Accuplacer

Marian University is committed to the academic success of our students by ensuring proper course placement of each incoming student. Each student is required to take a placement exam, provided by Accuplacer, which then determines what level students begin their college career - all college-level, credit-bearing courses or take some non-credit bearing courses. Test results assist the University staff and faculty as well as the student, in providing the best academic support to each individual for a successful college career.

Accuplacer testing

Marian has created three different testing options giving students more flexibility when scheduling their exams. By providing different options for testing, students are better able to focus solely on the exam. The results are important in determining course placement of both incoming freshman and transfer students.

Students can choose from the following testing options:

Remote Testing allows students to take the Marian University assessment off-site (closer to home) with an approved proctor (remote testing guidelines can be found in the column to the right on this page).

Individual Testing allows students to take the Marian University assessment on-site (Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.).

Group Testing allows students to take the Marian University assessment on-site in a group setting.

2012-13 Testing dates for group testing

• Wednesday, February 20, 2013; 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 2, 2013; 8:00 a.m.
• Monday, April 15, 2013; 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday, May 23, 2013; 9:00 a.m.
• Monday, July 15, 2013; 12:00 noon

Students must complete the Accuplacer assessments prior to their scheduled registration day. This will allow Marian's learning specialists and academic advisors the time necessary to carefully consider each student's entire academic history (high school grades, high school course selection, ACT scores, and placement exam scores) before recommending course placements.

Accuplacer testing options are selected when completing Step Two of the New Student Enrollment Form. 

Additional Accuplacer Information

What exams will I take?
Students will be required to take one or more of the following exams: reading comprehension, sentence skills, and elementary algebra. Based on the immediate results, a student may also be required to take the arithmetic or college-level mathematics exam and/or the written essay exam.

• Elementary Algebra Exam The elementary algebra exam measures your ability to perform basic algebraic operations and to solve problems that involve elementary algebraic concepts. This exam consists of 12 multiple-choice questions and is untimed.
• Reading Comprehension Exam The reading comprehension exam measures how well you understand what you read. Some of the questions ask you to decide how two sentences are related, while others ask you specific questions about reading passages of varying lengths. This test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions and is untimed.
• Sentence Skill Exam Two types of questions are given in this test. You will be asked to correct a sentence by choosing a word or phrase to substitute for an underlined portion of a sentence. In the other type of question, you will be asked to rewrite a sentence in a specific way without changing the meaning. This test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions and is untimed.
• Written Essay The written essay measures your ability to write effectively. You will be given 45 minutes to respond to a computerized writing prompt. The test begins timing when you begin writing.
• Arithmetic Exam The arithmetic exam measures your ability to perform basic operations and solve problems that involve fundamental arithmetic concepts. This test consists of 17 multiple-choice questions and is untimed.
• College-Level Mathematics Exam The college-level mathematics exam assesses your proficiency in intermediate algebra through pre-calculus. This test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions and is untimed.

How long does the test take?
The total length of time varies from one to three hours depending on the individual student.

What should I bring with me?
Scratch paper will be provided by the test proctor, and a computer-based calculator will be available for select questions. Students are not allowed to use personal calculators or any other resources. Students will need to provide photo proof of identification on the day of their scheduled exam.

How can I prepare for the exams?
To help prepare for the exams, students can choose to review basic concepts in reading, mathematics and English. Students may find GED, ACT or SAT review books (available at bookstores and public libraries) helpful in reviewing basic skills. Students can also prepare for the ACCUPLACER assessments by visiting the following Web sites:

Study Guides

Accuplacer Online Student Guide

 http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/student/testing/accuplacer/H11797_sample_questions.pdf  

Mathematics/algebra/college-level

http://www.algebrahelp.com  

http://www.purplemath.com  

http://www.math.com  

http://www.aaaknow.com/b/aaamathi.htm  

http://www.coolmath.com/home.htm  

http://mathforum.org/dr.math/  

http://regentsprep.org/regents.cfm  

http://www.webmath.com/  

http://www.sosmath.com/  

http://www.huntington.edu/math/eggleton/accuplacer/index.htm  

http://www.wsc.ma.edu/math/accuplacer/problems.asp  

http://www.nv3.commnet.edu/BCASERTA/MATHREVIEW/  

Please click here for the study guide provided by ACCUPLACER.

Retaking the exams

If students feel that they did not test to the best of their ability, they can request to retake the entire exam or portions of the exam. Retakes are granted on an individual basis by contacting the Coordinator of Academic Testing at (920) 923-8625. Click here for Accuplacer Retest Policy