Accuplacer Tips Page
Here are some Accuplacer tips that will help you to improve your performance on your exam:
1) Study the math formulas for the test.
Memorize the math formulas if you can!
Of all of the Accuplacer tips, this may be the most important one.
Knowing all of the math formulas by heart will help you answer problems confidently and correctly.
2) Learn your grammar!
Study the rules of English grammar that are covered on the writing test.
Take some sample writing exams to see which grammar rules you need for the test.
We have put this as the second of our Accuplacer tips because students sometimes think they know all about grammar.
But there may be some grammar rules on the exam that surprise you!
3) Learn to read for details
Study these Accuplacer reading tips for each type of question on the reading test.
4) Test center location
Be absolutely sure that you know where the testing center is before the day of your test.
If you cannot find the testing center on your exam day, you will have an extra dose of last-minute stress.
Arriving for your exam in a panic will be extremely counterproductive.
5) Make your appointment
Most test centers ask that you make an appointment to take the test.
6) Don’t forget your ID
You will need to show a photo ID before you will be allowed into the testing room.
7) Arrive 10 minutes early to check in
Most colleges have a check in process before you take the test.
Get to the testing center punctually, if not in advance, before your examination is set to start.
Not only will you need to check in when you arrive, but it is also a good idea to become acquainted with your surroundings before the test starts.
8) Take care of your needs before entering the testing room
In most colleges, you won’t be allowed to leave the exam room once you have started the test.
You also won’t usually be able to have anything to eat or drink in the testing room.
So be sure to eat and use the restroom before you enter the testing room.
9) Sleep and eat well the week of your exam
It goes without saying that you cannot have good concentration if you are tired or undernourished.
10) Answer the questions carefully and take your time
You will take the test without a time limit, although most students manage to finish it within 90 minutes.
In keeping with the computer-adaptive nature of the test, take a deep breath and answer the first few questions of the English, reading, and math parts extremely carefully.
You want to avoid the computer pitching your questions at a lower skill level because this will give you a lower score.
11) Use the process of elimination
It may be one of our most obvious Accuplacer tips, but remember to use the process of elimination to narrow down your choices.
This always helps if you are not confident about the correct response to a particular question.
12) Guess if you have to
There is no penalty for guessing, so answer every question before you go on to the next one.
More Accuplacer Tips
Visit the Official Accuplacer Site
Try the online test samples:
Accuplacer English and Math Materials
Try our online test simulations: