Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about East Central College’s Placement Test How will my test results (ASSET, COMPASS and/or Writing Sample) be used? Student placement test results provide faculty and academic advisors with information about your readiness for college level coursework. Advisors will place you into appropriate coursework according to your academic preparation. The goal of academic advisors and placement testing is to enhance students’ prospects for academic success. Test scores are also used as part of ECC’s institutional assessment process, which measures improvement of your skills and the job we are doing as a higher education institution . Who must take the Placement Tests? As an ECC admission requirement, entering students are required to take placement tests. ECC uses the ACT or ASSET/COMPASS for placement purposes. All students are also required to submit a writing sample. The ASSET/COMPASS portion will be waived for a student with a composite ACT score of 24 or higher. Transfer students with 12 credit hours or more documented on a college transcript will have the relevant test waived if they have completed an Algebra or English Composition class with a grade of C or better. Who will see my Placement Test results? All test scores are stored in your permanent student record. Test results are shared with academic advisors, faculty, and other staff, as needed. When will I get my results? Results are usually scored, recorded, and returned to the student within three weeks.
How do I register for the Placement Test? You may register for the Placement Test in person at ECC’s main campus or one of our extension centers located in Washington, Sullivan, or Rolla. To register by phone, please call 636-583-5193, ext. 2221. You may also request a form to be emailed to you. The form can be printed from our website. You must have an application for admission on file or complete one at the time of registration for the assessment test. What if I have documented special needs? If you are an entering student who has documented special needs, you will still need to take placement tests. However, you should contact the Counseling Department at (636) 583-5193, ext. 2397, to make special arrangements. What if I am a good student but a poor test taker? Test anxiety is a common occurrence. It is important to have a positive attitude, relax, and simply do your best. This is not a pass/fail exam; it is only a measure of where you are academically. By staying positive and focused, you will give yourself an opportunity to do your best. Is there any way I can study for my Placement Test? Yes. Included in this brochure is a writing assessment preparation guide. By following these instructions, you can prepare for the writing portion of the Placement Test. The ASSET is a battery of tests that helps measure your achievement in reading and writing skills, numerical applications and algebra. Try to be well rested in order to give yourself the best opportunity when taking the assessment.
Are Placement Tests important? Your Placement Test may be one of the most important tests you take during your college career. Information gathered through assessment will be used to place you in the correct courses, which is essential for starting a successful college program. How long will the Placement test take? Your placement test will take four hours of time which will include four 25 minute tests, a one-hour writing sample, and two 10 minute breaks. Do I need to bring anything to my Placement Testing? To take the Placement Test you will need to bring: Photo I.D., #2 lead pencils, and a calculator. You may use either a #2 pencil or blue/black ink for the writing sample. Regular calculators can be used but must be an approved model. Calculators having sound, printers, wireless communicators, pocket organizers, or writing pads or pen-input devices are not allowed. Also prohibited are QWERTY (typewriter-style) keyboards, CFX-9970G, Casio Algebra fx 2.0, TI-89, and TI-92 style calculators. You may want to bring a snack, although vending machines are available. Do I have to take the Placement Test if I am currently enrolled in or have successfully completed a dual credit course through ECC? Yes, even if you are enrolled in dual credit courses or have successfully completed a dual credit course, we require all incoming students to take the full battery of placement tests. Any other questions concerning testing, registration, or admission may be addressed by visiting our website at eastcentral.edu or calling 636-583-5193, ext. 2364.
East Central College Writing Sample Preparation Guide
The ECC Writing Sample is the assessment instrument used to place all incoming students in writing classes. Take it seriously, and do your best. Depending on your Writing Sample score, you will be placed in either a college-level composition class or a preparatory writing class. You will have approximately one hour to complete the Writing Sample. We offer the following suggestions for preparing yourself for the Writing Sample. Before the test: 1. Practice the writing process, using the sample prompts given to the right. Give yourself one hour for the practice session. Spend a few minutes of the hour brainstorming and organizing your ideas on the topic before drafting your paper. Then write your essay, saving a few minutes to revise and edit. 2. Review the principles of English composition, usage, grammar, and punctuation. Look for a handbook of English at your local Library or bookstore. Many Internet sites also offer reviews and exercises on all aspects of writing. We especially recommend the following two sites: http://owl.english.purdue.edu http://grammar.ccc.comment.edu/ grammar 3. Eat and sleep well beforehand in order to be at your best mentally and physically.
During the test: Do the best job you can, but don’t get uptight about the assessment. Just try to relax as you write, and save some time to proofread and edit your essay before turning it in. Below are some sample prompts similar to ones that have been previously used on the Writing Sample assessment. You may use these prompts to practice for the test. (On the writing sample test you will be asked to write one essay on one topic.) A. Write a multi paragraph essay about one of the following often repeated pieces of advice or wisdom. You must either support the statement or disagree with it, but be sure to give specific examples from your experience to support your position. 1. Haste makes waste 2. Neither a borrower nor a lender be. 3. We are judged by the company we keep, so be careful who your friends are. B. Write a multi-paragraph essay explaining, illustrating, and evaluating the influence another person has had on you. Tell who the person is and how you came under his or her influence. Also give specific examples of the person’s influence on you, evaluate whether the influence was positive or negative, and show how it affected your life.
Remember that faculty scoring the writing samples will consider unity, organization, coherence, and development as well as style, sentence structure, usage, punctuation, and mechanics. Therefore, it is to your advantage to practice and prepare in all these areas. NOTE: Writing paper will be provided. You will not be allowed to bring in paper, reference material, or notes
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