Placement Testing Frequently Asked Questions

Placement Testing Frequently Asked Questions

Why was I placed in Educational Enrichment courses?

Mount Aloysius College places students in Educational Enrichment (EE) courses when students meet one of the following criteria:

• A student does not have any SAT scores from within the last five years

• A student has SAT scores that were below 500 on the reading comprehension, writing, or math sections

• A student has a composite ACT score of less than 25

• SAT scores were not available to the Admissions Office at the time of deposit

Are there any exemptions to having to take EE courses?

• Submitting improved SAT scores will change a student's placement. Please let the advising office know at the time of scheduling that you have taken the SAT again.

• Transfer students have their own set of exemptions. All transfer student records are reviewed individually, the following guidelines for transfer students are used:

• Students with an associate or bachelor degree:

• Students who apply to Mount Aloysius College and who possess either an associate or bachelor degree earned at a regionally-accredited institution will normally not be required to take EE courses. (In some majors with a heavier mathematics requirement, students may need to take an EE mathematics course.)

• Students with transfer credits:

• Transfer students who have completed at least 24 credits at a regionally-accredited institution and have earned a minimum 2.5 grade point average will normally not be required to take EE courses in reading and writing.

• Transfer students will not be required to take EE Writing courses if they transfer to the College the equivalent of EN 110 and/or EN 111.

• Transfer students will not be required to take EE mathematics/algebra courses if they transfer to the College the equivalent of a College mathematics course.

Does my major require me take my EE classes in the summer?

The vast majority of the majors at Mount Aloysius College do not require that EE courses be taken in the summer.  However, there are several majors that do.  The Nursing, Radiography, Ultrasonography, Physical Therapy Assistant, Medical Assistant, and Medical Laboratory Technician programs have specific policies regarding the completion of required EE courses.  Please refer to the College Catalogue or discuss the requirements with the Academic Advising Office.

What exactly is the placement test?

Mount Aloysius College uses Accuplacer, which is an adaptive, online, and untimed assessment.  It allows us to assess an individual's reading comprehension, grammar skills, and basic mathematics and algebra skills quickly and accurately. 

Should I try to test out of all my required EE courses regardless of how many credits they are?

This is a question that each student must ultimately decide.  We encourage students who are in the three credit courses (EE091, EE098, EE096, and EE094) to take the placement test if they feel confident in their skills in each of the respective areas.

Students in the one credit courses (EE093, EE099, EE097, and EE110) are also able to take the placement test, but they must be aware of the fact that if their performance on the placement exam is not strong and the end result is that they end up being placed in a three credit version of course they attempted to test out of, then they are required to take the three credit course.  The results of the placement test are final.

Can I fail the placement test?

The placement test is not a pass or fail exam.  It is meant to accurately assess your skills in the sections you choose to take.  The scores that are generated from the students' answers place students in courses that best meet their skills.  The EE courses are designed to assist students in strengthening skills to prepare them for college-level course work. 

Do I have to take all the sections of the placement test?

No.  Students are able to take any section of the test that they feel that they can potentially test out of.  However, students are only allowed to take the placement test one time.

When do I have to take the placement test?

The placement test must be taken prior to you starting courses at Mount Aloysius College.  It cannot be taken once classes have begun. 

Where do I take the placement test?

The placement test is offered on campus through individual appointments and group testing dates.  If a student lives over two hours form campus, then attempts can be made to have someone at their high school proctor the test for them. 

How long does it take to get my results back?

The placement test is online and provides immediate feedback once the test is complete.  This allows us to schedule students once the test is completed.

Is there a fee to take the test?

If a student has deposited, then there is no fee.  There is a $10.00 testing fee for any student who wishes to take the test, but has not deposited. 

Am I able to use a calculator on the math and Algebra sections?

Students are not allowed to use calculators for either of these sections.  Scratch paper will be provided to all students taking the test.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for the placement exam?

The placement exam is meant to measure your current skills in the areas of reading comprehension, sentence skills, basic math, and elementary Algebra. 

How do I schedule to take the test?

To schedule an individual appointment to register and/or take the placement test phone Misti Smith at 886-6546. 

Group testing dates are limited to 20 students a session.  All group testing will take place in Main 233.  Please arrive at least 15 minutes early and bring a pencil.