Placement Policies
Academic Affairs has comprehensive information about Western's English and math placement policies. Students who have not met entry level abilities in math, reading or writing can test to demonstrate those entry level abilities. Below are test dates and more information about the tests.
To take the Accuplacer test at Western, please fill out the Placement Testing Request Form and make an appointment to take the test. Students taking Accuplacer during an orientation session need not make an appointment.
Accuplacer Testing Schedule
Currently there are no scheduled group Accuplacer tests. However, individual tests may be scheduled on a case by case basis. Contact Registration Services 943-7003 or email: registrar@western.edu to determine if an individual test date is most appropriate for you.
*you must present a valid picture ID to take Accuplacer tests
What to Expect on the Placement Exams
- What is Accuplacer?
- How much does Accuplacer cost?
- How often may I take the Accuplacer test?
- Is there a time limit?
- What if I need special accommodations?
- Where do I take Accuplacer?
- What can I expect on the exam?
- How can I study for the test?
What is Accuplacer?
Accuplacer is a placement test for incoming college students developed by the College Board (who developed the SAT, GRE, AP, CLEP and TOEFL tests). Western uses the Accuplacer battery for our assessment/placement exams.
How much does Accuplacer cost?
Accuplacer is free at the summer orientation session for which you are registered. Western charges a $20 per test fee (effective July 1, 2007) who take Accuplacer outside of his/her scheduled Orientation session. If you take Accuplacer off site, the fees are variable and set by the institution which administers the tests.
How often may I take the Accuplacer test?
You may only take each Accuplacer test once a semester. Any exceptions must be reviewed and approved by the Registrar.
Is there a time limit?
Accuplacer tests are untimed. You may stay until you finish the tests.
What if I need special accommodations?
Students with disabilities who need testing accommodations other than extended time should contact the Learning Assistance Center 970-943-7056 to make appropriate arrangements.
Where do I take Accuplacer?
Let Western find a testing facility in your neighborhood.
We welcome students to take Accuplacer before arriving to Western. For further information about testing in your area, email Registration Services.
Front Range Testing Areas:
Metro State Testing Center
Tivoli Student Union, Room 347
Denver, CO 80217-3362
(303) 556-3677
Special Instructions: Contact Metro to schedule an appointment and verify applicable charges. A valid picture ID is required.
Aims Community College
Greeley Location
5401 W. 20th St.
Greeley, CO 80632
(970) 330-8008 ext. 6448
Special Instructions: Contact Aims and identify yourself as a Western State student and verify test times and applicable charges. A valid picture id is required.
Aims Community College
Ft. Lupton Location
260 College Ave.
Ft. Lupton, CO 80621
(303) 857-4022
(303) 659-2243 (Denver)
Contact Aims and identify yourself as a Western State student and verify test times and applicable charges. A valid picture id is required.
Aims Community College
Loveland Location
104 E. 4th St.
Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 667-4611
(303) 447-9092 (Denver)
Contact Aims and identify yourself as a Western State student and verify test times and applicable charges. A valid picture id is required.
Take Accuplacer at Western.
Western State College offers Accuplacer at new student Orientations and several times throughout the semester. Test dates are listed above in the Accuplacer Testing Schedule section.
What can I expect on the exam?
The test proctor will verify your identity and the information you have entered by inspecting your picture ID. Testing begins with your answering a set of background questions.
Reading Comprehension Test: consists of 20 multiple choice questions which involve identifying the main and secondary ideas in a reading passage, applying the information, and drawing inferences based on the context of the reading passage. A second type of question involves answering questions about the relationship of two sentences. A score of 80 or above means you have demonstrated entry level ability in Reading.
Sentence Skills Test: consists of 20 multiple choice questions. The first type is sentence correction questions in which the student selects an appropriate word or phrase to substitute for an underlined sentence. The second type, construction shift questions, requires that a sentence be rewritten according to the criteria shown while maintaining essentially the same meanings as the original sentence. A score of 95 or above means you have demonstrated entry level ability in Writing.
Elementary Algebra Test: consists of 12 questions of three different types. The first involves operations with integers and rational numbers, the second type involves operations with algebraic expressions, and the third type involves the solution of equations, inequalitites, and word problems. A score of 85 or above means you have demonstrated entry level ability in Math.
College-Level Math Test: consists of 20 questions assessing proficiency in intermediate algebra through Pre-calculus. Test categories include algebraic operations, the solution of equations and inequalities, coordinate geometry, applications and other algebra topics (complex numbers, series and sequences, determinants, permutations and combinations, factorials, and word problems), functions (polynomial, algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic), and trigonometry. A score of 75 or above means you have demonstrated prerequisites for Math 141 Transcendental Functions, a score of 85 or above means you have demonstrated prerequisites for Math 213 Probability and Statistics, and a score of 95 or above means you have demonstrated prerequisites for Math 161 Calculus.
How can I study for the test?
- College Board has created a student study guide that can be found on the Internet.
- There are numerous study guides on the Internet. Go to a search engine (like Google) and type “Accuplacer” in the prompt. Look for sample questions or study guides.
- Western Sample Practice Exam
Study Sources:
Studyguidezone.com has excellent user friendly terminology to help you learn basic concepts for studying for Accuplacer. Montgomery College and St Lewis Community College both have great tutorials to practice before your test. And, you can also study specific areas within Math or English before the big day at testprepreview.com.