Placement testing | Stark State College | North Canton, Ohio
Gateway Center

Placement testing

What is ACCUPLACER?

ACCUPLACER is an integrated system of computer-adaptive assessments tailored for each test-taker and designed to evaluate students’ skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Is the ACCUPLACER exam required?

As part of the enrollment process, every first-time, Stark State College degree-seeking student is required to take the ACCUPLACER exam which is a computer-based placement test. Exceptions would be if they ACT or SAT scores or college credit that waives this requirement. (ACT and SAT scores are valid for 5 years.)

To schedule a placement exam on main campus in North Canton or at Stark State College Akron click the appropriate button below.

Schedule exam at main campus Schedule exam at SSC Akron

 

PREPARING FOR THE ACCUPLACER EXAM

In order to save time and money, it is suggested that you study first. Learn how your ACCUPLACER score effects the cost of your college tuition:

By attending a face-to-face/teacher-led College Entrance Exam Preparation (CEEP) workshop or using the next-generation ACCUPLACER practice link to access ACCUPLACER sample questions.

We believe that preparation is key and that the more that students know about what to expect before they take the exam, the better their chances of scoring higher, saving time and money and earning their degree faster.

Although the tests are not timed, most students take the test within 90 minutes.

ACCUPLACER test scoring uses “cut scores.” This means that you need to score a certain level to be admitted to credit-bearing college courses in that subject, without having to take a remedial class first. Students scoring below the “cut score” for a test are directed toward remediation classes in the tested subject. These classes do not offer college credit and students must complete them before enrolling in college classes in the subject.

ACCUPLACER test scores are used by college counselors and instructors to place students in college-level courses that are appropriately challenging and not too far above their skill level. If there are one or more areas in which you have difficulty, these professionals can steer you toward sources of support, such as classes to strengthen your skills in those areas.

In other words, the ACCUPLACER test is not so much a test of what you know now, but a test of what you are ready to learn.
You cannot fail the test, as its purpose is to provide the best possible learning plan for you, so that you will be successful in future studies.

Accuplacer placement scoring rubric

ACCUPLACER will show immediate results when the tests are completed.

There is no cost.

  • Technical devices, such as calculators, are not permitted.

(ACCUPLACER will display a calculator as needed during the tests)

  • Pencils and scratch paper are provided.

The test is administered at Stark State College and satellite testing centers. When you are ready to test, contact the:

Office of Admissions

Email: admissions@starkstate.edu 330-494-6170 ext. 4228
Gateway Center 6200 Frank Ave. NW
North Canton, OH 44720

  • Plan to arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to your testing time to sign in.
  • Park in the visitor lot in front of the Gateway Center building.

 

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAM PREP – CEEP

View CEEP training videos

What is CEEP?”

CEEP (College Entrance Exam Preparation) provides printed study materials and and training videos created by experience instructors from each ACCUPLACER test subject.

 

ACCUPLACER SAMPLE QUESTIONS

What is next-generation?

Next-generation ACCUPLACER practice

Writing Sample Questions

WritePlacer assesses the writing skills of new college students.

WritePlacer gives you an opportunity to show how effectively you can develop and express your ideas in writing.

Reading Sample Questions

The next-generation reading assesses the following knowledge and skills:

  • Information and Ideas (reading closely, determining central ideas and themes, summarizing, understanding relationships)
  • Rhetoric (analyzing word choice rhetorically, analyzing text structure, analyzing point of view, analyzing purpose, analyzing arguments)
  • Synthesis (analyzing multiple texts)
  • Vocabulary

QAS Sample Questions

The next-generation quantitative reasoning, algebra, and statistics (QAS) assesses the following knowledge and skills:

  • Rational numbers
  • Ratio and proportional relationships
  • Exponents
  • Algebraic expressions
  • Linear equations
  • Linear applications and graphs
  • Probability sets
  • Descriptive statistics
  • Geometry concepts

Advanced algebra sample questions

The next-generation advanced algebra and functions (AAF) assesses the following knowledge and skills:

  • Linear equations
  • Linear applications and graphs
  • Factoring
  • Quadratics
  • Functions
  • Radical and rational equations
  • Polynomial equations
  • Exponential and logarithmic equations
  • Trigonometry

What is the computer skills test?

Included in the testing process at Stark State College is a supplemental test that assesses basic computer skills.
The goal of the computer skills test is to assess and place the student in the appropriate level computer class.
Students are required to show competency and knowledge of the following:

  • Basic knowledge of hardware
  • Basic knowledge of software
  • Basic knowledge of Windows OS
  • Basic knowledge of file management
  • Basic knowledge of the Internet

Web resources to help with computer skills:

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