Basic skills tests/assessments are recommended for all first-time college students and those who plan to enroll in reading, writing, ESL (English as a Second Language) or math courses.
English The English test measures reading and writing skills. The first section is composed of passages followed by questions regarding the content. In the second section, students will identify sentence and grammar errors and identify logical sentence choices. In the last section, students are given sentences with words missing and are asked to fill in the blanks with the correct answer. All three sections must be taken for either reading or writing courses. It is administered on the computer and is timed. Students taking the English test will also be given the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory, LASSI. (Please see below for information.) Students should allow 2 hours total for the English Placement and the LASSI together. Only one attempt is permitted. English sample test.
Learning and Study Strategies Inventory The Learning and Study Strategies Inventory, LASSI, is used to assess students' awareness of their use of learning and study strategies. It is administered on the computer and is not timed. The LASSI will be given to students who are taking their initial English Placement or to students who receive a referral from their counselor. Allow a total of 2 hours if you are taking the LASSI with the English Placement test. Allow 30 minutes if you have a written referral from a counselor and you are taking the LASSI by itself. Only one attempt is permitted.
English as a Second Language The ESL test is for students whose native language is not English and who wish to enroll in ESL classes. It is composed of four sections. Listening, reading, and grammar are administered on the computer and are not timed. Writing (essay) is timed for 30 minutes. Students should allow approximately 3 hours. Only one attempt is permitted. ESL sample test.
Math Self-Assessment The ARC Math Self-Assessment allows students to select a math class based on their background and math skills. This online process can be completed either at home or the Assessment Center, where assistance is available. Students should allow approximately 45 minutes to complete the process. There is no sample test for the Math Self-Assessment. You must wait 24 hours after the time your ID number is generated to access this process.