Test Format
Multiple-choice questions are presented on the computer one at a time and are adaptive, meaning students must answer each question before they can proceed with the next question. Students cannot skip a question or go back to a previous question. Prior to taking the test, there are always two SAMPLE questions with answers. Once an answer is chosen, the program will verify that you are certain this is the answer you would like to choose. You will then click OK if this is the case.
The number and types of questions for each test are as follows:
When finished with an exam, students will be able to see their scores immediately and will be given the option to print their overall score, which will be displayed along with some personal information. NO detailed information, including solutions, is provided other than a final score.
The typical, standard cut-off scores for the examinations are as follows. The highest score on any multiple-choice test is 120.
Costs and Miscellaneous
Practice Test Location
Multiple-choice questions are presented on the computer one at a time and are adaptive, meaning students must answer each question before they can proceed with the next question. Students cannot skip a question or go back to a previous question. Prior to taking the test, there are always two SAMPLE questions with answers. Once an answer is chosen, the program will verify that you are certain this is the answer you would like to choose. You will then click OK if this is the case.
The number and types of questions for each test are as follows:
- Reading Comprehension: 20 questions that test reading abilities consisting of reading passages and sentence relationships
- Sentence Structure: 20 questions that assess sentence construction skills consisting of sentence correction and construction shift
- Arithmetic: 17 questions that test the fundamentals of arithmetic concepts consisting of whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percents, measurements, etc.
- Elementary Algebra: 12 questions that assess basic algebra consisting of operations with integers, rational numbers, absolute values, negative nationals, monomials and polynomials, evaluation of simple algebraic expressions, etc.
- College Level Math: 20 questions that evaluate students’ knowledge of mathematics of the level of intermediate algebra to pre-calculus consisting of algebraic expressions, polynomials, roots, exponents, solution of linear and quadratic equations, plane geometry, straight lines, complex numbers, series, word problems, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, etc.
When finished with an exam, students will be able to see their scores immediately and will be given the option to print their overall score, which will be displayed along with some personal information. NO detailed information, including solutions, is provided other than a final score.
The typical, standard cut-off scores for the examinations are as follows. The highest score on any multiple-choice test is 120.
- Reading: 78
- Sentence skills: 80
- College Algebra: 100
- College Level Math: 63 – 86
- Arithmetic: Typically not used to assess college readiness; more often used for diagnostic purposes
- Essay: 6 (the highest score is 8)
- Prior to taking the tests, be sure to practice frequently by using the ACCUPLACER test prep that has been developed. These practice tests can be found on the Brookhaven College Web site and is similar in format to that of the ACCUPLACER tests.
- Other than the essay, all tests are not timed. Therefore, allow plenty of time to complete the exam. Don’t let yourself be rushed.
- Do not use the lottery method. Try not to look at the answers provided. Instead, go with your instinct to come up with the best answer.
- When deciding which answer to choose, use the process of elimination to narrow your options.
- Prior to taking the test, work with tutors, if available, and attend workshops at your school.
- In addition to the five exams, there is an essay. When taking the essay, note that the time limit is usually one hour. There is a 300 – 600 word limit. A 1 – 8 scoring rubric (typical cut off score is 6) is used. Students will write on a given topic, and the essays are evaluated for the fluency with which they have expressed their opinions and thoughts. Essays are scored electronically by the Intelligent Essay Assessor, powered by the Knowledge Analysis Technologies engine. To ensure a better score, students ought to aim for writing a 600 word essay, use different types of persuasion, use transitions between paragraphs, take a stand on a position, use a wide array of vocabulary, and use plenty of synonyms.
- Do NOT let these tests intimidate you. You CANNOT fail the tests.
Costs and Miscellaneous
- There is no cost when taking each of the five ACCUPLACER test components for the first time and first re-test. Thereafter, the cost is $10 per test component.
- There is NO time limit on any exam except the essay, which is timed at one hour.
- Cell phones and notes are not allowed, but scratch paper and pencil are allowed when taking the math exams.
Practice Test Location
- Find the practice test online here at Brookhaven College
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