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Basic Skills Assessment

This page contains the answers to some frequently asked questions concerning the Basic Skills Assessment.  

Purpose of the Basic Skills Assessment (BSA): | Back |

At Quinebaug Valley Community College, we use the Accuplacer Online testing system developed by the College Board to provide information about your level of skill in reading, English and mathematics. Each student with his/her advisor will use this information to make decisions about the kinds of courses the student is prepared to take.

Who Must Take the Test | Back |

QVCC requires that the following students TAKE the BSA:

  1. All new students enrolled in a degree or certificate program.
  2. Any student transferring to QVCC who has not successfully completed both an English composition and a college level mathematics course at another college.
  3. Any QVCC student who has not taken the BSA and has accumulated 6 or more credits.
  4. Any student registering for a course with a math or English prerequisite.

The following students are NOT required to take the BSA:

  1. Students who have completed an associate, bachelor's or higher college degree.
  2. Non-degree students seeking to enroll in an occasional course for personal enrichment, or for no more than six (6) credits.
  3. Students seeking to enroll only in English as a Second Language courses.

Test Administration | Back |

The basic skills assessment is administered on a personal computer. You will read the instructions and questions on the computer monitor and will select your answers using the computer keyboard or mouse. No computer experience is needed. Five untimed test sections that cover reading comprehension, sentence skills, writing skills, arithmetic, and elementary algebra are taken on the computer. Upon completion of these sections, the student is required to produce a writing sample that will be used to clarify the English placement as needed.

Textbooks, notebooks, dictionaries, calculators or other papers of any kind (except scratch paper provided by the test administrator) will not be allowed in the testing area. Furthermore, anyone who gives or receives help during the assessment or who uses notes or books of any kind will not be allowed to continue with the assessment process. Following the assessment period, no materials or notes may be removed from the room. The college will cancel any assessment score if there is reason to question its validity.

Test Description | Back |

The Basic Skills Assessment consists of 5 untimed test sections that cover reading comprehension, sentence skills, writing skills, arithmetic, and elementary algebra. A sixth test, college-level math, is given to students when required. Upon completion of the computer based tests, the student is asked to write a short essay in response to a writing prompt. This writing sample is also untimed. Click here to view the student guide and sample tests.

Scores | Back |

When you have taken the BSA, make an appointment to speak with a college advisor, who will explain each score to you. You may request a copy of your score report from the advisor.

Students with Disabilities | Back |

If you have a physical or other disability that will prevent you from taking the assessments under standard conditions or format, contact the Director of Learning Services, James Grimord, 774-1160, prior to scheduling your appointment.

Adaptive Testing | Back |

The BSA uses testing methods based on computerized adaptive testing techniques. This means that the computer automatically determines which questions are presented to you based on your responses to prior questions. The greater your demonstrated skill the more challenging the questions will become.

Guessing | Back |

If you do not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices. Then pick one of the remaining choices. You must answer every question when it is first given. You cannot skip an answer or return later to the question. Directions are given on how to change an answer. This must be done while the question is still on the screen and before you confirm your answer.

Confidentiality | Back |

Your assessment scores and the information you provide when taking the tests will be used for placement and advising purposes. The data may also be used by the College and The College Board and/or Educational Testing Service for research purposes. If used for research purposes, special precautions will be taken to ensure that your identity is kept confidential. Your assessment information will not be used for any other reason without your permission. If you have any questions about the confidentiality of the data or about your assessment scores, you should contact James Grimord, Director of Learning Services, or Helen Downs - Test Administrator/Learning Support (774-1160).

Test Preparation | Back |

The Basic Skills Assessment is your first step to achieving your educational goals. Here are a few tips to help you do your very best: Take your time. Plan on at least 2 hours to complete the assessment. It's always better to reschedule your testing appointment than to rush through the test. Try your best on each question.

Student Guide and Sample Tests | Back |

For more information about the tests, checkout the Student Guide and Sample Test Items. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these files.

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