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Accuplacer Placement Test Prep Guide

ACCUPLACER is an untimed, multiple-choice computerized test that Triton College uses to evaluate each new student's skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Before the Test

  • Know what to expect!
    • Research what you will be tested on and seek to understand the content of the test.  The test is untimed, so plan plenty of time roughly 2 hours for reading/writing and two hours for math. 
  • Practice!
    • Take this practice test ahead of time to learn more about what test questions will look like, what the test covers, and how to navigate through the online testing platform. 
  • Study!
    • Review your practice test scores, and the questions you got wrong, then use this information to focus on the areas you scored lowest. 
  • Seek help!
    • Drop by the Academic Success Center (ASC) in the A-building to ask for help from a tutor. Bring your practice test results with so you know what questions to ask and in what areas of the test. 
  • Be on time!
    • Making sure you have enough time to get to your testing appointment and get checked in without rushing will help reduce your stress and anxiety and ensure you go into the test with a clear and calm mind. 

During the Test

  • Read the directions carefully.
    • You don't want to miss any questions because you didn't read the instructions. Sometimes you will need to scroll down on the screen to see the full passage, question, and answer options. 
  • Read the question carefully!
    • Make sure you understand what is being asked. If there is a passage, paragraph, equation or graph, read the question first, so that you know what to look for when reading. Try to anticipate the correct answer before looking at the answers. If it's math, try working out the problem on paper first. 
  • Take notes!
    • Bring paper and pen/pencil with you to the test or some will be provided for you. Take notes as you go to help you work out which answers can be eliminated. 
  • Read all answer options carefully!
    • Eliminate answers that are unreasonable or obviously wrong. 
    • Test the answer options that seem similar or could work to find the answer option that works or works the best. Plug your answer option back into the problem to see if it fits. 
    • If uncertain, make an educated guess on what is the most plausible answer. 
  • Feel confident in your answer choice! 
    • Before moving on to the question, check your work carefully. You won't be able to go back and review past questions.
    • Click submit and confirm your answer. The test is untimed, so don't feel rushed. 

Final Tips

  • Think positive!
    • A positive mindset enables you to relax and sends a signal to your brain that you're not in an emergency. Your brain can better access memory and concentrate knowing you're not in crisis mode 
  • Take a deep breath and relax!
    • ​​​​​​​Worry and stress is never helpful when taking a test.
  • Take breaks when you feel frustrated or overwhelmed!
    • ​​​​​​​Take a minute to go over notes you've taken or to stretch your back, legs, and arms. Twirl your wrists or write a positive affirmation on your note-taking paper. 
  • Think about one question at a time!
    • Focus on what is being asked in that question. Thinking about past questions or possible questions will make it harder to decode what the question is asking you. 
  • Don't second guess yourself!
    • ​​​​​​​Even if you're making an educated guess, be confident in yourself. 
  • Do your best!
    • This is the start to your college journey; you want to start off strong by doing your best on the placement exam which determines which English and math course you have to take.