Writing and Mathematics Placement Testing Information
WCSU uses the SAT or ACT scores for first year and transfer students to assist us in placing you at the appropriate level in Writing and Mathematics/Computer Science courses. Transfer students may be exempt if prior course work has been completed. Please refer to you credit evaluation for placement information. Any student wishing to place into a higher course than indicated by the SAT/ACT score may take the Accuplacer test. If you did not take the SAT or ACT and do not have prior college credit, you must take the Accuplacer test.
Math Placement Information:
- SAT math score 490 and below or ACT math score 1 – 17 = MAT 098, Elementary Algebra.
- SAT math score 500 – 540 or ACT math score 18 – 21 = MAT 100, Intermediate Math.
- SAT math score 550 – 590 or ACT math score 22 -23 = General Education Math Placement.
- SAT math score 600 and higher or ACT math score 24 – 36 = Calculus placement (or any General Education math course).
Writing Placement Information:
- SAT Critical Reading or Writing score of 510 – 590 or an ACT English score of 21 - 26 = WRT 101: Composition I, The Habit of Writing.
- SAT Critical Reading or Writing score 600 or higher or ACT English score of 27 or higher = A Writing Intensive course.
- SAT Critical Reading and Writing score of 500 and lower or an ACT English score 19 or lower requires you to take the Writing Placement Test.
Current Schedule --
| Testing Schedule | Time | Location |
| Wednesday, January 20, 2010 | 1pm | White Hall 302 |
| Friday, March 12, 2010 | 5pm | White Hall 302 |
| Saturday, April 24, 2010 | 10am | White Hall 302 |
| Friday, April 30, 2010 | 5pm | White Hall 302 |
| Friday, May 7, 2010 | 5pm | White Hall 302 |
| Saturday, May 15, 2010 | 10am | White Hall 302 |
*Testing is held in White Hall 302.
Do I have to register for the test?
You do not have to register to take the writing and/or math placement tests. Both tests can be taken on the same day. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Students will be seated on a first come basis, but all students will be tested. Late arrivals may not be permitted to take the placements.
If you have a documented disability and would like to request testing accommodations, please contact AccessAbility Services at 203-837-8225
Where do I go?
The WCSU Midtown Campus
For maps and directions: http://www.wcsu.edu/campustour
What do I bring?
If you have applied to the University, you must bring your WCSU student ID number with you. You will need this number in order to register for the test. If you have never submitted an admissions application, you can use your social security number to register.
A valid form of photo identification.
We will provide scratch paper, pens, and pencils. Calculators and dictionaries are not allowed.
Math Placement - Accuplacer by The College Board
The math placement test is an Accuplacer exam and is done on the computer.
This test is untimed
Elementary Algebra
A total of 12 questions are administered in this test.
- The first type involves operations with integers and rational numbers, and includes computation with integers and negative rationals, the use of absolute values, and ordering.
- A second type involves operations with algebraic expressions using evaluation of simple formulas and expressions, and adding and subtracting monomials and polynomials. Questions involve multiplying and dividing monomials and polynomials, the evaluation of positive rational roots and exponents, simplifying algebraic fractions, and factoring.
- The third type of question involves the solution of equations, inequalities, word problems. solving linear equations and inequalities, the solution of quadratic equations by factoring, solving verbal problems presented in an algebraic context, including geometric reasoning and graphing, and the translation of written phrases into algebraic expressions.
Sample Questions for the Accuplacer Math Test (extracted from the Accuplacer Student Guide)
Elementary Algebra Test Practice Questions
Question 1: If a number is divided by 4, and then 3 is subtracted, the result is 0. What is the number?
(A) 12 (B) 4 (C) 1/6 (D) 1/8
Question 2: 16x - 8 = _______
(A) 8x (B) 8 (2x-x) (C) 8 (2x-1) (D) 8 (2x-8)
Question 3: If x^2 - X - 6 = 0 then X is ____.
(A) -1or 3 (B) -1 or 6 (C) 1 or 6 (D) 2 or -3
Writing Placement
Students will be asked to write a short essay in response to one of several prompts. You will have 50 minutes to complete the essay. If you are currently enrolled in WRT 098 or WRT 101 at WCSU, you are NOT eligible to take the writing placement test. Results take about 2 weeks and you must contact the Admissions Office, (203) 837-9002 or (203) 837-9000.
Cancellations:
In the case of inclement weather, please call our weather line at (203) 837-9377. If the University closes for any reason, testing will be cancelled.
For more information regarding English and math placement testing, please call Jen Zdziarksi at (203) 837-9002 or email zdziarskij@wcsu.edu
Additional Placement Testing Information:
*For information regarding the Chemistry placement test, visit http://www.wcsu.edu/chemistry/placeexam.htm
Students in the following majors must take the Chemistry exam:
Secondary Education: Biology
Secondary Education: Chemistry
Health Education
Medical Technology
Nursing
Biology
Chemistry
Earth & Planetary Sciences: Astronomy
Meteorology
Pre-Health Professions (Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, etc.)
