ATB information
below
Testing Center Location
The Testing Center is located on the MJC West Campus in Yosemite Hall, Room 147 at 2201 Blue Gum Avenue (Carpenter and Blue Gum) Modesto, CA 95358. This is the only location that administers the assessment tests. Most testing is done during regular business hours, though evening and weekend sessions are offered on a limited basis before each registration. The testing phone number is (209) 575-7728.
Why Test?
Assessment testing is one of many measures used by college personnel to help you select appropriate courses. Testing may also be used to satisfy certain course prerequisites. Testing is free, however, other tests offered through the Testing Center do have a fee.
Individuals planning to attend Modesto Junior College may either be a returning student or a new student who has submitted an admission application to the Admissions office. Students must wait until it is processed before testing. Additionally, students should test at least 10 days prior to any advising, StartSmart orientation or registration date. All students need to set up counseling and orientation appointments after completing all assessments. To set an appointment for orientation please call the Welcome Center at 575-6789. For counseling call 575-6080.
Who Needs Testing
All new MJC students need to test. The MDTP math and Accuplacer English and Reading tests used for testing. Any students whose educational goals include the following are required to complete assessment.
In addition, students who have completed 15 units or more, regardless of their educational goals, are also expected to complete testing.
After assessing, most students will receive a printed copy of their scores. Scores cannot be given by phone, but may be given if a student arrives in person with appropriate picture identification.
Exemption From Testing
You may be exempt from testing if you:
Need special accommodations?
Accommodations for students with disabilities can be arranged for any college service if the request is made at least 10 days prior to the service or activity. If you are being served through the Disability Services Program, phone (209) 575-6225 or TTY 575-6863. If you are not currently being served through DSPS, phone the ADA Coordinator at 209-575-6267 or TTY (209) 575-6863 to arrange accommodations.
If you have been advised by the MJC Financial Aid Office to take the Ability-to-Benefit test, you need to know all the options you have for being able to qualify for Federal Financial Aid. Of course, once you take and pass the ATB test, you will qualify for Financial Aid as long as you have met all other qualification criteria. There are three parts to the Ability-to-Benefit test. You must pass all three parts in one sitting. We highly recommend that you earnestly practice using the links listed below before taking your first test.
The following outlines the procedures you need to be aware of before taking the ATB test. For additional important information about the ATB test, read the FAQ's below. Click here for test dates.
Before taking the ATB test know your options.
Option 1 - Take the Test and Retest if Necessary
If you pass on your first try, your next step is to contact the Financial Aid Office after 48 hours. This gives Financial Aid technicians a chance to process your scores. If you fail the first test, you can retest a second time after 14 days. However, we strongly recommend that you practice on all the links listed below before retesting. Again, this cannot be stressed enough, practice!
Option 2 - Use Six Previous Course Units
If you possess passing grades (C or better) from previous college coursework that is accepted by MJC and totals six units and are degree-applicable (can be use toward an Associate Degree), you will be able to waive the test and use these units to help you qualify for Financial Aid.
Option 3 - Take Degree Applicable Courses
If you fail the first time, you can opt to take courses totaling six degree-applicable units. If you are already in courses, check with the Financial Aid office to see if they meet degree eligibility. Courses are listed in the school catalog under MJC GE Requirements for AA degree. You must pass the courses with a "C" or better in order to satisfy the qualification requirement.
Option 4 - Retest Again after Demonstrating Appropriate Study
If you fail twice, you must submit a request to retest again. However, before you can do this, you must complete and pass remedial coursework. This will be your last retest opportunity. Below is a list of the courses you can take.
Reading 21 English 48 Any ESL class Math 20
Reading 40 English 49 Spelling 31 Math 10
After completing courses in the areas that you failed on the ATB test and receiving confirmation to retest, you may take your last test. If you don't pass again, the only option left is...
Options 5 - Take Degree Applicable Courses after Third Fail
If you fail the test a third time, the only option remaining is to take six units of degree applicable courses. These courses can be found in the MJC catalog under MJC GE (General Education) Requirements for AA degree. You may also ask Financial Aid about fee waivers and the EOPS office about services that may be able to assist you.
Please review the following recommended resources before you take ANY ATB test. Due to the limited number of retest opportunities, it is strongly recommended that you use your time wisely and put forth your best effort in practicing for this test. Remember, your ability to quality for financial aid and remain in school Modesto Junior College may depend on passing. (back to ATB information)
College Board ACCUPLACER ATB Sample Questions for Students
Sentence Skills & Reading
Arithmetic
Below are the best resources we can find in addition to the ACCUPLACER study materials.
Northcentral Technical College
Guide to Accuplacer Success
SAT
Official SAT Reading Practice
Official SAT Math1 Practice
Study Guide Zone
www.studyguidezone.com/accuplacertest
This is an impressive resource that contains practices and a great study guide. The homepage contains an "Undergraduate Tests" section with different practice tests. Many (not all) have good practices to work on. This page lists Study Tips on test anxiety, cramming, test preparation, etc. Don't rush through! Read and practice 1-2 hours a day until just before the test day. Take in small bits of practice information at a time.
Here's a tip for you from us. Eat an hour or two before testing so that you'll have mental energy before coming to test because eating right before a test can cause you to become sleepy. Happy testing!
Test Dates
Do all students planning to attend MJC need to take the ATB test?
No. This test is only required of students who:
· did not graduate from high school
· are seeking federal financial aid, and
· are pursuing education from a post-secondary institution (college, university, etc.)
· have received confirmation that they are accepted to attend Modesto Junior College.
You will be notified by the Financial Aid office if you need to take the Ability-to-Benefit test. In addition, your MJC application must be fully processed before testing.
What does Ability to Benefit mean?
Students who do not have a high school diploma, GED or have passed California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE) and want to apply for financial aid must take an approved ATB test to demonstrate the ability to benefit (study and learn) from the education or training being offered. The test is used to assist students in meeting federal financial aid eligibility requirements.
What tests do I take?
MJC administers the Accuplacer ability-to-benefit test. There are three tests that must be completed in one sitting. Those tests are the Reading Comprehension, Sentence Skills and Arithmetic tests. It is strongly recommended that you practice before taking the first test to increase your chance of success as retest opportunities are greatly limited.
What score do I need to pass?
Passing the test requires that you earn at least the minimum passing score for all three tests. Each test is worth 120 points. The minimum scores are below.
· Reading Comprehension--55 points
· Sentence Skills--60 points
· Arithmetic--34 points
You will know whether you passed or failed immediately after finishing. At the end of the math exam your scores will display on the screen and you will receive a printed report for your records.
How often can I retest?
If you do not achieve the minimum passing score on any test, you may retest on all three parts after 14 days. Whether you passed one or two parts on the previous test does not change this. In addition, you will have one more retest opportunity but not without instructional intervention. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you give your best effort in studying the practice resources listed above and include any suggestions for study that you receive before or after the test session.
MJC Testing Center
West Campus
Yosemite Hall, Room 147
2201 Blue Gum Avenue
Modesto, CA 95358
Phone: (209) 575-7728
Fax: (209) 575-7776
Assessment Test Dates & Practice Questions
