About the Accuplacer
The Accuplacer is a placement test developed by the College Board to provide information about your skill level in English, reading, and mathematics (to determine courses that are most appropriate for you at this time). Your score helps you and your adviser determine which courses are most appropriate for your current level of knowledge and skills. Once you identify your academic strengths and needs, you can get the help you need to improve underdeveloped skills before they can interfere with your learning.
The Procedure
First, apply to MxCC and look for your acceptance letter from the Office of Enrollment Services. This will have your student identification number (Banner ID). This ID is required in order to take the basic skills assessment.
Next, follow these simple steps:
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions below to familiarize yourself with the entire process.
- Take the sample tests and use the study sites in the "Prepare for the Accuplacer" section so that you are sure to do your best.
- Select a test date and make an appointment.
- Come in well rested and prepared to do your best on assessment day!
Who Must Take the Accuplacer?
All MxCC students – including ALL High School Partnership Program students (regardless of SAT/ACT scores) – must take the Accuplacer with several exceptions.
Exceptions to the Accuplacer:
- Students who have an associate degree or higher
- Students who have completed college level mathematics and English
- Part-time and non-degree students who have not accumulated 12 credit hours, unless they wish to take an English or math class, or a course that requires a math or English prerequisite.
- Students who have taken the 2016 GED and achieved a scaled score above 165 in Math or English.
SAT Scores
Students who have taken the math and verbal portions of the SAT within the past four years may receive a waiver from the Accuplacer.
English
SATs taken before March 2016:
450-499/ENG*063/101 ALP or ENG*101E
500+/ENG*101
SATs taken March 2016 or later:
24.5-26.5/ENG*063/101 ALP or ENG*101E
27+/500+
Math
SATs taken before March 2016:
450-500/MAT*137E
501-550/MAT*137
551+/MAT*146, MAT*168, MAT*173
SATs taken March 2016 or later:
490-530/MAT*137E
540-570/MAT*137
580+/MAT*146, MAT*168, MAT*173
ACT Scores
English
A score of 20 or higher on the ACT Reading portion or a score of 47 or higher on the ACT English and Reading portions will place a student into ENG*101.ACT Scores: Students who have taken the math and verbal portions of the ACT within the past four years may receive a waiver from the Basic Skills Assessment.
Math
A score of 19 – 21 on the ACT Math test will place a student into MAT*137, and a score of 22 or higher on the ACT Math test will place a student into a math course with a prerequisite of MAT*137 such as MAT*146, MAT*168 or MAT*173. However, we strongly encourage students to take the placement test since they may place into a higher-level course.
Students who feel they should be placed into a higher level math course should consider taking the Accuplacer where they can place as high as MAT*254 (Calculus I).
Please Note: MAT* 137 is equivalent to high school Algebra II and may not count as math credit in all college programs.
If you believe that you are exempt from the placement test, please contact the Office of Enrollment Services at 860.343.5719.
Students who feel they should be placed into a higher level math course should consider taking the Accuplacer where they can place as high as MAT*254 (Calculus I).
Please Note: MAT* 137 is equivalent to high school Algebra II and may not count as math credit in all college programs.
(If you have not already done so, please take the time to read over the Accuplacer FAQs below)
Prepare for the Accuplacer:
The better you score on the Accuplacer, the more likely you are to place into college level courses. By taking the time to refresh and fine-tune your math and English skills, you could end up saving a good deal of time and money by placing out of developmental classes. That is why it is important for you to practice and prepare prior to taking the test. Your scores determine your placement, and there are no "re-tests."
Please read the information on the "Accuplacer FAQ" section below above scheduling an assessment. There are NO retests and you should review/study prior to your appointment. The more prepared you are for college level courses, the more likely you are to save time and money by placing out of developmental courses.
If you do not know your Banner ID number, you can look it up here.
Call the Academic Success Center at (860) 343-5770 with any questions.
After the Test
English Placement Scores
| Placement | Reading Score | Writing |
| EDUC 1003 (Fast Track) | Less than 230 | TBD |
| ENG*096 | 230-247 | TBD |
| ENG*099A ALP-101 ALP | 248-254 | TBD |
| ENG*101E | 255-257 | TBD |
| ENG*101 | 258 or above | TBD |
Math Placement Scores
| Placement | Scores |
| Transitional Fast-Track Workshops | QAS (NG) 200-233 & AR (NG) 200-249 |
| Intensive (MAT*095I) Six Hours | QAS (NG) 234-238 & AR (NG) 250-300 |
| Intensive (MAT*095) Three Hours | QAS (NG) 239-245 & AR (NG) 250-300 |
| MAT*104 | QAS (NG) 246-274 and eligible for ENG*101 or ENG*101E |
| Embedded (MAT*137E) | QAS (NG) 246-249 AR (NG) 263-300 and eligible for ENG*101 or ENG*101E |
| MAT*137 | QAS (NG) 250-274 AAF (NG) 200-240 and eligible for ENG*101 or ENG*101E |
| MAT*146, MAT*158, MAT*167, MAT*173 | QAS (NG) 260-300 AAF (NG) 241-250 and eligible for ENG*101 or ENG*101E |
| MAT*186 | QAS (NG) 260-300 AAF (NG) 251-280 and eligible for ENG*101 or ENG*101E |
| MAT*210 | QAS (NG) 260-300 AAF (NG) 281-300 and completion of ENG*101 (of any kind) |
| MAT*254 | QAS (NG) 260-300 AAF (NG) 281-300 and eligible for ENG*101 or ENG*101E |
AR (NG): Next Generation Arithmetic
QAS (NG): Next Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics
AAF (NG): Next Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions
College and Career Success
College and Career Success COL*101 is recommended for all students, but it is highly recommended for students who place at the transitional, intensive, and some embedded course levels. These courses include the Fast Tracks in English and Math, ENG*096, ENGALP, ENG*101E, MAT 095I, and MAT 095. (effective Spring 2018)
English and Math Sequences
Click on images below to see full sized.
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Fall 2019
Students who place into ENG096, MAT095I, or 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 Meriden 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.
Accuplacer FAQ
- Computer based (the whole test is on a computer)
- Multiple-choice (choices "a" through "d")
- Un-timed (students can take as long as they wish)
- Computer Adaptive (the computer automatically determines which questions are presented to you based on your responses to prior questions. This technique automatically generates just the right questions to ask you without being too easy or too difficult for your skill level. The greater your demonstrated skill level, the more challenging the questions presented to you will be.)
As noted above, the test is not timed, so students can take as long as they need to answer each question. That said, the "average" time to complete the full test is about one and a half to two hours.
Students will begin by answering background questions. Next, students will take the English portion of the test which is made up of two parts: Reading Comprehension and Sentence Skills. After completing the English section(s), ALL students will begin the Elementary Algebra test. Depending on their score, students will either be branched towards Arithmetic or College Level Math.
- Reading Comprehension 20 questions
- Sentence Skills 20 questions
- Elementary Algebra 12 questions
Your performance on the Elementary Algebra test may branch you into one of the two following tests:
- Arithmetic 17 questions
- College-Level Math 20 questions
- Bring your Banner ID number or a photo ID so we can look up your Banner ID number.
- Optional: You may bring your own pencil and scrap paper, but pencils and scratch paper will be provided.
- When you arrive for your testing appointment, you will be asked to complete an “Advising Profile” that you will bring with you when you meet with an advisor at open registration.
- Bring a calculator. If you bring a cell phone, you need to silence it.
- You will be asked to read and certify that you understand the following statement before your test:
"Even though you cannot pass--or fail--this placement test, we encourage you to do your best. In nearly all cases, re-testing is not allowed, so your results from today’s test will determine the classes you can begin with at Middlesex Community College.
If you are not feeling well, or if you are pressed for time, or if there is any other reason that you may not be able to give your best effort today, please tell the Proctor immediately. We can help you schedule for another time.
The test is un-timed, so please do not rush. Your course placements are determined by these assessment results.
If you choose to move ahead now, you are agreeing to take the placement test seriously and to accept the results for placement purposes."
The most common modification that students request is “extended time.” For Accuplacer, this is not an issue since the entire test is self-paced (un-timed). Individuals with disabilities who require additional adjustments, should contact Disability Support Services at (860)-343-5879 or visit the Disabilities Support Center in Founders Hall room 121.
- Get enough sleep the night before the test.
- Plan to arrive on time. Give yourself enough time to locate the College Learning Center (in Chapman Hall Room 711).
- To avoid experiencing test anxiety, approach the test with a positive attitude.
- Negative self-talk can ruin your ability to do well on a test.
- Prior to entering the Testing Center, locate the bathroom and/ or break areas that can be utilized during testing.
- Listen carefully to all pre-test instructors prior to starting your test.
- Carefully read all test questions and instructions presented.
- Ask questions if you do not understand what is required.
- Deal with test anxiety by preparing in advance, taking your time, and pacing yourself throughout the assessment.
- During testing, read the entire question and all choices before attempting to answer.
- ACCUPLACER is a multiple choice test. For multiple choice questions, eliminate choices that you know are incorrect first. Then attempt to find and choose the correct answer.
- If you are unsure of the answer, make an educated guess.
- Usually your first choice of the answer is the right one. Don't second guess yourself.
- Try not to be distracted by other students who finish before you. Just keep taking your time to move through the test.
You should review prior to the test. It is unlikely that you will be able to teach yourself loads of new material before the test; however, familiarity with the types of questions asked and some self-review could go a long way. Remember, your scores determine your course placement and there are no "re-tests."
Think of Accuplacer as a “snapshot” of your present skills. However, you may want to refresh those skills you have already acquired but which you may not have used in a while. For example, when was the last time you added fractions? This may be a skill you have already learned but that has become rusty due to non-use. With a little study you can refresh these skills. In summary, extensive study for Accuplacer is not recommended, but refreshing skills you have already learned should improve your scores.
More important than studying for the test is becoming familiar with the test format. Being comfortable with the kinds of questions on Accuplacer may give you a psychological advantage. A good place to start is with the Accuplacer Sample Tests. If you find that you do need to review certain concepts, try the recommended websites below the sample tests on that site.
The Accuplacer is supposed to serve as a snapshot of your basic math, reading, and grammar skills. It is used to place you into the most appropriate courses for your skill level. Testing multiple times would, perhaps, increase your ability to take a test--it would not increase the core skills that you will need to succeed in college. Finally, both the test itself and the proctor cost money, so we can not allow students to just keep taking it until they earn scores that they are satisfied with. Unlike the SAT and ACT, which you can take as many times as you are willing to pay, we do not charge you to take our test.
That is why students need to take the Accuplacer seriously and do any/all review prior to taking the test.
Yes. If a student's scores are only a few points shy of ENG 101 or of the next math class, the student can request a challenge assessment. For English, the student will have to make an appointment to come back and write a timed essay based on a provided reading. The essay will be graded by faculty in the English department and will determine whether or not the student will be eligible for ENG 101. For math, the student will need to make an appointment to see the Academic Division Director. After speaking with the student, she will determine whether or not the student can take a written math exam to gauge his/her eligibility for a higher course.
Of course, students can take the SAT or ACT as many times as they would like, and high enough scores on those tests could earn exemption from the Accuplacer.