New Student Assessment (Accuplacer Test)

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to take the Accuplacer assessment?

The Accuplacer assessment is required for:

• All associate degree seeking students registering for credit-based English and Math courses 
• Returning or transfer students who have not taken the Accuplacer assessment or completed college-level English or Math courses
• High school seniors enrolling in College in the Schools program who do not have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 – 2.59

You may be exempt from the Accuplacer assessment if you submit any of the following:

• Accuplacer scores from another institution (reading valid for 5 years, math is for 2 years)
• ACT Reading scores of 21 or higher, (scores valid for 5 years)
• ACT Math scores of 22 or higher, (scores valid for 5 years)
• MCA Math scores of 1148 or higher, (scores valid for 5 years)
• SAT ERW scores of 480 or higher, (scores valid for 5 years)
• SAT Math scores of 530 of higher, (scores valid for 5 years)
• Cumulative high school GPA of 2.6 (for English placement)
• Cumulative high school GPA of 2.8 and successful completion of Algebra II with a C- or better (for Math placement) 
• Official college transcripts with college-level English or Math courses with a “C” or higher
• You earned an Associate or Baccalaureate degree from a U.S. College or University

***Email official Accuplacer, ACT, SAT or MCA scores to [email protected]

Where can I take the ACCUPLACER assessment?

Students who plan to attend Ridgewater College but want to take the Accuplacer at another College or University or Online need to follow these steps:

1. To take your Accuplacer at another college or university which may be closer to you: contact Ridgewater Student Services at [email protected] to help you find an applicable testing center closest to your residence and have an Accuplacer voucher created. Proctor fees may apply, which you are responsible to pay.
2. To take your Accuplacer Online: The Online Accuplacer is given in by the virtual proctoring company Meazure Learning. You are required to have a high-speed internet connection, a webcam, and a quiet, undisturbed testing environment. Please contact Ridgewater Student Services at [email protected] to have a voucher created for online testing. If you schedule your exam less than 24 hours in advance, there is an $8 fee which you are responsible to pay. If you schedule your exam between 24 and 72 hours in advance, there is a $5 fee which you are responsible to pay. Once an Accuplacer voucher is created you will receive an email containing the voucher number and instructions for using the voucher.

How do I prepare for the Accuplacer assessment?

We strongly encourage you to prepare for your Accuplacer assessment by reviewing study materials and sample questions for the Next-Generation Accuplacer at:

https://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer
http://www.studyguidezone.com/accuplacertest.htm
https://www.testprepreview.com/next-generation-accuplacer.htm

Which math assessment will I be taking?

Everyone is required to take the Next Generation Accuplacer Advanced Algebra & Functions (AAF) assessment.  Depending on how you answer the background question: “What is the highest level of math class you have completed?”  You may also be required to take the Arithmetic portion of the Accuplacer.

Which reading assessment will I be taking?

Based on your answers to the background questions: “Have you taken ESL/ELL classes in high school?” and “Have you received English language support outside of school?”  You may take the Next Generation Reading test or the Accuplacer ELL/ESL Reading test or both.

Assessment Tips:

1. Bring a photo ID with to your assessment appointment.
2. Get plenty of rest and eat properly before the Accuplacer.
3. Please arrive 5 minutes before your Accuplacer appointment.
4. Please make sure you understand the directions before the assessment.

What will I be assessed on? How long does the Accuplacer take?

What will I be assessed on?

Reading:  you will be asked to read a passage and then answer several questions about the passage.

Mathematics:  you will be assessed on your understanding of arithmetic through problem-solving.  Skills in operations of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.  Ratios, measurement, and geometry.  No handheld calculators allowed.

How is the Accuplacer administered?

You will take the Accuplacer assessment using a computer.  No prior computer skills are required.  A testing proctor will be present if you need assistance.

How long does the Accuplacer assessment take?

The Accuplacer assessment is not timed.  The average student requires 2-4 hours to complete.  Please allow yourself plenty of time to take the assessment so you don’t feel rushed.  Remember this is your first step in achieving your educational goals!

Can accommodations be made for students with a disability?

Ridgewater offers accommodations for the Accuplacer assessment for students with a documented disability.  The Accuplacer assessment is not timed and is offered in a physically accessible testing center.  If you require other accommodations for the test, please call 320-234-8650 for the Hutchinson campus or 320-222-8040 for the Willmar Campus.  There is no fee for this service.

Can I retake the Accuplacer?

The Accuplacer assessment is meant to indicate your current skill level – not your potential.  The scores you receive are used to place you into the appropriate Math and English courses based on your abilities.  You may retake the Accuplacer three times.  Any retests beyond this must first be approved by an Academic Advisor.  There is a $10 Retest Fee, payable before you retake the Accuplacer.

What should I bring to my Accuplacer assessment appointment?

You must bring a valid photo ID.  Your ID should have your name and a recognizable photo.  Acceptable ID’s include current and valid:

• Driver’s License
• State-approved or federal ID
• Military ID
• Middle or High School ID
• College ID
• Passport
• Tribal ID

How do I place into College Level Reading?

Any of the following valid scores/measures will place a student into College Level Reading:

• ACT Reading score of 21 or higher
• ACT Reading score of 19 or higher and HS Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• ACCUPLACER Reading score of 78 or higher
• ACCUPLACER Companion Reading score of 78 or higher
• ACCUPLACER NextGen Reading score of 250 or higher
• ACCUPLACER NextGen Reading score of 236 or higher and HS Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• ACCUPLACER NextGen Companion Reading score of 250 or higher
• ACCUPLACER NextGen Companion Reading score of 236 or higher and HS Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher
• MCA Reading score of 1042 or higher and HS Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading/Writing Composition score of 480 or higher
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading/Writing Composition score of 440 or higher and HS Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Reading Writing Guided Self Placement score of 100 or higher
• HS Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher

*If a student does not meet one of the above criteria, they may take or retake the ACCUPLACER, or can choose to start in the corequisite ENGL0980/1209, or should consult with their academic advisor to determine which reading course(s) is necessary based on their program.

How do I place into College Level Writing?

Any of the following valid scores/measures will place a student into College Level Writing:

• ACT English score of 18 or higher
• ACT English score of 16 or higher and HS Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• ACCUPLACER Reading score of 78 or higher
• ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills score of 86 or higher
• ACCUPLACER Companion Reading score of 78 or higher
• ACCUPLACER NextGen Reading score of 250 or higher
• ACCUPLACER NextGen Reading score of 236 or higher and HS Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• ACCUPLACER NextGen Companion Reading score of 250 or higher
• ACCUPLACER NextGen Companion Reading score of 236 or higher and HS Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading/Writing Composition score of 480 or higher
• SAT Evidence-Based Reading/Writing Composition score of 440 or higher and HS Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Reading Writing Guided Self Placement score of 100 or higher
• HS Cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher

*If a student does not meet one of the above criteria, they may take or retake the ACCUPLACER, or can choose to start in the corequisite ENGL0980/1209, or should consult with their academic advisor to determine which English course(s) is necessary based on their program.

How do I place into Algebra College Level?

Any of the following valid scores/measures will place a student into Algebra College Level:

• ACT Math score of 22 or higher
• ACT Math score of 20 or higher and a HS Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher
• ACCUPLACER Elementary Algebra score of 76 or higher and ACCUPLACER College Level Math score of 50 or higher
• ACCUPLACER NextGen Advanced Algebra & Functions score of 250 or higher
• ACCUPLACER NextGen Advanced Algebra & Functions score of 236 or higher and HS Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher
• ACCUPLACER NextGen Companion Advanced Algebra & Functions score of 250 or higher
• ACCUPLACER NextGen Companion Advanced Algebra & Functions score of 236 or higher and HS Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher
• MCA Math score of 1158 or higher
• MCA Math score of 1152 or higher and HS Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher
• SAT Math Composite score of 530
• SAT Math Composite score of 520 and HS Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher
• Mathematics Guided Self Placement score of 100
• HS Algebra 2 Completion with “C-” or higher and HS Cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher

*If a student does not meet one of the above criteria, they may take or retake the ACCUPLACER, or should consult with their academic advisor to determine which math course(s) is necessary based on their program.