Accuplacer
SAMPLE Placement Test & Student Guide
Who needs to take the Accuplacer placement test?
All applicants to KVCC except Nursing, Emergency Medical Technology,
Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Respiratory
Therapy, and Radiologic Technology.
Am I eligible for testing accommodations? Requires advance
arrangements.
An individual with a documented disability may request accommodations on the
pre-entrance admissions test. A disability substantially limits one or
more of life's major activities, such as learning, and may include such areas as
hearing impairments, visual impairments, physical disabilities, health
impairments, mental health impairments or learning disabilities. Prior to
the test, you must disclose your disability and request accommodation.
Contact LInda Clutterbuck at 453-5084 for further information regarding the
required documentation.
What is the purpose of the placement test?
The placement test helps you identify problems in major subject areas before
they disrupt your educational progress, giving you the opportunity to prepare
more effectively for needed courses. The admissions team and your advisor
use information gained from the test to guide you toward classes that:
- Strengthen your knowledge base
- Build logically upon your current skills
- Help you select an appropriate course of study that is relevant and meaningful
What is the test like?
All students take a test of basic skills in reading, writing, and numerical
reasoning. A test in elementary algebra* is also required for most
programs at KVCC. You may elect not to take the algebra assessment if you
have never had algebra or feel that your skills are 'rusty'. If you elect
not to take the test, however, you must enroll in a basic algebra course to
strengthen your skills as a condition of your admission.
The programs that do not require an algebra assessment are: Education, Health Information Technology, Medical Assisting, Lineworker Technology and any one year certificate program.
Do I need to schedule an appointment to take the Accuplacer?
After we have received your application you will hear from us in a form of a
letter asking you to contact the Admissions office 453-5160 to schedule a time
to take the placement test.
How can I improve my performance on the test?
Please review the Tips for Taking Accuplacer attached. Take enclosed sample
tests in Writing, Reading, Numerical Skills, and Elementary Algebra, if required
in your program. If you feel the need to brush up in certain subject areas
(e.g. grammar, punctuation, fractions, percents, or decimals) your local Adult
Education center or public library may have materials such as high school
textbooks you can use.
*Calculators are NOT allowed for either the Numerical or Algebra sections of the placement test. A "pop-up" calculator will appear during the Algebra section if needed.
TIPs for Taking the Accuplacer
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Relax! The Accuplacer tests are designed to help you succeed in college. Your score helps you and the college determine which courses are most appropriate for your current level of knowledge and skills. Once you identify your academic strengths and weaknesses, we can help you to improve underdeveloped skills before they interfere with your learning.
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Be sure you understand the directions for each test before that test session begins. Ask questions if you need to.
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Pace yourself. This is an UNTIMED test!
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Read each question carefully until you understand what the question is asking.
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Be sure to answer every item. You are not penalized for guessing. Your score will provide more useful placement information if you answer every time, even if you must guess.
These samples require Acrobat Reader in order to View. Click here to download a free copy of Acrobat Reader.