Has anyone heard of ACCUPLACER placement tests?

Sand_Dollar, BSN · Aug 29, 2008

I just took the accuplacer yesterday. I haven't been in highschool for 22 years, but homeschool my daughter who's in the 9th grade (and I check her algebra homework, using an answer book). I used the 'Test Prep Review' site to study for it. I did all parts of the test, then went back and reviewed the parts I got wrong. I figured I could take the real test, study my weak areas, come back and take it again (allowed 2 tries per semester).

I studied weighted averages and simple interest, and wouldn't you know it, there wasn't one question on either - figures. BUT, there were kinds like xe - rh = a (find x) type and algebraic fractions (had to look up the name of those). I didn't see these on the review and didn't remember exactly how to do them, so ended up taking lots of 'educated' guesses. I knew I totally blew that part of test. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest and knew I was going to have to take a remedial class.

I dejectedly dragged my butt out of the testing room and over to the proctor. He printed out my scores and handed them to me; I had no idea what they meant, until I read the bottom of the printout. I about dropped to the floor in relief. I got 104 in reading, 110 in sentence skills, 117 in arithmetic and 96 in algebra. For me that means no reading classes needed, I got English Comp 1 (Eng 121) and College Algebra (Mat 121). And I don't have to take the intro to computers class either, woohoo (it was a separate test)!

DaddyO - There were only 12 algebra q's, but they were a bit difficult. I would suggest taking the test, finding your weaknesses and going from there. Don't waste time studying with too wide of a net. Who knows, you might be like me and surprise yourself . Good luck, no matter how you approach it!

blueelle · Aug 29, 2008

DaddyO,

The test is adaptive, different people are going to get different levels of math depending on how well they are doing. In the preliminary questions if a student has had one or more years of highschool alegbra and has answered yes to that question, they will start with Elementary Algebra, then go to Arithmetic. Depending on how well they do on these two sections they may be given College Math. From my experience most students are only given the first two sections. Alegebra has 12 questions, Arithmetic has 17 and College Math has 20.

Hope this helps!

DaddyO · Aug 29, 2008

Sand and Blue....

Thanks to you both. The reviews on the Accuplacer Review book, are not the best. The Accuplacer is used as an entrance exam for the nursing program at my school.

Can I ask you how did you prepare for the Reading and sentence parts.

I have completed most of my pre-req's (A&P 1 and II, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics and Algebra (Calculus I and II)...taking Chemisty in the Fall. But it has been 15yrs+ since i graduated from college with a Bachelors and don't want to go in there without freshening up on all parts. I had a friend that took the exam back in June and he scored in the 80's he said. Cut off at our school was 94 then. He's been little help to me in trying to prepare and this is why I am hear asking.

If I fail the test....I will have to wait another year to apply or seek admissions to another school. I am a career changer and looking to leave the so called corporate world ASAP.

Thanks for the help !

blueelle · Aug 29, 2008

DaddyO,

My honest opinion especially if you already have another degree is don't stress too much about this test. I know that's not really the best advice but I think considering your background, my opinion is that you will do well.

There isn't a whole lot of preparation that I can suggest for the Reading/Sentence portion because quite honestly it's going to test your knowledge at this point in your life. Your reading comprehension right now is what it is. I see people do poorly on this when they've had limited or poor education. Sentence skills is a little different, it's grammer and restructuring sentences the "correct" or better way than it's presented. This may or may not already be a strength for you, I'm not sure. I hope this helps. I understand the immense pressure you must feel seeing how they will only let you take it once, but I'm willing to bet that once you take it, you'll be surprised. Any other questions let me know.

~Michelle