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Accuplacer Placement Testing

 

What is Accuplacer & Why do I Need to Take It?
A computer based testing system which is used to determine your placement into classes that match your specific abilities. These scores will place you into courses which will help you develop the necessary skills for success in future courses. There are three sections used for placement at WSCC:

Reading, WritePlacer (essay portion), and Math (2 different tests determined by skill level: Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics or Advanced Algebra and Functions). Depending on your educational goals, you may need to take 1-3 sections. Please consult with Student Services or the Testing Center on which sections you may need to take.

These scores will be part of your college profile, so you will need to apply to West Shore Community College and receive your student number BEFORE taking the Accuplacer placement testing.

For additional Accuplacer information please consult Accuplacer’s website:

Taking the Test
Inside the Test
Time Length

Length of testing time depends on your specific test taking speed. On average, allow 30-45 minutes per section. If you are taking all three sections, please allow yourself 2 ½ to 3 hours. You may take all three tests in one sitting, but it is suggested to take only 1 or 2 sections at a time so that test fatigue does not affect your scores.

Exceptions

New students may be exempt from taking Accuplacer if Student Services are provided documentation of:
• ACT or SAT scores sufficient for desired placement (please see advisors)
• High school GPA 3.0 or higher
• CLEP score in English Composition with Essay of 50
• Advanced Placement English Language and Composition score of 3 or higher
• College transcript showing achievement of a grade “C” or higher in equivalent college-level Composition and/or Math courses
• Enrolled at WSCC on a College Guest Application
• Previously awarded college degree reflected on your transcript

Study Material

There is a free Accuplacer practice app, to familiarize you with the content and format of the Accuplacer test questions. It is available on most devices with internet access. https://accuplacerpractice.collegeboard.org/login
Practice PDF study guides are also available online: Access this link and scroll halfway down the page to the “Free ACCUPLACER PRACTICE Questions” section: https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/student/practice

-Select “Reading Sample Questions” for reading section
-Select “WritePlacer Guide with Sample Essays” for reviewing specifically the writing section
-Select “Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics” or “Advanced Algebra and Functions Sample Questions” for Math depending on your comfort of algebraic concepts

Retest Policy

If you do not achieve the desired score on a first attempt, future West Shore students are allowed to take a test two additional times per semester. While the first attempt of Accuplacer placement testing is free, each additional section retake is a $5 charge.