COVID-19 Impacts & Accuplacer Testing
Assessment Testing
Assessment testing ensures that students have adequate preparation for college-level courses. The results are used to guide students into appropriate classes at MxCC based on their current skill set. Students must have already applied to MxCC before taking the test, and tests must be taken prior to registering for classes.
Students with certain SAT, ACT, AP, GED scores, or prior college-level coursework may be exempt from taking the assessment test. Please review “Text Exemptions” below.
About the Accuplacer Assessment Test
The Accuplacer Assessment Test is a computerized test that assesses a student’s mathematics and English (reading and writing) skills. There is no time limit for taking the Accuplacer test. The entire test (both the math and English portions) typically takes between two to three hours to complete. Students can schedule to take both sections on the same day or on separate days.
Your score helps you and your advisor determine which courses are most appropriate for your current level of knowledge and skills. From the report, you and your advisor can discuss strengths and needs to determine a plan of appropriate coursework and options for improving your skill set for future learning.
If you need accommodations for testing, please contact Hilary Phelps, Disability Support Specialist, at 860-343-5879 PRIOR to scheduling to your test. No accommodations will be made without prior information and consultation with the Disability Support Specialist.
Studying for Accuplacer
Students should review sample questions and study for the assessment test. The test is only able to appropriate place students based on their skills if the student is performing to the best of their ability.
Review our list of Study Links prior to taking the assessment test. Accuplacer supplies both sample review questions and a free, study materials app through their website. We have also gathered additional mathematics study resources.
The assessment is not a pass or fail test; test results are used for proper course placement. The better you score, the more likely you are to place into college-level courses. By taking the time to fine-tune your math and English skills, you could end up saving a good deal of time and money by placing into credited courses. Your scores determine your placement, and there are no “re-tests.”
The Day of the Test
Students are encourages to study before the test, get a good night’s rest, and arrive early to the test. If you are not feeling well or cannot make it to the test, please cancel your appointment.
Please remember:
- To bring a valid, photo ID with you to the test.
- Valid IDs include: driver’s license, state or federal ID card, military, ID, school ID card, passport, tribal ID, naturalization card, or certificate of citizenship
- Calculators are not allowed on the test. The test will provide an in-system calculator when needed for certain questions.
- Food and drinks are not allowed in the testing room.
- All electronic devices such as cell phones, smart watches, calculators, personal computers and tablets, etc. will be collected prior to the start of the test.
Students will receive a placement report immediately after completing the Accuplacer Assessment Test. Once students complete the test, they should schedule an appointment or attend an Open Registration event to meet with an academic advisor to discuss courses and their future plan of study at MxCC.
Test Exemptions
Students may be exempt from taking one or both sections of the Accuplacer Assessment Test based on SAT, ACT, GED, AP scores and/or college-level transfer credit. SAT and ACT scores must have been taken in the last four years. Please review the SAT Scores Guideline for additional information about English and math course placement.
Students must submit official copies of the score reports and/or transcripts to the Admissions Office in order to be exempt from taking the Accuplacer test.
Exemptions Criteria
SAT | ACT | GED | AP Test | Transfer Credit |
|
| English | Reading Subscore of 24.5 or higher | Reading score of 20 or higher OR English & Reading Combined score of 47 or higher | Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) with a score of 165 or higher | 3 or better on AP Language & Composition or AP Literature & Composition | College-level transfer credit approved by the Admissions Office |
| Math | Math score of 490 or higher | Math score of 17 or higher | Mathematical Reasoning (MR) with a score of 165 or higher | 3 or better on AP Calculus, or AP Statistics *Please see an advisor to determine if additional math courses are needed for your desired program | College-level transfer credit approved by the Admissions Office |
SAT Scores Guidelines
| English | 24.5-26.5 for ENG-101E | 27 or higher for ENG-101 | |
| Math | 490-530 for MAT-137E | 540-570 for MAT-137 | 580 or higher for: MAT-146, MAT-167, or MAT-173 |
Students with SAT math scores of 580 or higher or ACT math scores of 22 or higher are encouraged to take the math portion of Accuplacer as they may place into a higher level math course.
SPRING 2020 TRANSITIONAL STRATEGIES AND FAST-TRACK WORKSHOPS
FAST-TRACK WORKSHOPS
Free, non-credit, fast-track workshops are designed to help students refresh their skills in English and math offered before the spring semester starts.
Learn more about Fast-Track Workshops here.
TRANSITIONAL STRATEGY PACKAGES
Students who place into ENG-093, ENG-096, MAT-095I, or MAT-095 courses, who need to retake one or more Math and/or English course, or who are eligible for Fast-Track Workshops may be eligible for the following FREE packages. The Transitional Strategies Packages reflect partnerships with Middletown and Wallingford Adult Education where we share funds and resources to assist students. No cost to the packages. This is an excellent way for new students to jump start their education. It is an excellent way for continuing students to refresh skills sets in English and/or math.
