Placement tests

After being accepted to SUNY Adirondack, you will receive an email directing you to sign up for placement testing in math, reading comprehension and writing.

Results from these Accuplacer tests are used to place you in first-semester math and English courses, where you will have the greatest opportunity to succeed. You will be able to review your placement test scores with an advisor when you meet to register for your first semester.

Accuplacer was designed to help you be successful in college. Your scores help your advisor place you in courses that make the best use of your skills and strengths. Once your academic needs are identified, we can provide you with the support you need to be successful at SUNY Adirondack.

About placement tests

Accuplacer tests include:

• Reading comprehension: This test has 20 questions designed to measure how well you understand what you read. Some of the questions ask you to choose how sentences are related. Other questions will test your comprehension of reading passages.
• Writing sample: You may be asked to complete a writing sample in which you write a brief essay responding to one of two questions.      
• Arithmetic: This test measures your understanding of basic arithmetic concepts and your ability to perform basic arithmetic functions. Problems on this test will involve addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals and percentages.
• Algebra: This test covers various algebra concepts.
• College-level mathematics: This test has 20 questions and covers intermediate algebra through pre-calculus. The topics include algebraic operations, coordinate geometry and functions and trigonometry.

What the results mean

The scores from your placement tests determine the level of math and English courses you are able to register for in your first semester at SUNY Adirondack. The level of first-semester courses can greatly affect the amount of time required to graduate, as well as the total cost of your education.

Students taking the placement tests should take them seriously. If you have been out of school for some time, it will be helpful to review English, arithmetic and basic algebra before taking the placement tests. 

If you have taken and passed college-level math and English courses in the past, you may be eligible to have placement tests waived. 

You will need to provide the Center for Student Success with a copy of your transcript before an evaluation can be made. An unofficial transcript will be accepted.

Preparing for the tests

We recommend everyone prepare for the placement tests. If you are a high school student or recent graduate who has typically earned high grades, you may want to look at some sample questions and become familiar with the test format. If you struggled in high school or have been out of school for several years, we highly recommend you spend more time reviewing basic algebra concepts and English language skills. 

The following are great ways to prepare:

• GED and SAT I review books
• Accuplacer has a free study app
• Accuplacer Study Guide
• Next Generation Reading Sample Questions
• Next Generation Arithmetic Sample Questions
• Next Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra & Statistics Sample Questions
• Next Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions Sample Questions