Carroll Community College

Determining Your Placement Testing Needs

Carroll Community College maintains an open door policy of admission. To ensure your success, the College assesses your readiness for college-level courses. After testing, an academic advisor will explain your test results in a First Advising Session (a small group presentation plus registration takes about 2 hours). Considering these results and your academic or transfer goals, your advisor will assist you in choosing appropriate Carroll courses.

What are the placement tests?

The placement tests are standardized tests we use to place you in the class that will allow you to be the most successful. There are tests in English, reading and mathematics.

The math section is comprised of multiple choice math questions. (If you have taken the SAT's the format is similar.) The questions cover an array of topics, if it has been a while since you have taken a math course we recommend you review before coming in to take the test. Keep in mind the test begins with Algebra and branches to basic math such as fractions and decimals or to advanced topics, depending on the tester's skill. This test is computerized and untimed. While the testing program presents a calculator when necessary, students may bring a calculator (subject to ACT approval standards ).

The reading section is designed to test comprehension. You will be given a passage to read and then asked to answer multiple choice questions about the passage. This test is computerized and untimed.

The English section is two part. The first part is computerized and untimed. You will construct sentences as well as answer grammar questions. The second portion is the only timed test. You will be given 45 minutes to write a brief essay answering an opinion-based prompt. The writing sample quality is evaluated for course placement by English professors based on organization, grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, and vocabulary. Take your time to re-read your essay when you are finished to catch any errors.

Can I be exempt from placement testing?

Most first-time students are required to take placement tests. Here's a list of possible exemptions for both first-time and transfer students:

Reading:

• If you are a transfer student who has successfully completed more than 12 academic credits you are exempt from the reading placement test (you will need to either have official transcripts sent to the school before you register for classes OR bring unofficial transcripts with you when you come to register).
• If you score 550 or higher on your Verbal SAT's or 21 or higher on your ACT within the last two years you are exempt from the reading test (you will need to have your SAT or ACT scores sent to Carroll).

Math:

• If you have taken a college level math class at another institution you do not need to take the math placement test (you will need to supply transcripts showing that you successfully completed the class).
• If you scored 550 or higher on the math section of the SAT or 21 or higher on your ACT within the last two years, you are not required to take the math placement test, your SAT or ACT scores automatically place you into a college math class that will count as your math requirement for graduation. If you are especially good at math or plan on going into a field that requires higher levels of math you should take the math placement test to place into a higher level of college math.

English:

• If you have taken English 101 at another institution you are exempt from our English placement test (you will need to supply transcripts showing your successful completion of the class).

For students with existing college credits

If you have taken college courses and have earned college credit, an advisor can determine if testing is required by reviewing a copy of your college transcript(s). We would be happy to evaluate any classes you have taken at other institutions for their compatibility with Carroll's curriculum. In order to have your classes evaluated you will need to contact your previous schools and have official transcripts sent to the Records Office at Carroll. After we have received transcripts from all your previous institutions your transcripts will be evaluated and the classes will be added to your record at Carroll. (View the College Policy on Credit For Prior Learning .) For more information please call the Admissions, Advising, Career and Transfer Center, 410-386-8435, to speak to an advisor.

What happens if I fail the placement test?

The placement test is used to place you in the class in which you will be most successful, you can not fail.

The advisor at the First Advising Session will answer your questions and address any concerns you have regarding placement test results. Occasionally, re-testing  is requested. You are encouraged to prepare for the tests so that this is not necessary.

Scheduling Placement Testing Appointments

Please call the Testing Center, 410-386-8450, to schedule your placement test, or visit the office in room A120. Small group test sessions are held daily in the morning (including Saturday) and Monday through Thursday evenings. 

Testing takes 2-1/2 to 3 hours. Students who require special test accommodations should contact Student Support Services, 410-386-8329, to discuss accommodations prior to scheduling a testing session.

Preparing for Your Test

Carroll uses Accuplacer, a College Board product, to test for sentence, reading, and math skills. Visit this site to preview sample test questions: Accuplacer Sample Questions

Reading test

The reading placement test is an un-timed reading comprehension test. The reading placement test may indicate a need for improvement of reading comprehension or vocabulary building skills. These skills may be gained in any one or combination of the following courses: 

• Academic Skills Enhancement Reading 
• READ-091 (vocabulary and main-idea comprehension skills)
• READ-101 (SAT/college-level vocabulary and strategic reading skills).  

All General Education courses require students to have completed or to be exempt from READ-101. Most non-General Education courses require students to have completed or be exempt from READ-091. Please see the College catalog or an advisor for details.

A history of reading is the best preparation for the placement test. Read books from the  American Library Association's recommended reading lists to exercise or refresh vocabulary and reading comprehension skills.

English test

Placement into English classes is based on a writing sample and reading ability. During the testing period, students have 45 minutes to write an essay based on a choice of prompts. Typing is permitted, but spell-check and grammar-check are not allowed. English professors review essays and place students into courses based on grammar, punctuation, organization, and development of ideas.

Math test

Placement into math classes is determined by the score received on the un-timed, computerized math test. The test begins with algebra questions. Depending on individual skill levels, students may also be challenged by a basic math or college-level math test. The College provides a calculator, scratch paper, and pencil. If you prefer to use your personal calculator, please call the Testing Center for approval (Calculators of Ti83-level and below are permitted). 

The math test is computer-adapted. It begins with algebra and becomes harder if students return correct answers and easier if students return wrong answers. Math department faculty recommend that testers take the placement test seriously: 

Taking Your Test

Staff must verify your identity. Please remember to bring your driver's license on your testing day. Your punctuality is appreciated. The College will provide all testing supplies, including calculator, pencils, and scratch paper. Please be sure to turn in your Enrollment Application to the Admissions Office, room A102, prior to placement testing. Testing takes place in room A120.

Obtaining your Results - First Advising Session

After you have completed the placement testing, the Testing Center staff will ask you to sign up for a First Advising Session. First Advising is a small group session where an academic advisor will explain your test results and how to use them to create an academic or transfer plan. College registration, attendance, refund procedures, and other academic requirements and information will also be explained. For more information, see this page .

According to Maryland State Regulations, test results are valid for two years. After two years, students who have not initiated course work will be required to retest .

Re-testing

The advisor at the First Advising Session will answer your questions and address any concerns you have regarding placement test results. Occasionally, re-testing is requested. You are encouraged to prepare for the tests so that this is not necessary. 

• The fee for retaking the battery of tests is $25. 
• If a student wishes to retake a single test, the fee is $10.

Please note: Retesting is not permitted once a student begins coursework in that subject area. One retest per subject is permitted. 

See an advisor, the cashier, or Testing Center staff for re-test procedure details.