Who Needs to Take the Placement Test?
Below are some ways students may be waived from/not required to take the ACM placement
test. Students only need to satisfy the requirements of one statement, but may combine
several statements.
- This waiver is pending approval of the ACM Academic Standards Committee. Students
who are currently enrolled in high school or have completed high school in the past
five years with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale) are
not required to take the placement test. For students who attended school in a district
or county using a different grading system, the grade will be converted. For example,
80% converts to a 3.0.
- Students with a B or higher in Algebra II may register for MATH 102, College Algebra;
MATH 105, Elements of Math; Math 109, Probability and Statistics; or MATH 119, Pre-calculus
I.
- Students with a passing grade below a B in Algebra II may register for MATH 105, Elements
of Math, or Math 109, Probability and Statistics.
- Students who have not taken a course equivalent to Algebra II may take the mathematics
portion of the placement test or meet other requirements listed below.
- Students must have copies of their high school transcripts on file at the Allegany
College of Maryland Admissions/Registration Office.
Students who have appropriate SAT, ACT, PARCC or COMPASS scores do not need to take
Accuplacer.
- SAT OR ACT
- Students who scored 480 or higher on the Evidence-based Reading and Writing (EBRW)
of the SAT or 21 or higher on the Reading and Writing portions of the ACT do not need
the Reading and essay portions of the placement test. Students who scored 530 or higher
on the Math section of the SAT or 21 or higher on the Math portion of the ACT do not
need the Math portion of the placement test.
- Students must have an official record of your SAT/ACT scores sent to the Allegany
College of Maryland Admissions/Registration Office.
- PARCC Scores
- Students with PARCC English 11 scores of Level 4 or 5 may waive taking reading/writing
portion of the test while students with Algebra II score of level 4 or 5 the student
may waive taking the math portions of the test.
- Students must have an official record of their PARCC scores sent to the Allegany College
of Maryland Admissions/Registration Office.
- COMPASS or Accuplacer scores from another college
- Students who took a COMPASS or Accuplacer placement assessment at another college
may have the scores accepted by ACM.
- An official copy of the Accuplacer Individual Scores Report must be provided by the
other college’s testing office.
- Note: Allegany College of Maryland can only access Accuplacer scores for tests taken
at ACM.
- Previous College Experience
- Students who attended another regionally accredited college and completed a college-level
composition course with a C or higher and completed 12 or more credits of college-level
general education courses (for example: history, speech, sociology, science, and art)
with a C or higher do not need to take the Reading/essay portion of the assessment.
If student do not know how many general education credits that they have been completed,
they should contact the ACM Admissions/Registration Office at 301-784-5203.
- Students who have attended a regionally accredited college and completed a college-level
algebra course with a C or higher do not need to take the mathematics portion of the
assessment.
- Other College Credit
- Students with AP credit (score of 3 or higher) or other credits such as CLEP in English,
mathematics, and other general education may not need to take the entire placement
assessment. Contact the ACM Admissions/Registration Office at 301-784-5203 to confirm
AP credits. If students have other non-traditional credits, verify with the ACM Admissions
Office that those credits will be recognized.
- The college must have an official transcript from all previous colleges.
- Previous applied to Allegany College of Maryland
- Students who took ACM’s placement assessment in previous years may find that their
test scores are still valid. Mathematics scores are only valid for two years.
Accuplacer is a comprehensive, computerized, adaptive assessment system from College
Board which is used to place students in appropriate courses. Students are assessed
to determine their areas of strength and those needing improvement. These include
tests for proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. Assessment results suggest
appropriate placement in developmental courses or introductory-level college courses,
depending on the strengths or improvement needs of the individual student.
Accuplacer is adaptive. Each answer determines the next test question. This helps
to provide a more accurate measure of student's academic skills. There is no time
limit and students can complete the test at their own pace. Students taking the entire
test will complete a reading test, write a 300 word essay, and take math and algebra
tests. The length of time that it will take to complete the entire exam varies. It
is suggested that testers plan on approximately ninety minutes.
Preparing for Accuplacer is similar to preparing to take the SAT or ACT. The more
time students spend preparing, the more accurate their placement will be. To help
you prepare, we are suggesting the following resources:
- The Official Web-Based Study App features online practice tests and tutorials in Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra,
and Statistics; Advanced Algebra and Functions; and Reading. Be sure to select the
Next Generation option. (ACM placement testing currently does not include the Arithmetic
section.)
- For quick access to printable Sample Questions, select from the following links:
- Many websites including YouTube offer advice for preparing to take Accuplacer. A web search will offer a multitude
of sites.
Anatomy and Physiology Entrance Exam
The A&P Entrance Exam is Brightspace-based and tests the background general biology
knowledge necessary for an anatomy and physiology course. It is not a part of Accuplacer.
Students wishing to take Anatomy and Physiology based courses such as Biological Science
121, 201, or 207, but who have not taken Biological Science 100, 101, or 109 must
pass the A&P Entrance Exam. The assessment is not required for students planning to
take introductory biology courses such as Biological Science 100, 101, 103 or 109.
Students must:
- Have applied and been accepted to ACM.
- Schedule an appointment at least three business days in advance.
- Have an active Brightspace account.
- Must have placed out of, or successfully completed with a grade of “C” or better in
Reading 93 and Math 90.
- Come prepared having studied basic college Biology and Chemistry.
- Bring photo identification and their Brightspace login information and student identification
number with them when reporting to take the assessment. (This information is found
on their acceptance letter.)
About the Assessment
- The assessment consists of 49 questions
- Students scoring between 27-31 will be given an additional attempt at the test
- The assessment is timed and has a time limit of 40 minutes
A&P Study Guide Information
- Cellular Biology
- Cellular Respiration
- General Chemistry
- Metabolism and Energy
- Mitosis and Meiosis
- Organic Chemistry
Topics Included in Exam
Users Guide to Self-Registration in Brightspace
The assessment is administered at the listed below campuses. To schedule please complete
this form Accuplacer and A&P Assessment Registration Form or contact the following:
A&P Proctor Request Form
The A&P Entrance Exam cannot be completed remotely, but can be proctored at testing
sites closer to the student’s home. Though Testing Services will assist in the process,
it is the student’s responsibility to find a possible site. Please call 1-301-784-5554
for instructions and complete the Proctor Request Form when a location is found.
When to Take the Placement Test?
- Students who wish to start at ACM for the first time in the summer or fall are recommended
to determine if they need the placement test and/or to schedule the placement assessment
from beginning in March of their senior year.
- Students starting at ACM for the first time in the spring are recommended to schedule
the placement assessment beginning in October. Please note the college is closed for
two weeks during the holiday season.
Note: Students can determine if they need to take one or more portions of the placement
test by contacting the Advising Center at 301-784-5198
Requesting special accommodations
Students who require special assistance are requested to notify Testing Lab personnel
at least three days before arriving for the session. Accommodations must be discussed
with Dr. June Bracken, Director of Academic Disability Services or 301-784-5112 prior to scheduling a test
time.
Scheduling a Placement Assessment
Before scheduling the test, students must apply to the College.
Which campus does the student plan to attend?
- Placement tests are given at all campuses of Allegany College of Maryland, at other
certified Accuplacer sites and remotely for those who have reliable internet and a
PC, Chromebook or laptop.
- At ACM: Students should call and schedule at least one day prior to testing. Walk-ins are
accepted. Testing times may be scheduled by phone (1-301-784-5554) or electronically.
- At Voucher locations: Some certified Accuplacer testing sites will proctor your ACM placement for a fee.
Students can use the Test Center Locator form to determine possible locations closer to their home. An email voucher will
be created when an open and available site is confirmed. Please call Testing Services
1-301-784-5554 to make arrangements or for help finding a site.
- Remotely: Those who meet technical requirements and wish to test in their home or private space
can be monitored online by a Meazure Learning proctor. A fee of $28 dollars will be
charged during registration. To schedule Accuplacer assessments remotely, call Testing
Services at 1-301-784-5554, or complete the registration form and select “Meazure Learning” under “Site or Location.” You will receive your voucher
at the email address you supply.
What to Bring on Test Day?
- Students must present valid photo identification.
- Copies of SAT or ACT or PARCC score reports.
- No cell phones or other electronic devices permitted in Testing Lab.
- Pencils and scrap paper will be provided. An online calculator is accessible within
the test.
For a complete list of Testing Lab Procedures please see the Student Handbook.
When are the scores available?
Placement results for the computerized test (ACCUPLACER) are available immediately.
An advisor will discuss the scores and placements.
Results for the paper/pencil assessment (COMPANION) are available within five business
days from the assessment.
Students may retest once after a minimum state-mandated waiting period of one business
day between tests. Students who are interested in retesting will need to complete
some form of review before retesting. Please bring a copy of your scores on the Accuplacer Study App or printed copies of the Next Generation Sample Questions showing answers and the process used to develop the answer. Be sure to show all work
on the Testing Booklet.
Preparation for Retesting
- INTERNET: Students who have internet access will acquire the web-based Accuplacer Study App, which is available FREE for a computer, tablet, or smartphone. While downloading
the app, students will create a username and password. Students will need to practice
in the appropriate subject areas under the Next Generation option, complete the practice
test and print the History. Students must bring the print-out with them on the retest
date.
This method of preparation is recommended since it provides a tutorial and feedback
on your progress. No minimum practice score is required on any of these test preparation options, but
students must show evidence that they spent time preparing before retesting.
- NO INTERNET OR SMARTPHONE: Students with limited or no internet access should visit
a school, library, or college and print copies of a practice placement test for the appropriate subject(s). They must complete and return it to the Testing Services,
showing all work, before retesting. Testing Services staff will verify that the student
attempted the practice test questions.
Transfer of Placement Test Scores
Students wishing to have their scores transferred or released to another college need
to request their placement test scores by completing the ACM Student Test Score Release
Form. For more information, contact the ACM Testing Lab via email or call 301-784-5554.
ACM Placement Test Score Release Form
- Students complete this form and return it to the ACM Testing Lab and present a valid
picture ID.
- Students may scan and email a copy to testing@allegany.edu along with a legible copy
of their valid picture ID.
If you have any questions or would like more information please contact the Learning Commons Testing Services at 301-784-5554.
