ATTENTION ATB CANDIDATES!
Read important information about ATB 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 sessions are offered on a limited basis before each registration. The testing phone number is (209) 575-7728. For test dates or visit www.mjc.edu.
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 session, StartSmart orientation or registration date. All students need to set up orientation and counseling appointments after completing the assessments. To set an appointment for orientation please call (209) 575-6789. For counseling call 575-6080.
What Tests are Given
The Accuplacer is given for the MJC English and reading and ESL assessment test. You get two opportunites to test and must wait 60 days before the final retest. The MDTP (Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project) is the test given for math placement. There are four levels to choose from. You may test twice per level. You must wait 60 days to retest in the same level or may take a different level anytime. The CASAS test is given for non-credit classes, but is also given to take credit ESL for Life & Work classes. There is generally no retest for the CASAS test.
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.
•an associate degree
•a vocational or technical certificate
•undecided
•completing requirements for university transfer
•learning job skills
•improving basic skills
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:
NOTE: Most math and English Composition courses require assessment or prerequisite course completion.
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 will have until June 28, 2012 to pass this test at MJC. Take the time to understand the options you still 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 as determined by the Financial Aid Office.
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. Check the Assessment Dates page for ATB testing times.
ATB Retest Procedure & Alternate Financial Aid Qualifications
Before taking the ATB test know your options. These options are listed below. Please review and understand these options. If you need help, call the Testing Center at (209) 575-7728.
Option 1:
Retest If You Fail the First Test
If you fail any part of the first test, you can retest after 14 days has passed and you must take the entire test again. This will be your last chance to retest before remediation is required (see option 4) and we strongly recommend that you practice using the links listed below before retesting. Minimum passing scores during a test session must be:
Reading Comprehension-55; Sentence Skills-60; Arithmetic-34.
Option 2:
Use Six Previous Course Units
If you have transcripts showing previous college coursework with passing grades (C or better) you MAY be able to waive the test and use these units to help you qualify for Financial Aid. These courses can also be from other accredited colleges. They must meet the following requirements:
Option 3
Earn Six Units of Degree Applicable Courses at MJC (best)
Whether you fail the first or second ATB test, you can and should start taking courses that count toward these six degree-applicable units now. This is a better alternative than taking remedial courses to qualify for a second retest (discussed below). If you plan on taking remedial courses, it would be wiser to pay for courses that get you qualified for Financial Aid rather than a retest. If you are already in several classes, check with the Financial Aid office to see if they meet degree eligibility. Applicable courses are listed in the school catalog under MJC GE Requirements for AA degree. You must pass these courses with a "C" or better to satisfy qualification requirements. Activities classes such as golf or swimming will not count toward the 6-unit requirement.
Courses must meet the following requirements:
Option 4
Retest Again after Demonstrating Appropriate Study
If you fail twice, you must complete and pass remedial coursework in the subjects that you failed. For example, if you failed in math and reading, we suggest that you take Math 10 and Reading 40. Please keep in mind that this will be your last retest opportunity. Option 3 provides a better alternative for you. 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. In order to retest, you will need to submit an ATB-3 Petition to Retest. Call the Testing Center for this form. If you don't pass again, the only option left is discussed in option 5.
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.
Test Dates
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ATB Practice Tests and Study Guide
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 at Modesto Junior College may depend on passing.
ACCUPLACER ATB PRACTICE TESTS
Directions for these sites: Click on the links below and review the questions. The answers are at the bottom of the webpage.
Sentence Skills & Reading - Answers are at the bottom of the page after opening link.
Arithmetic -Tips on how to solve can be e-mailed
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ACCUPLACER TEST QUESTIONS.COM
Directions for this site: http://www.accuplacertestquestions.com/.
Open the webpage and locate practice link called Accuplacer Test in the upper left corner of the webpage.
Click it then scroll down to find the problems. The recommended study questions and tips for this webpage are below.
First look at the arithmetic problems and try to work them out. Then look at the solution hints listed below on this page.
These tips apply to division and multiplication questions:
~ Positive divided by Positive = Positive
~ Negative divided by Negative = Positive
~ Positive divided by Negative = Negative
~ Negative divided by Positive = Negative
Arithmetic Questions 1through 10.
(Solution hints below)
1- make sure you line up all the decimals before adding and place the decimal in the same spot in the total.
2 - multiply 3 and 4 then multiply that by 2
3 - always assume there is an “invisible” decimal at the end of all numbers. You must move this decimal ONLY two places to the LEFT and then you have the percent of that number.
4- There are a couple of way to do this. Choose the one that makes the most sense for you to remember.
a. add the two negative numbers first because adding two negatives equals a negative number. -23 + -16 = -39. Then add the positive number…
b. or subtract 11 from -23 (gives a -12) and add -16. Use the rules above—it works the same way. When you add a positive and a negative, it will be negative if the negative number is the largest or positive if the positive number is the largest. In this case, -39 is larger than +11 so the answer will be negative (-28).
5- divide 8.46 by 1.5 – move the decimal in each number one space to the RIGHT (now it 84.6 / 15.) Now divide.
6- perform the operation within the parentheses ( ) first then multiply the resulting numbers by each other. Hint: the slash sign / always means divide.
7- see hint for #5 above.
8- see hint for #6 above.
9- Try to figure it out. If not email for solution, mullerc@mjc.edu.
10- Try to determine the answer. Unable? Email for solution, mullerc@mjc.edu.
Elementary Algebra - Questions 12, 14, 19, 20, 25, 28
(Solution hints below)
12 - multiply the cost $769 the by the tax .05 and then add both together.
14 - word problem – use the hint from the attachment “Accuplacer Arithmetic Samples” used for problem #8.
19 - subtract Friday from Saturday. Next divide the results by Saturday’s total. Hint: Be aware of the wording! Ask yourself “what are they asking me to do?” Answer: They want an “approximate” increase—not an exact percentage of increase.
20 - addition – watch the decimals!
25 - Google the rules on how to divide fractions and how to convert decimals and percentages to answer this one.
28 - Google the rules on rounding numbers.
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ACT
Directions for this site: Make sure you read all of ACT’s directions before you begin.
ACT Student Sample Test - Reading
ACT Student Sample Test - English
SAT
Directions for this site: Make sure you read all of SAT’s directions before you begin.
Official SAT Reading Practice
Official SAT Writing-Identifying Sentence Errors
Official SAT Writing Questions-Improving Sentences
STUDY GUIDE ZONE
Directions for this site: Make sure you scroll past the ads of these three webpages to locate the test problems and/or links. Extra links are at the bottom for other tests. The answers are usually at the bottom and most will have hints on how to solve the problem..
1. Reading Comprehension Practice
http://www.studyguidezone.com/accuplacer_reading.htm
2. Mathematics Practice
http://www.studyguidezone.com/accuplacer_arithmetic.htm
3. Sentence Skills/English Practice
http://www.studyguidezone.com/accuplacer_sentenceskills.htm
Accuplacer Test Study Guide (from Study Guide Zone)
Directions for this page: http://www.studyguidezone.com/pdfs/accuplacerteststudyguide.pdf
This study guide is will assist you in understanding the Accuplacer test. Take some time and read it. Much time has gone into preparing these materials.
The Study Guide Zone.com Homepage.
Directions for this site: This is the Study Guide Zone homepage. It contains an "Undergraduate Tests" section in which lists many other types of assessment tests and some have practice tests also. For example, in the English section below is the CLAST English practice test, followed by the CLEP and CPAT. Review these test also to get all the study you can. All answers should appear at the bottom of each tests webpage. All questions may or may not contain suggestions.
English:
http://www.studyguidezone.com/clast_englishlanguage.htm - Begin at #5.
http://www.studyguidezone.com/clep-english-composition.htm
http://www.studyguidezone.com/cpat_languageusage.html
Math:
http://www.studyguidezone.com/clast_mathematics.htm
http://www.testprepreview.com/modules/averagesandrounding.htm
http://www.testprepreview.com/modules/algebra1c.htm
http://www.studyguidezone.com/cpat_numericalskills.htm
Read Comp:
http://www.studyguidezone.com/clast_readingcomprehension.htm
http://www.studyguidezone.com/cpat_readingskills.htm
TEST PREP REVIEW – Free Online Practice Tests
http://www.testprepreview.com/cpat_practice.htm
Directions for this site: First open this site. You will see a long list of study links.
The suggested study subjects are listed below: (These topics have not been linked in this message but you can use this list as a guide. Just choose each area after you open the main link.)
-Basic Algebra
-Averages and Rounding
-Estimation Sequences
-Fractions and Square Roots
-Geometry
-Author’s Purpose
-Basic Math
-Measurement
-Percents and Ratios
-Basic Reading Comprehension
-Reading for the Main Idea
-Sentence Correction
-Sentence Correction 2
Other Resources:
https://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/testing/brushup.html
(permission granted by Miracosta College Testing Office)
Online Practice Tip To Use: Accuplacer uses the three measures below to test you. The BEST way to study is to GOOGLE the blue phrases below, for example Google “Operations with whole numbers sample tests” or “Operations with fractions sample tests” OR some of the phrases that are written after each of the blue topics such as “Equivalent fractions practice test” or “simple geometry problems”. Do this with each of the three topics.
1• Operations with whole numbers and fractions: Topics included in this category are addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, recognizing equivalent fractions and mixed numbers, and estimating.
2• Operations with decimals and percent’s: Topics include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with decimals. Percent problems, recognition of decimals, fraction and percent equivalencies, and problems involving estimation are also given.
3• Applications and problem solving: Topics include rate, percent, and measurement problems; simple geometry problems; and distribution of a quantity into its fractional parts.
Other Helps:
www.math.com
www.hotmath.com
www.aaamath.com
www.purplemath.com
www.themathpage.com
http://www.mathtv.com
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=1781B5B18B878EF2
Reading
www.smic.e/smic5022/exercisesreadingcomp.htm
http://depts.gallaudet.edu/englishworks/exercises/main/reading.htm
http://www.criticalreading.com/index/html
http://www.marin.cc.ca.us/~don/Study/7read.html
Writing/English
http://www.chompchomp.com/exercises.htm
http://www.grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/
http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/index.html
http://owl.english.purdee.edu/exercises
Math
http://mathleague.com/help/help.htm
http://www.aaamath.com
https://www.miracosta.edu/studentservices/testing/brushup.html
(permission granted by Miracosta College Testing Office)
Math Videos
http://www.youtube.com/
www.khanacademy.org
http://www.youtube.com/
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
