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Accuplacer Test Tips

If you will be taking the Accuplacer Test soon, here are five things to keep in mind:

1. Unlike many other scholastic exams, the Accuplacer test does not follow a pass or fail format. The main point of the test is to assess your individual academic level. So take a deep breath and relax-it is a win/win situation.
2. The Accuplacer Test is adaptive. This means that your previous answers will determine future questions. If you have ever been to an optometrist, then you already know the basis of how this process works: the optometrist starts with a generic prescription and then narrows it down by repeatedly asking you to decide which option is clearer. By the end of the exam, the optometrist has found your unique prescription. The Accuplacer exam uses this same concept.
3. You cannot skip questions. Because of the adaptive format, you will not be able to skip questions and return to them later. On the bright side, the multiple choice section is always untimed, so you will be able to think about each question as long as you would like.
4. There are different types of Accuplacer Tests. Placement tests cover the following areas: sentence skills, reading comprehension, arithmetic, elementary algebra, college level math, and the written essay (scored on the basis of how effectively it communicates a whole message to the readers). If English is your second language you may need to take the Accuplacer ESL Test.
5. An Accuplacer study guide can be a helpful resource. You cannot really study for the Accuplacer Test because it should measure what you already know, not what you can cram into your head the night before. Even so, an Accuplacer study guide may help you to prepare for the adaptive format, and will give you an idea of what types of questions to expect.

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Last Updated: 03/13/2012