Placement Testing

WHAT IS PLACEMENT TESTING?

BGSU Firelands uses a product by College Board, called Accuplacer. It tests reading comprehension, mathematics, and writing skills, and is designed to help accurately place you in college courses.  These tests will help identify your strengths and needs in each subject area. The test results will then be used by your advising team along with your academic background and goals to help you select what courses you should take while at BGSU.  The most important thing to remember:  YOU CANNOT PASS OR FAIL A PLACEMENT TEST! 

WHO HAS TO TAKE PLACEMENT TESTS?

All new, college credit plus (CCP), and some transfer students will be required to take placement tests in one or more of the following areas: Math, Reading, and Writing (English). The office of Student Services or College Access will determine what tests transfer and CCP students will be required to take.  Anyone without an ACT score will be required to take some or all placement tests.

HOW LONG WILL THE TESTS TAKE AND HOW MANY QUESTIONS?

Accuplacer is a comprehensive computer-adaptive placement test.  The reading comprehension and math sections are multiple choice and are untimed.  This means you work at a pace that is comfortable to you. The reading and math tests can have as few as 12 multiple choice questions or as many as 40 multiple choice questions depending how quickly the test gauges your skills. 

The Writeplacer test, which is the writing/english test within Accuplacer, is a 40 minute timed writing sample that starts a clock when you start typing.  Don't worry, you will given a topic in which to write about.

The average test takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.  The average times are listed here so plan accordingly to avoid feeling rushed:

  • Demographics (info about yourself) 10 - 15 minutes
  • Reading will take 25 - 30 minutes
  • Math 45 - 60 minutes
  • Writeplacer (English/Writing) 40 minutes

* Keep in mind though most components are NOT timed so some students may take longer or finish more quickly than others!  DO NOT rush yourself! 

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE TEST CENTER?

All students should bring a pencil and state or school issued photo id or passport (no other forms of ID can be accepted).  No calculator will be required Accuplacer will have one on the screen for the questions where a calculator can be used.

1.     Eat right.

2.     Get plenty of sleep.

3.     Review subject areas that may be problematic for you.

4.     Download the FREE Accuplacer Web-based Study App for your computer, smartphone or Tablet by visiting the College Board Store

5.     Visit the College Board Accuplacer site and expand the boxes for sample test questions.

6.     PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. 

1.     Concentrate on the test.
Focus on the test questions and tune out any external and internal distractions. If there is noise or movement in the room that is bothering you, discuss it with the test administrator. If you find that your mind is starting to wander, take a few deep breaths to relax. Tell yourself you will “think about that later,” and re-read the test question.

2.     Follow Directions.
Take your time reading the directions on any test. If there is any confusing information, ask the test administrator for clarification. Be sure you understand how the test is set up before you begin. A few minutes previewing the test and doing some practice items can pay off in accuracy.

3.     Think.
In many test situations it is one’s ability to persist on an item that results in the right answer. While you don’t want to spend too long on any one item, don’t give up too easily either. Use logic, knowledge, and common sense, and have confidence in your ability to reason through the question.

4.     Don’t pay attention to other test-takers.
Others may finish the test before you for a variety of reasons. Don’t allow students leaving the test to intimidate you and cause you to feel anxiety about your performance. They may have finished more quickly at the expense of accuracy.

1.     Review your results and make an advising appointment.
You will be given a copy of your results to take to your advising appointment. Analyze whether the results of your test reflect your knowledge and preparation. You are allowed one re-test in each area within a semester. When you make your advising appointment discuss your performance with your advising team.

2.     Breathe and give yourself some credit.
Reward yourself for your efforts. Academic achievement takes talent, hard work, and persistence. Stay positive! The fact that you are here today means you are motivated to achieve.

Updated: 12/05/2022 05:08PM