TC3 Placement Testing Information

You are required to take placement tests before registering for your first classes unless you transfer in college-level credit. You should take these tests very seriously and plan to do your best; the scores will be used to help decide which courses you may take in your first semester at TC3. It is extremely important that you and your advisor have the most accurate assessment possible of your writing, math, and reading skills when you select your courses. Based on the overall assessment, including results of placement tests, some students will be required to complete pre-college courses before moving on to program courses that require college-level writing, reading and mathematics skills. Placement testing is just one part of the assessment process. To give the admissions staff and your academic advisor the most complete information possible, make sure the Admissions Office has received official copies of your transcripts from any high schools or colleges you have attended, or other relevant assessment information (e.g., GED certificate).

NOTE: Please bring a picture ID to the test.

Students are advised to be well-rested and have a good breakfast (or lunch) before coming to the testing appointment.

IF YOU WILL NOT BE A HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE OR HAVE COMPLETED YOUR GED BEFORE YOUR CLASSES BEGIN, you are required to take the Reading Comprehension, Sentence Skills, and Arithmetic tests described below, and score at a predetermined level on all, before you can be admitted to the college. Call the Enrollment Services Center at 607-844-6580 for more information.

IF YOU ARE A STUDENT WITH A DISABILITY, contact Carolyn Boone in the Baker Center for Learning at 607-844-8222 ext. 4283 to arrange accommodations for placement testing, registration, and to discuss any other needs. Test accommodations must be arranged before your test date. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to, screen magnification, taped administration, writing accommodations, or use of a calculator.

IF ENGLISH IS NOT YOUR FIRST LANGUAGE, you will not be taking the tests described here. Call the Enrollment Services Center at 607-844-6580 to find out about the tests you will need to take.

What you need to know about the placement tests:

You will be taking a test called ACCUPLACER on a computer. Only basic keyboard and/or mouse skills are necessary. The test will begin with a tutorial explaining how to respond to each question type. Most questions are multiple-choice.

The multiple-choice portions of the tests are not timed; you may work at your own pace. The writing sample will be timed. Depending on how many tests you are required to take, you can expect to spend 2 to 3 hours on the tests. The main tests are described below.

Reading Comprehension Test (20 questions) - This test assesses your ability to understand different types of college-level reading materials. You will be given a number of short reading passages followed by questions. The questions will relate to your comprehension of what you have read and your ability to reason from the information in the passage. Your score will help determine whether you need to take a pre-college reading course (RDNG 099), a college-level reading and study skills course (RDNG116), or no reading course. The reading test score will also be used as evidence of readiness for writing courses (ENGL 099, 100 and 101).

Sentences Skills Test (20 questions) - This test assesses your understanding of sentence structure – how sentences are put together and what makes a sentence complete and clear. Your score will help determine whether you need to take a pre-college writing course (ENGL 099) or are ready for Academic Writing I (ENGL 100) or Academic Writing II (ENGL 101).

WritePlacer Test (essay) – This test will allow you to demonstrate your writing skills. Grammar and spelling will count, along with punctuation, focus, and organization. This part of the test will have a time limit. You will type your essay on the computer. The results of this test will be used in the decision about which writing course you will take in the first semester (ENGL 099, 100 or 101).

Arithmetic Test (17 questions) - This test assesses your ability to perform basic arithmetic operations and to solve problems that involve fundamental arithmetic concepts. You may not use a calculator on the test. Problems will involve use of fractions, decimals, and percentages. Your score will help determine whether you need to take a pre-college numerical skills course (MATH090) before taking other math courses required in your program.

Elementary Algebra (12 questions) – This test assesses your ability to perform algebraic operations. Problems will involve use of integers, rational numbers, monomials and polynomials, factoring, and other algebraic expressions. Your score will help determine whether you need to take a pre-college algebra course (MATH095) before taking other math courses required in your program.

College-Level Math (20 questions) - This test assesses your proficiency in intermediate algebra through precalculus. Your score will help determine whether you will be placed in Intermediate Algebra (MATH100) or a higher level math course as required by your program.

Where you can find materials to help prepare for the placement test:

There are numerous websites that contain practice tests and information to help you “brush up” on your skills. If you do not have a computer at home, you can access these materials at your local public library or in the computer labs at TC3.

www.collegeboard.com
Use this site to obtain basic descriptions and sample questions for the ACCUPLACER writing (sentence skills and essay), reading comprehension, arithmetic, algebra, and college-level mathematics tests.

www.google.com
Use this site to search for additional practice questions and skills instruction. Type in “Accuplacer practice” or “Accuplacer instruction.”

General Review Books
You can also find review/preparation books and software in bookstores and libraries. There are no books available specifically for ACCUPLACER tests; however, materials directed at the GED, ACT, or “basic skills” may be helpful.