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Saginaw Valley State University

Testing Center

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Placement Testing

Students are placed into their freshmen courses based on their SAT/ACT scores.  Those who have not taken or submitted these scores may take Accuplacer placement tests to assist with math and reading course placement. These tests help ensure placement at the appropriate skill level.  These tests are not a requirement; they are only a way to help students move past certain prerequisite courses.  (Note: Accuplacer scores from other schools are not accepted due to the differences in test varieties and placement policies between institutions.)  Students taking placement tests must follow all Testing Center policies.  Testers are required to present a physical photo ID (student ID, driver's license, passport, or state ID) on test day; electronic versions will not be accepted.  No exceptions can be made to this policy.

 

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Basic Information on Testing

Testers must present a physical photo ID (student ID, driver's license, passport, or state ID) on test day; electronic IDs or "photos" of an ID will not be accepted.  Individuals who arrive without a valid ID will not be allowed to test.  Students should arrive at least 15 minutes before the exam begins to complete the check-in process.  Proctors will provide scratch paper and pencils.  Test takers may not bring their own calculators, paper, or electronic devices into the testing room.  Placement tests are untimed, but test takers should allow at least 1.5 hours for completion.

Placement tests will not be administered in the time period between the third day of classes and the end of the second week of classes in the fall and winter semesters.  This policy will be strictly enforced.

Students who wish to improve their placement scores should prepare before testing.  Study materials are available on the Math and Physics Resource Center's website and the free Accuplacer Study App.

Students who test at the Testing Center will receive a score report after completing their exam.  Additional score reports may be requested by email or in person, including for tests taken through the voucher program.  Email requests should be sent to testing@svsu.edu and include the student's name, date of birth, SVSU student ID number, and permission to email the scores.

Scores cannot be released by phone and, in accordance with FERPA, can only be sent directly to the student. Score reports cannot be sent to other institutions. Please allow 3–4 business days for processing.

Students who wish to take their Accuplacer Placement exams off campus may do so through the Accuplacer Voucher Program.  Vouchers are made by the Testing Center Coordinator and are redeemed by the student.

    Option 1: Another Accuplacer Testing Center

    Accuplacer testing centers are located throughout the United States. Students are responsible for any proctoring fees charged by the testing location. Fees vary by institution, and the SVSU Testing Center cannot provide fee information in advance.  Testing hours are determined by the selected testing center. To locate a testing center or request a voucher, contact the Testing Center at testing@svsu.edu or (989) 964-2820.

     

    Option 2: At-Home Testing

    Students may test at home through Meazure Learning's ProctorU online proctoring service.  A webcam, reliable internet connection, and private testing space are required.  Chromebooks, tablets, and cell phones are not supported.  ProctorU charges a $29.50 proctoring fee, and additional fees may apply for on-demand testing.  Students work directly with ProctorU for scheduling, payment, and technical support.  Students may visit ProctorU's "Equipment Requirements" page for more information on items needed for testing. 

    Voucher requests must be submitted by the Wednesday before the start of the semester.  To request a voucher, please email the Testing Center at testing@svsu.edu and provide your full name, student ID number, and birthdate.  A voucher will be returned to the email you send your message from.  If you do not receive a reply within 2 business days, please call the Center at 989-964-2820.

    Students needing accommodations should first contact the Office of Accessibility Resources and Accommodations (ARA) at (989) 964-7000.  The ARA Office will then notify the Testing Center of the necessary accommodations.  After that, students should register for their exam by using RegisterBlast.

    Note: Placement tests are untimed exams.  Testers may take as long as they need to complete them, though it is recommended that they choose appointment windows earlier in the day to ensure the Center does not close before they have finished.  For Accuplacer Math Placement tests, a calculator is provided on certain test questions.

    Off Campus Testing

    Students testing off campus must contact their testing location directly to make appointment changes or request refunds. The Testing Center cannot make these changes on the student's behalf.  Students testing through Meazure Learning's ProctorU service must contact ProctorU directly for scheduling changes or refunds. Refund requests should be emailed to placementrefund@meazurelearning.com.

     

    On Campus Testing in the Center

    Cancellations: Testers may cancel their appointment in one of two ways:

    1. Go to RegisterBlast and follow the directions located under the "More Information" box on the website.  RegisterBlast will not allow appointment changes within 24 hours of the scheduled time.
    2. By contacting the Center via email at testing@svsu.edu or phone at (989) 964-2820.

    Rescheduling: Testers should email the Center at testing@svsu.edu.  The message should include their name, original test day/time, and potential new appointment day/time.

    Types of Placement Tests

    Eligibility

    Reading placement for first-time college students is based on their SAT/ACT scores and high school GPA.  However, students who have a high school GPA under 3.0 or SAT/ACT scores that place them into English 103 or English 104 may choose to take the Accuplacer Reading Placement test.  Transfer, non-traditional, and international students without SAT/ACT scores should consult an academic advisor about reading placement.  No retakes are allowed for this exam.

    Process

    First-time college students: Students should contact the Testing Center at testing@svsu.edu to verify eligibility.

    International students: Permission to test is given by the Office of International Programs.  Though testing is available during orientation, it is recommended students complete placement testing while at home through the voucher program.

    Non-traditional and transfer students: These students must speak with an advisor in the Academic Advisement Center to receive permission to test.

    All students may take their Accuplacer Reading Placement test in one of the following ways:

    1. On campus in the Testing Center: Appointments can be made scheduled here.  There is no fee to test in the Center.
    2. Via the Accuplacer Voucher Program which consists of two location options: at another certified testing location or at home with ProctorU.  Please see the "Accuplacer Voucher Program for Testing Off Campus" section above for more information or contact the Testing Center at 989-964-2820.  Note: Students are responsible for all fees associated with taking exams through the voucher program.

    Format

    Accuplacer exams are computerized tests. The Reading Placement test is untimed and is comprised of 20 questions. Students will be asked to read a sentence, a small passage, or a short article and answer multiple-choice questions about what they read.

    Testing & Retesting Eligibility

    Students are placed in a math class based on their SAT/ACT test scores.  Those who do not submit test scores are placed into MATH 081: Basic Mathematical Skills.  Students who are dissatisfied with their placement may take the Accuplacer Math Placement Test.

    SVSU uses the Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics and Advanced Algebra and Functions versions of Accuplacer. The following study resources are available:
    • Accuplacer Online Study App: A free app that can be downloaded to phones, tablets, and computers.  It provides a general idea of the topics the student may be tested on.
    • Math and Physics Resource Center: Offers study materials, practice problems, and review worksheets.  Students may also visit the MPRC on the second floor of the Zahnow Library for additional assistance.
    Students who are dissatisfied with their Accuplacer score may retake the test once.  Retests cannot be taken within 30 days of the original test date.  Appointments scheduled before the 30-day waiting period has passed will be canceled.

    Process

    All students desiring to take an Accuplacer Math Placement or a Math Retake test may take their exams in one of the following ways:

    1. On campus in the Testing Center: Appointments can be made scheduled here.  There is no fee to test in the Center.
    2. Via the Accuplacer Voucher Program which consists of two location options - at another certified testing location or at home with ProctorU.  Please see the "Accuplacer Voucher Program for Testing Off Campus" section above for more information or contact the Testing Center at 989-964-2820.  Note: Students are responsible for all fees associated with taking exams through the voucher program.

    Format

    Accuplacer exams are computerized tests.  The math test is untimed and is comprised of two levels of multiple-choice questions that range from pre-algebra to pre-calculus.  A calculator is built into the math test software; this is the only calculator a student is allowed for this examination.  Scrap paper and pencils will be provided by the proctor, all of which will be collected at the end of the test.

    International and first-time students:

    Students are initially placed into a writing course based on their high school GPA.  During SOAR Orientation, they complete a guided self-placement survey, which may be supplemented by conversations with advisors and/or English faculty.  This process can allow them to change their initial placement.  Please contact Academic Advising at aacsvsu@svsu.edu for access to the survey.  International students may also watch a short instructional video entitled "GSP Introduction" if they have questions regarding the survey.
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    Non-traditional students:

    Non-traditional students are eligible to take an Accuplacer Writing Placement test.  This is a timed exam (80 minutes); students will write a single essay in response to a question posed by the Accuplacer program.  To receive permission to take this exam, students should speak with an advisor.

     

     

     

     

     

    CONTACT US.






    The Testing Center @ SVSU
    Zahnow 308
    testing@svsu.edu
    (989) 964-2820