Placement Testing

ACCUPLACER Information

About the Assessment

The College Board developed ACCUPLACER Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs) to provide information about your level of skill in reading, writing, and mathematics. Towson University will use the scores you receive and other information that you provide to help determine the English, mathematics, and reading courses most appropriate for you at this time.

The tests are given to entering freshmen and transfer students with fewer than 30 units and any applicants referred by the Admissions Office. Exemption from testing is based on SAT scores, the possession of 30 or more transfer units, or the transfer of college-level freshman composition or mathematics courses.

Scoring Report

When you have completed the tests, you will see a report of your scores on the screen. For the reading and mathematics multiple-choice test batteries, the total right score shows how many of the questions you could expect to answer correctly if you took a test made up of 120 questions. Your scores can only be obtained through Towson University.

It is important that you answer each question to the best of your ability. Although you neither pass nor fail these tests, scores are used in part to determine course placement. Students placed in developmental courses must successfully complete those courses within the first four  semesters of enrollment.

Special Arrangements for Disabled Students

If you have a documented disability that would prevent you from taking the test on our campus under standard conditions, you may request accommodations through Disability Support Services. Accommodated testing is offered by appointment after appropriate documentation has been submitted and reviewed. No charge is made for these arrangements. Extended testing time is already provided for the test.  A calculator is also provided during math testing; it appears within the test when calculator use is appropriate.  For details, please contact Disability Support Services at 410-704-2638.

What to Bring With You on the Test Day

1. The letter scheduling your test, which includes your student ID number
2. Valid photo identification

Test Regulations and Confidentiality

Before taking the tests you will be asked to confirm that you have read the testing regulations and that you agree to comply with them. Take a look at the Testing Rules and Conditions that follow the sample questions. Your test scores and the information you provide when taking the tests will only be provided to The College Board, to Towson University, and to the state as a part of Towson University’s score profile to meet state reporting requirements. The College Board may also use it for research and training purposes. Your test information will not be disclosed for any other purpose without your permission. If you have any questions about confidentiality, please see your test administrator.

Adaptive Testing

Each multiple-choice test is adaptive. This means that the computer automatically determines which questions are presented to you based on your responses to prior questions. This technique selects just the right questions to ask without being too easy or too difficult. Because the test works this way, you must answer every question when it is first given. Each test is un-timed so that you can give each question as much thought as you wish. However, once you have selected and confirmed your answer, you cannot return to that question. If you do not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices.

Answering the Questions

Because you take the ACCUPLACER tests on a computer, you do not have to answer as many questions as on traditional paper-and-pencil exams. The number of questions on the tests range from 12-25. The questions appear one at a time on the computer screen. Since most questions are multiple choice, all you have to do is use the ENTER key or mouse to select an answer. When you have completed the question and confirmed your answer, a new screen will appear with your next question.

Reading Comprehension Test

This test measures your ability to understand what you read.

Before you begin there will be two sample questions with the correct answer indicated.

Some questions will ask you to read the statement or passage and then choose the best answer to the question. Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.

Sample Question 1
There are two types of pottery that I do. There is production pottery---mugs, tableware---the kinds of things that sell easily. These pay for my time to do other work, which is more creative and satisfies my needs as an artist.

The author of the passage implies that…

• artists have a tendency to waste valuable time
• creativity and mass-production are incompatible
• most people do not appreciate good art
• pottery is not produced by creative artist

The correct answer is "creativity and mass-production are incompatible."

In other questions, two underlined sentences are followed by a question or statement. Read the sentences, then choose the best answer to the question or the best completion of the statement.

Sample Question 2
The Midwest is experiencing its worst drought in 15 years.
Corn and soybean prices are expected to be high this year.

What does the second sentence do?

• It restates the idea found in the first.
• It states an effect.
• It gives an example.
• It analyzes the statement made in the first.

The correct answer is "It states an effect."

The Essay Test

When you take the WritePlacer test, you will be given a topic and asked to write an essay about it. The essay test you take asks for the type of academic writing you are likely to experience as a part of your college coursework.

You will be given up to 60 minutes to complete the essay test. After 60 minutes the computer will automatically terminate the exam. The score report screen will present your writing score, which will be from 2-12. You will also see an explanation in writing of what your score means. Your report may also contain information about the English course in which you may be placed. Towson University will provide specific instructions about this course placement.

Instructions for the Essay
Prepare a multiple-paragraph writing sample of about 300-600 words on the topic below. You should use the time available to plan, write, review and edit what you have written. Read the assignment carefully before you begin to write.

Your writing sample will be scored on the basis of how effectively it communicates a whole message to the readers for the stated purpose. Your score will be based on your ability to express, organize, and support your opinions and ideas, not the position you take on the essay topic. The following five characteristics of writing will be considered:

• Focus- The clarity with which you maintain your main idea or point of view.
• Organization- The clarity with which you structure your response and present a logical sequence of ideas.
• Development & Support- The extent to which you elaborate on your ideas and the extent to which you present supporting details.
• Sentence Structure- The effectiveness of your sentence structure.
• Mechanical Conventions- The extent to which your writing is free of errors in usage and mechanics.

Elementary Algebra Test

This test measures your ability to perform basic algebraic operations and to solve problems that involve elementary algebraic concepts. The mathematics placement test is adaptive---this means that the test may also include intermediate algebraic concepts depending upon your performance of elementary algebra.

Before you begin there will be a sample question with the correct answer indicated.

Sample Question
Solve the following problem. You may use the paper you have been given for scratch-work.

2x + 3x + y =

• 6xy
• 5x + y
• 5 (x + y)
• 6x + y

The correct answer is "5x + y."

Testing Rules and Conditions

1.       I understand that I must comply with these testing rules and conditions and if I fail to do so, my test results may be cancelled, and legal action or other remedies may be pursued.

2.       I understand that ACCUPLACER is administered to obtain information to assist in placing me in the appropriate course, determining the need for developmental coursework or meeting college or other governing body mandates. I further understand that ACCUPLACER may only be taken for these reasons and may not be taken for any other reason.

3.       I understand that I must have proper identification to be permitted to take ACCUPLACER. Proper identification includes two pieces of positive identification one of which is this brochure and the other of which includes a picture.

4.       I understand that my responses may be used for purposes of training and instruction. Further, I understand that if my response is used for these purposes individual identifying information will be removed.

5.       I understand that the test administrators are responsible for maintaining a secure test administration and that I authorize the administrators to act as my agents in maintaining test security and will cooperate with them. I further agree to follow all reasonable oral or written instructions presented at the test administration. I understand that if I fail to comply, I may be dismissed from the test and/or my score may be cancelled.

6.       I agree not to communicate with other examinees or other individuals other than the test administrators during the test. I further agree not to disrupt or in any way behave in any way that would adversely affect my performance or the performance of other examinees. I understand that if I fail to comply, I may be dismissed from the test and/or my score may be cancelled.

7.       I understand that all test questions and other test materials are property of The College Board and/or its contractors and have been developed at great cost. I further understand that the materials must be kept confidential and secure from disclosure. These materials are not available to me outside of the test administration, either before or after the test administration. I understand that I cannot and will not take any assessment materials including notes from the test administration room. Any other duplication of test materials, in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. I promise and agree not to disclose any of the contents of the assessment and will not duplicate or reproduce information contained in those booklets in whole or in part. I understand that if I should fail to comply with this requirement, I may be liable for the costs associated with a failure to comply and may be subjected to other legal remedies including injunctive relief for any such action on my part.

8.       I understand that my scores will be made available to institutions of higher education, and appropriate state agencies. If I wish to cancel my scores I must do so in writing before leaving the test center. If The College Board has any doubt about the legitimacy or validity of my score, they may cancel my test score if in their sole opinion there is adequate reason to question the validity of my score.

9.       I understand and agree that liability for the test administration activities, including but not limited to the accuracy of the assessment materials, assessment scores, administration conditions including computer equipment, will be limited to a retake of the assessment or correction of the scores at no charge. I waive all rights to all further claims arising out of any acts or omissions of The College Board or its contractors.

10.    I understand that the assessment itself and the assessment program are subject to change at the sole discretion of the College Board and its contractors.

If I object to any of these rules or conditions, I understand that I will advise the test administrators before the test administration and the objection will be considered prior to allowing me to take the assessment. If my objection is not honored, I will not be permitted to take the assessment. I understand that should any of these rules and conditions or other aspect of the assessment process be declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or illegal, the remaining rules, conditions and assessment components will not be affected and will remain in effect.

You will receive a written response to any question you submit.

Placement Testing
Office of Developmental Education - Lecture Hall, Room 7
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone: 410-704-2418
Fax: 410-704-4047
E-mail: placementtesting@towson.edu (please use your email address with plain text and no graphics; the spam blocker will block your email)

	What to bring with you on the Test Day: 1. The notification letter with your student ID number. 2. Valid photo identification. 3. Testing Session Sign-up Confirmation (if you test at TU campus).