I am a 47 year old SAHM and I'm planning to go to college in the fall to become a teacher. I've been accepted to one and now have to take college placement tests and I'd like to know why. What are those going to tell someone? When someone has chosen a major, there is a curriculum they have to follow in order to get a degree in that major, right? So what role do the placement tests play in following that curriculum? Thanks!
2007-07-10 12:53:25 · 5 answers · asked by Emily Dew 7 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
You don't just take courses to fulfill your major. Colleges have general education requirements as well. They want you to be well rounded in the US.
The college placement tests are so they can figure out where to place you for certain courses or requirements they want everyone to fulfill.
2007-07-10 13:06:26 · answer #1 · answered by Linkin 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually placement tests are used to determine what level of courses you should be taking (usually with regard to math, English, and foreign language classes). Yes, while there is a curriculum you need to follow for each major, some of the placement tests will tell you whether you can place out of certain college courses that otherwise would have been needed for your degree. They also will tell you whether you need to take any remedial courses (though you probably won't get credit for them) in order to prepare yourself to take some of the general education courses.
2007-07-10 13:03:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is a proper way to prepare for these tests. They are "placement tests" therefore, meant to PLACE you in the correct level at which you are at. You wouldn't want to study for the test only to get into a high class which you will end up doing poorly in. Just relax and if you think you can do better the next time around, go for it! I know most schools offer a second placement test in 6 months or so. I didn't place very high in my english test but I knew I could place higher, so I took other GE classes instead so I didnt waste time taking units that weren't transferrable. I retook the test and placed into a higher level! Good luck with that and I hope you are satisfied with whatever you place in. =]
2016-05-18 23:32:47 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The placement tests tell them if you need to take remedial courses. For instance, if your major requires taking English, and you fail the writing exam, you will have to take remedial English (high school level) before you can take a college-level class. Most schools have placements tests for English and Calculus/math. My school also had a test for Chemistry, and tests for the foreign languages (for people who already know some of the language, to see what level they should start at.)
2007-07-10 13:05:44 · answer #4 · answered by jellybeanchick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it has been a while since attending school it is a requirement, it is equivalent to high school students taking ACT.
You may have selected courses for your major, however if you place below those selected courses in Math, English, Sciences you will have to start at the level you test at and tier your way up.
2007-07-10 13:03:19 · answer #5 · answered by Becca 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋