ACCUPLACER Writing Skills Placement Test
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What is the ACCUPLACER test and why must I take it?
The test is designed to help you fulfill your individual plans, goals, and needs as you begin your college career. In addition, it helps to ensure your success in college by placing you in classes that are the "best fit" for you. -
How is the test designed?
The Sentence Skills part of ACCUPLACER asks you to find and correct errors in essays that are already written. The items cover the general categories of punctuation, basic grammar, usage, and sentence structure. Also, you will be asked to make decisions about the essays based on your knowledge of strategy, organization, and style in effective writing. You won't be asked to write an essay as part of the test. -
Do I need computer skills to take the ACCUPLACER test?
No, but being familiar with a keyboard is helpful, since it is a computer test. -
What if I "fail" the test?
You can't "fail" because it is not that kind of test. No one passes or fails. ACCUPLACER simply recommends what reading/writing class is right for you, based on your answers. It is important that you take the test seriously, however, and do your best. If for some reason you don't feel you have done your best work on the test, you can take the test a second time. -
Can I study for the ACCUPLACER test?
Yes. You can review your knowledge of punctuation and grammar, and you can make sure that you can recognize a sentence fragment, a fused (run-on) sentence, and a comma splice, as well as other common mistakes such as misspelled words, problems with capitalization, and misplaced and dangling modifiers. If some of these terms mystify you, don't panic; you aren't expected to know all the answers!