous classes, now is the time to review them and refresh your memory on some of the subjects that will be on the placement tests. You can use the same study tips and routine you would use when preparing for any other test. Brush up on any math formulas you will need to remember as well. If the school you plan to attend is in another State, you will need to contact them to obtain permission to take the test at a local institution. They may already have remote locations in place for testing, or you might need to schedule the test yourself.

There are NO calculators allowed in the placement exam - if you have always done math with a calculator you will need to practice without it! Math : topics include: Linear equations and inequalities, Linear equations and inequalities with two variables, Systems of linear equations and inequalities, Exponents and polynomials, Factoring, Rational Expressions, Roots and Radicals, Quadratic equations, order of operations, fractions - all without a calculator!

Reading Comprehension: critical reading skills, cause and effect, identifying main idea, theme, strategies for multiple choice exams. Writing: you will need to write a well constructed essay on a topic provided; practice responding to passages, supporting an argument with information, using passage information in an argument.

The exams are not long, some are as short as 12 questions - get used to not skipping questions and working through all problems. Create a free account to track your progress and improve skills over time; use their practice Accuplacer math tools to practice and estimate your score.