Writing and Mathematics Placement Testing Information
WCSU uses a University Placement Test to assist us in placing you at the appropriate level in writing and math or computer science courses. This testing must be complete prior to course registration. You may have to take only the writing or the math or possibly both tests. There is also the chance that you do not have to take either test. Please refer to the exemptions section on this page.
Current Schedule --
| Testing Schedule | Time | Location |
| Friday, November 6, 2009 | 1pm | White Hall 302 |
| Friday, November 13, 2009 | 1pm | White Hall 302 |
| Friday, November 20, 2009 | 1pm | White Hall 302 |
| Friday, December 4, 2009 | 1pm | White Hall 302 |
| Friday, December 11, 2009 | 1pm | White Hall 302 |
*Testing is held in White Hall 302.
Do I have to register for the test?
You do not have to register to take the writing and/or math placement tests. Both tests can be taken on the same day. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Students will be seated on a first come basis, but all students will be tested. Late arrivals may not be permitted to take the placements.
If you have a documented disability and would like to request testing accommodations, please contact AccessAbility Services at 203-837-8225
Where do I go?
The WCSU Midtown Campus
For maps and directions: http://www.wcsu.edu/campustour
What do I bring?
If you have applied to the University, you must bring your WCSU student ID number with you. You will need this number in order to register for the test. If you have never submitted an admissions application, you can use your social security number to register.
A valid form of photo identification.
We will provide scratch paper, pens, and pencils. Calculators and dictionaries are not allowed.
Math Placement - Accuplacer by The College Board
The math placement test is an Accuplacer exam and is done on the computer. Students will take either the Elementary Algebra test or the College Level Math test or both. This is determined by a student's math background.
This test is untimed
Elementary Algebra
A total of 12 questions are administered in this test.
- The first type involves operations with integers and rational numbers, and includes computation with integers and negative rationals, the use of absolute values, and ordering.
- A second type involves operations with algebraic expressions using evaluation of simple formulas and expressions, and adding and subtracting monomials and polynomials. Questions involve multiplying and dividing monomials and polynomials, the evaluation of positive rational roots and exponents, simplifying algebraic fractions, and factoring.
- The third type of question involves the solution of equations, inequalities, word problems. solving linear equations and inequalities, the solution of quadratic equations by factoring, solving verbal problems presented in an algebraic context, including geometric reasoning and graphing, and the translation of written phrases into algebraic expressions.
College Level Math Test
There are 20 questions on the College-Level Mathematics.
The College-Level Mathematics test assesses from intermediate algebra through precalculus.
- Algebraic operations includes simplifying rational algebraic expressions, factoring, expanding polynomials, and manipulating roots and exponents.
- Solutions of equations and inequalities includes the solution of linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, equation systems and other algebraic equations.
- Coordinate geometry includes plane geometry, the coordinate plane, straight lines, conics, sets of points in the plane, and graphs of algebraic functions.
- Applications and other algebra topics ask about complex numbers, series and sequences, determinants, permutations and combinations, fractions, and word problems.
- The last category, functions and trigonometry, presents questions about polynomials, algebraic, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions.
The Math placement test can be retaken only once. There is a two-week waiting period from the date of the first attempt.
Sample Questions for the Accuplacer Math Test (extracted from the Accuplacer Student Guide)
Elementary Algebra Test Practice Questions
Question 1: If a number is divided by 4, and then 3 is subtracted, the result is 0. What is the number?
(A) 12 (B) 4 (C) 1/6 (D) 1/8
Question 2: 16x - 8 = _______
(A) 8x (B) 8 (2x-x) (C) 8 (2x-1) (D) 8 (2x-8)
Question 3: If x^2 - X - 6 = 0 then X is ____.
(A) -1or 3 (B) -1 or 6 (C) 1 or 6 (D) 2 or -3
College Level Math Practice Questions
Question 4: If f (x) = x^4 - x^2, then f (-x) = ______
(A) x^4 - x^2 (B) x^4 + x (C) x^4 - x + 2 (D) x^4 + x + 2
Question 5: If the 1st and 3rd terms of a geometric sequence are 3 and 27 respectively, then the 2nd term could be _____.
(A) 6 (B) 9 (C) 12 (D) 15
Writing Placement
Students will be asked to write a short essay in response to one of several prompts. You will have 50 minutes to complete the essay. If you are currently enrolled in WRT 098 or WRT 101 at WCSU, you are NOT eligible to take the writing placement test. Results take about 2 weeks and you must contact the Admissions Office, (203) 837-9002 or (203) 837-9000.
Exemptions:
You may be exempt from writing or math or both placement exams if you meet the following criteria....
- If you score 510 – 590 on the Critical Reading or Writing SAT, you may register for WRT 101 Composition I: Habit of Writing. If you score 600 or greater on the Critical Reading or Writing SAT, you may register for a Writing Intensive course. These courses are outlined with a (W) designation. Please make sure your most current SAT information is on file with the Admissions Office.
- If you score 600 or greater on the math SAT or if you have received a grade of “C”
or better in a high school Calculus course, you may register for a General Education Math or Computer Science course. Please make sure this information is on file in the Admissions Office. - If you have taken an equivalent course at an accredited institution and have received a grade of “C” or better, you may be exempt from both the Writing and Math placement tests. An official transcript must be on file in the Admissions Office.
Cancellations:
In the case of inclement weather, please call our weather line at (203) 837-9377. If the University closes for any reason, testing will be cancelled.
For more information regarding English and math placement testing, please call Jen Zdziarksi at (203) 837-9002 or email zdziarskij@wcsu.edu
Additional Placement Testing Information:
*For information regarding the Chemistry placement test, visit http://www.wcsu.edu/chemistry/placeexam.htm
Students in the following majors must take the Chemistry exam:
Secondary Education: Biology
Secondary Education: Chemistry
Health Education
Medical Technology
Nursing
Biology
Chemistry
Earth & Planetary Sciences: Astronomy
Meteorology
Pre-Health Professions (Pre-Med, Pre-Dental, etc.)
