Anoka Ramsey Community College

Course Placement

• Information Used to Determine Placement

  • ACT, SAT, MCA, and Accuplacer scores that are valid and meet placement cut scores
  • Transfer coursework that is equivalent to reading, English and mathematics courses at Anoka-Ramsey
  • High School GPA and academic history if within 10 years, transcripts are not required but highly encouraged
  • Completion of an associate’s, a baccalaureate, or higher degree

  You may be exempt from taking all or portions of the placement test for the following reasons:

  Qualifying ACT scores:

  Assessment	Score	Course Placement
  Reading	21	READ 1106 College Textbook Reading (not required) READ 1108 College Reading III (not required)
  English	18	ENGL 1121 College Writing & Critical Reading
  Mathematics	18	Math 0240 Mathematical Concepts with Elementary Algebra
  Mathematics	20	Math 0250 Intermediate Algebra Math 1100 Mathematics for Liberal Arts Math 1110/Math 1114 Introduction to Statistics
  Mathematics	22	Math 1120 Mathematics for Elementary Teachers Math 1200 College Algebra
  Mathematics	25	Math 1201 Colleg Algebra and Trigonometry Math 1210 Pre-Calculus
  Mathematics	28+	Math 1400 Calculus

  Qualifying Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) with minimum scores:

  Assessment	Score	Course Placement
  Reading (Starting in 2013)	1047	READ 1106 College Textbook Reading (not required) READ 1108 College Reading III (not required)
  English	NA	NA
  Mathematics (Starting in 2014)	1150	Math 1100 Math for Liberal Arts
  	1148	Math 1114 Introduction to Statistics
  	1158	Math 1200 College Algebra

  Qualifying SAT Scores:

  Assessment	Score	Course Placement
  Reading	Evidence-based Reading & Writing (ERW) 480	READ 1106 College Textbook Reading (not required) READ 1108 College Reading III (not required)
  English	Evidence-based Reading & Writing (ERW) 480	ENGL 1121 College Writing & Critical Reading
  Mathematics	Math 530	Math 1200 College Algebra

  If you have graduated from high school within the last 10 years, your GPA may assist in placement decisions if included with any of the above standardized tests. Please submit official transcripts to our Records department.

  Students whose sub-scores are lower in one of these areas must take the placement test in that area. ACT, MCA and SAT scores are valid for 5 years.

  If you have taken the Accuplacer test at another college, have completed a college level math and/or English course through another college, or would like ACT, SAT and/or MCA scores to be considered in course placement please send an official copy of your scores/grades to the Records and Registration Office or complete this Course Placement Evaluation Request.

• Resources to Prepare for Accuplacer Test

  English

  Accuplacer Next-Generation Reading Resources

  The reading portion of the placement test consists of multiple-choice questions that assess four content areas: Information and Ideas, Rhetoric, Synthesis and Vocabulary.

  Cengage Learning Student Resource Center
  Accuplacer Online Practice/Sample Tests
  Oklahoma State University Reading Strategies

  Math

  This is an adaptive test which means the computer will automatically decide the next question to give you based on your responses to previous questions. Because of the adaptability, you cannot omit any questions or come back to change an answer later. When the math test starts, you begin with questions in the topic Accuplacer calls Intermediate Algebra. Pending your performance, you may move on to the Arithmetic Test or Advanced Algebraic Functions Test.

  Test Sequence Progression

  1. Intermediate Algebra - 20 questions
     (Algebra II)
  2. Arithmetic - 20 questions
     (percents, operations with integers, fractions, decimals and basic word problems.)
  3. Advanced Algebraic Functions - 20 questions
     (Algebra II, Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics, Geometry and Pre-Calculus)

  Resources

  • Intermediate Algebra Practice PDF
  • Arithmetic Practice PDF
  • Advanced Algebraic Functions Practice PDF
  • Math Video Modules
  • Math Concepts and Practice
    

• Day of Your Test

  • There is no fee to take the initial assessment test; however there is a $10 retest fee for each retest session.
  • Bring your student ID number and a picture identification.
  • This is an untimed test; allow 2-3 hours to take the test. 
  • Calculators are not allowed. Scratch paper is provided.
  • All personal belongings will be stored in a locker, including, but not limited to book bags, coats, hats, cell phones (turned off), etc. 
  • No food or beverages allowed.
  • Children are not allowed in the testing center and must not be left unattended.

• Understand Your Test Results

  Reading and English, Mathematics: Accuplacer Interpretation (PDF)

  English Language Learner (ELL) Pathway: Accuplacer Interpretation (PDF)

  Math Pathways (PDF)
  Your placement test (Accuplacer) score determines your math starting point.

• Retesting

  • If you are not satisfied with your placement results, you may retest.
  • There is a $10 retest fee for each retest session. Please come to the Testing Center to verify if the retest fee is applicable.
  • Students may retest twice (for each placement exam: reading comprehension, arithmetic, elementary algebra and/or college level math) within 12 months of the first testing date, regardless of where the test was administered.

• Contacts

  Testing Services

  Cambridge Campus
  763-433-1980
  Fax: 763-433-1841
  
  Coon Rapids Campus
  763-433-1180
  Fax: 763-433-1521

• Locations

  Cambridge Campus
  Rm D208A

  Coon Rapids Campus
  Rm SC150

  Maps & Hours

• Upcoming Workshops

  Accuplacer Prep
  Workshop Series

  Arithmetic and Algebra level instruction available in 10-session series.

  Learn More

• Forms

  Request for Accuplacer Score Report

• Language Placement Testing

  Placement test for French, German, or Spanish.