BEFORE YOU TAKE AN ACCUPLACER

MATHEMATICS PLACEMENT TEST!!!!!

Do you want to save up to $900 and up to 1.5 years of mathematics classes???

Then read below BEFORE taking a mathematics placement test!!!!

If you place into Math 0306 (approximately 7th and 8th grade math), you will pay about $900 to get to the credit-level
Math 1314 that is required for almost all Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.

If you place into Math 0308 (approximately Algebra I), you will pay about $550 before getting to Math 1314.

If you place into Math 0310 (approximately Algebra II), you will pay about $350 before getting to Math 1314.

However, if you can follow the suggestions below, you may be able to place directly into Math 1314!!!

Read on!!
If you can wait 5 minutes BEFORE taking the mathematics ACCUPLACER, then read the next 2 pages.

If you can wait 1 day BEFORE taking the mathematics ACCUPLACER, then read the next 3 pages.

If you can wait 1 week or longer BEFORE taking the mathematics ACCUPLACER, then read all the remaining pages!
Can you wait to take the test for at least 5 minutes? Then read the following BEFORE taking the ACCUPLACER:

 Understand the following about taking a test on a computer:

o The entire ACCUPLACER test is taken on a computer. Your typical paper/pencil test taking strategies
are not applicable on a computer! Plan multiple strategies to deal with this difference.

o You cannot return to previous problems, so take YOUR TIME on every problem.

o Practice algebra WITHOUT a calculator BEFORE taking ACCUPLACER. A graphing calculator is not
allowed. A four-function calculator without a square root key is available for use on some, but not all,
problems.

o The test is untimed. So take YOUR TIME. Allow AT LEAST an hour to take the mathematics
ACCUPLACER.

o Read every problem carefully . There are multiple steps. Your work must be quality. Do not go on
until the answer is really, really correct.

o You CANNOT skip questions, so answer EVERY question VERY carefully.

 The ACCUPLACER placement test is an adaptive test. Therefore, your next questions are based on your
previous answers. It adapts to your answers to give you harder or easier questions. You want HARDER
because that means you are scoring into a higher class and saving time and money!!!!

 You will start with the Elementary Algebra test and get only 12 questions (if you get 14 questions, then two
were pilot questions). If you advance to the College-Level Math test, it will be 20 questions, but not all
participants will make it to that test.

 You cannot go back to previous questions on the test. The test is untimed. So, read the questions VERY
carefully and answer VERY carefully. Take your time! (Have we stressed this enough??  )

 You need to know algebra I and II very well BEFORE you take ACCUPLACER.

 You have the choice to take ACCUPLACER (which asks at least 12 questions) or COMPASS (which asks maybe
only 3 questions) to determine your mathematics future at Lone Star College – Kingwood! You may request
to take EITHER placement test first.

 Be VERY serious to get EVERY question entirely CORRECT!

 If you require test accommodations due to a documented disability, please contact the testing center for
information concerning your needs. Appropriate and current documentation are required.
BEFORE SITTING DOWN TO TAKE THE TEST…

 Realize that no food are drinks are allowed in the testing center, so eat well BEFORE testing and/or take
snacks to eat BETWEEN the tests if you are testing over multiple subject areas.

 Do request for scratch paper. Use it to eliminate answer choices on the scratch paper. You can create an A, B,
C, or D as needed on the scratch paper to physically eliminate choices as you work on each problem.

 Short breaks are allowed between test sections.

DURING THE TEST…

 Remember that the test is untimed.

 Watch the word “not” and how it is used in the questions.

 Take your time! If you do not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices.
Then pick from the remaining choices. Choose wisely, but DO NOT GUESS!!

 You CANNOT skip questions and you CANNOT go back to previous questions. Answer EVERY question
carefully and correctly!!!

 Note that the exponents are the same size as the coefficients. Weird looking, but important to know ahead of
time and remember during the test.

 Check your answers (e.g., check factoring answers with multiplication) BEFORE submitting the answer!!

 Some of the questions are back-ended. Take your time and answer what is needed!

 Take your time DURING the test.

 Go SLOWLY on the test to do your best, score your highest, and save the most time and money.

AFTER THE TEST….

 Get your printout from the testing center that will include your ACCUPLACER score and your math course
placement. See the entire placement chart on page 45 at
http://www.lonestar.edu/departments/curriculuminstruction/2012-2013_Catalog_Sections/5Registration-1-
Final_Web.pdf

 Schedule a time to meet with an advisor or counselor to establish your degree plan and select your courses
for the following semester.

 If you do not attain the score you desire, you can retake a different assessment (e.g., COMPASS) immediately
or retake the ACCUPLACER after waiting 30 days. Note that COMPASS allows use of a grapher, but may only
give you 3 questions on which to base your math course placement.
 Can you wait a day (or two or three) before you take the mathematics ACCUPLACER?

Then read the following BEFORE taking the ACCUPLACER:

 Practice Algebra II WITHOUT a calculator!

 Especially take time to review fractions, factoring, exponents, equations, and trig BEFORE the test.

 Memorize formulas like quadratic formula, slope formula, slope-intercept formula, point-slope formula, and
many of the ones listed on the STAAR formula card for algebra II end-of-course exam at
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/staar/math/

 Decrease your dependence on a calculator.

 Practice copying problems from computer to paper and assigning letters to answers that are unlettered. You
have to have a skill prepared to eliminate poor choices.

 Know your algebra and trig skills WITHOUT a calculator to do your best!!!

 Review Algebra, practice lots, practice without a calculator (especially a grapher!), and practice some more!

 Go to the ACCUPLACER website at http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/how-

works.html to download their testing suggestions and/or download the ACCUPLACER app (for iPhone, etc.)
for study guide information.

 Get a GREAT night’s rest the night before the test.

 Can you wait a WEEK or more before you take the mathematics ACCUPLACER?

Then read the following BEFORE taking the ACCUPLACER:

 Review basic concepts in arithmetic and algebra WITHOUT a calculator. The F’s in mathematics are a necessity
to master BEFORE taking ACCUPLACER. BEFORE you take the test, practice on factoring (e.g., trinomials),
fractions (e.g., add, subtract, multiply, and divide), functions, and exponential rules. If you want to place
extremely high, practice trig (e.g., unit circle).

 Take practice tests at:

o Official ACCUPLACER website

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/

o “Free” ACCUPLACER Practice Tests:

http://www.testprepreview.com/accuplacer_practice.htm

o The ACCUPLACER app for your SmartPhone.

o FINAL EXAM REVIEW SHEETS from Lone Star College – North Harris available FREE at
http://nhmath.lonestar.edu/review-sheets.htm including videos.

 Get more information from other websites like:

o Lone Star College – Kingwood math department website:

http://wwwappskc.lonestar.edu/programs/math/classes.cfm

o Other college websites to potentially improve student placement like:

http://www.dvc.edu/org/departments/assessment-center/math.htm

o Math tutorial websites like those listed at:

http://www.clearviewregional.edu/Departments/Math/tabid/130/Default.aspx

o Test Taking Tips (from www.monroecc.edu/go/testing )

 Get at least 7 to 9 hours of rest the night before the test

 Be sure to eat a balanced meal BEFORE taking the test.

 Use positive self-talk (i.e., “I will do the best I can.”)

o Tips for Taking ACCUPLACER (from http://www.monroecc.edu/depts/counsel/placementtest.htm )

1. Relax! ACCUPLACER was designed to facilitate your success in college. Your score helps you and your
advisor to determine which courses are most appropriate for your current level of knowledge and
skills. Once your academic strengths and needs are identified, we can find the help you need to
improve underdeveloped skills before they interfere with your learning.
2. You will be able to concentrate better on the test if you get plenty of rest and eat properly prior to
the test. Plan on arriving a few minutes early so you can acquaint yourself with the environment and
gather your thoughts before the test begins. If you wear glasses, remember to bring them!
3. Make sure you understand all administrative and test directions before you begin the Accuplacer.
The testing administrators present will be able to address any of your questions or concerns.
 4. Because this is an "adaptive test", questions are chosen for you on the basis of your answers to
previous questions. You must answer every question when it is first given and there is no returning
to previous questions.
5. If you do not know the answer to a question, try to logically eliminate one or more of the choices
then pick one of the remaining choices.
6. You are not allowed to use dictionaries, calculators, notebooks, or textbooks of any kind on the test.
Scratch paper for solving math problems will be provided by the test administrator. Any student
who gives or receives help during the test, or uses notes or books of any kind will not be allowed to
continue the test. Following your test period, no test materials or notes may be removed from the
room.
7. Remember to bring a current picture I.D. (e.g., student ID, driver’s license, passport, etc.) with you
to the testing session.
8. Good luck!!

o How It Works (from http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/how-works.html )

o 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 rationales, 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.

o College Level Math Test (not all will be routed to this 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.
What you should know before you take ACCUPLACER if you are currently a high school student:

1. Parking is free. No parking permit/tag needed at Lone Star College – Kingwood. Park in parking lot A to
be closest to the SCC (student conference center). Use parking lots C or G if parking lot A is full. See
website at http://www.lonestar.edu/maps-kingwood.htm

2. Do not bring a calculator. There is an embedded calculator icon for use on some of the problems.
Practice algebra WITHOUT a calculator BEFORE taking ACCUPLACER. A graphing calculator is not
allowed. A four-function calculator without a square root key is available for use on some, but not all,
problems.

3. Do not bring scratch paper. Scratch paper will be available at the testing center as well as writing
utensils. You may bring your own pen or pencil.

4. Bring a current photo ID (e.g., student ID, driver’s license, passport).