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ASSESSMENT CENTER
YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT SMC ASSESSMENT ANSWERED
Question Categories
1. ASSESSMENT CENTER LOCATION AND TESTING HOURS
3. THE PURPOSE OF THE ASSESSMENT, PREPARATION, AND RETESTING
4. ASSESSMENT WAIVERS & TEST RESULTS TO/FROM OTHER COLLEGES
6. MATH PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT
1. ASSESSMENT CENTER LOCATION AND TESTING HOURS
Where is the Assessment Center located?
The Assessment Center is located on the Main Campus in the Liberal Arts Building RM 109. Our fax number is (310) 434-8019). For your convenience, detailed information on the Center can also be found online at www.smc.edu/assessment.
What are your testing hours? Do I need to make an appointment to take an assessment test?
Testing hours are Mondays 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Tuesdays through Thursdays 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Appointments are not required if you are taking the English, ESL, math, or Math Proficiency Assessment, but service is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Chemistry Challenge Exam is offered only by appointment. Our office hours are: Mondays 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Thursday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Fridays 9:00 am to 1:30 pm.
Where may I park when I come to take my test?
Parking at SMC is limited to Student Lots to parking permit holders. If you do not have a permit, a limited number of spaces are available in Lot 2 (on Pearl Street west of 20th Street) for a fee of $5. You may use the public pay parking located around the main campus. Please be informed that since car alarms are disruptive to other students and our neighbors, cars in the parking structure with activated alarms will be cited or towed immediately at vehicle owner’s expense. Parking is enforced at all times. Parking instructions and directions are available at: http://www.smc.edu/parking/default.htm. If you received a Parking Citation and wish to contest it, the form is available at the College Police Office 1718 Pearl Street. Or you may download the form in PDF at http://www.smc.edu/college_police/admin-review.pdf.
What documents do I need to present in order to assess?
All students testing at our facility are required to provide a valid Santa Monica College ID number and a government issued photo identification card such as a California drivers license, California ID card, passport, or military ID prior to testing. If you are still in high school or just graduated, a high school ID may be presented. We will not be able to test you without proper ID. If you have lost yours, please go to your nearest DMV office to obtain a temporary driver’s license or ID. We will gladly accept a DMV printout.
What do I need for admission into the testing room?
All students who have been cleared for the test are required to enter the testing room with only the TEST AUTHORIZATION FORM issued at the Front Counter at LA 109 along with a government issued photo ID.
May I bring calculators, dictionaries, or other testing aids?
Please be advised that the use of dictionaries, calculators, materials or devices not otherwise authorized by the supervising proctor are expressly prohibited. Failure to follow directions and disregard for testing instructions will result in termination of your testing session, followed by the initiation of a disciplinary procedure against you.
If I am a first-time college student, am I required to take the English/ESL and math assessments?
Yes. If you are a new college student who has never attended another college, you are required to take English/ESL and Math assessment tests before enrolling in English/ ESL or Math for the first time, or enrolling in more than 6 units during your first semester at SMC. Exemptions are automatically granted for the first semester (if such semester is Spring or Fall) of first-time students wishing to enroll in up 6 units or less. However, enrollment in future semesters will be blocked until you complete the assessment tests. Students who have attended other colleges are not required to complete the assessments, unless they are planning to enroll in English, ESL, math, or chemistry.
I am a continuing/returning student but I am blocked from enrolling in classes due to an assessment hold. What should I do?
The most probable reason for the assessment hold is that you did not complete the required English/ESL or math assessments before enrolling on your second semester, or when attempting to enroll in more than 6 units during your first semester. Given this situation, you must complete the assessment tests at SMC during our regularly scheduled hours. If you took the tests and have proof, please come to the Assessment Center so we may investigate the reason why our system has no record of your testing. In most cases, it is due to wrong student ID numbers. You may also have an assessment hold due to an assessment-related disciplinary action. Please come to the Assessment Center for further information.
Presently I live out of California, is there any college in my state that I can take your assessment tests?
While we do not maintain a list of colleges that use Accuplacer or Compass assessments, you may individually contact testing centers at colleges in your area. If these tests are in use, ask if they would be willing to assess you. In some cases, testing is reserved exclusively to students at those colleges; in other cases they may test you at a fee. If you decide to test at these facilities you must ensure that you take the appropriate tests: For English: ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension and Sentence Skills tests; for Math: COMPASS math test. Any other tests you take will not be accepted by SMC. Once you finish your test, we will only accept the test results if they are faxed directly by the institution to the SMC Assessment Center. Please go to http://www.smc.edu/assessment/waivers_exemptions.html for information on how to fax these results.
I am still in High School but plan to take some classes at SMC. Do I need to take assessment tests?
If you are a concurrent enrollment student, you may be required to complete both the English and mathematics assessment tests. All concurrent enrollment students enrolling in courses other than activity or performance courses must complete the English assessment test and place into English 21A or into the advisory/prerequisite listed for the course you want to enroll. The math assessment is required only if you are taking a course where a specific math placement advisory or prerequisite is noted.
I have not completed the 8th grade as required for concurrent enrollment students, but I am interested in taking classes at SMC. How can you accommodate me with this status?
All the requirements that apply to those who have completed the 8th grade also applies to you. In addition, students like you who have not completed the 8th grade by the beginning of the term they plan to enroll at SMC must first meet with the Associate Dean of Enrollment Services. You must first submit your admission application directly to the Admissions Office and arrange for a meeting with the Dean. Once the Dean authorizes your application, you will make arrangements to take the Peabody assessment once you also complete the English assessment (and the mathematics assessment if relevant). Arrangements for the Peabody may be made by calling 310-434-4012. The Peabody will only be administered to students placing into English 21A or higher. Failure to reach this level will prevent us from administering the Peabody. In order to gain admission to the college, you must achieve a Peabody academic proficiency level equivalent to the 9th grade (or higher). The Peabody assessment, which is administered orally, comprises four sub-tests, namely: General Information, Reading Recognition, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics. Questions in the test are graduated according to grades and normally, the test administrator begins the test with questions appropriate for the individual student’s grade level, and then adjusts according to the student’s responses on each question.
3. THE PURPOSE OF THE ASSESSMENT, PREPARATION, AND RETESTING
What is the purpose of the assessment tests?
The purpose of the English/ESL and Mathematics assessments is to provide you and the college with information about your academic skills in areas of reading, writing, and quantitative reasoning. The intent of the assessments is to determine placement into a course commensurate with your skill level. That is, the assessment will identify courses in the subjects above that have just the right level of difficulty for you—not too easy, not too difficult. Counselors also use your assessment results to recommend courses—during educational planning—that are best given your demonstrated reading and writing skills.
Do I need to take the assessment tests seriously?
Yes. Your performance in the assessment tests will determine your eligibility for English, ESL, math, and Chemistry courses. Note that some students breeze through the assessment test and thus place little attention to questions/answers and in the end are dissatisfied with their performance. You are best advised to take the assessments seriously and take your time in approaching each and every question. Excuses such as “I did not take the test seriously” will not alter our adherence to testing policies. Your performances is solely your responsibility.
How are the assessment tests administered?
The English, ESL, Math, and Math proficiency assessments are computer-adaptive, meaning they are administered via a computer and as you take the tests, the items you are given are adjusted to your skill level. This is done based on your continuing performance on the test. If you want to maximize your score, it is crucial that you spend sufficient time on each item to ensure you arrive at the correct answer. These tests are untimed, thus you may have as much time as you need. Note that the Chemistry Challenge Exam is a paper-pencil test consisting of 44 items.
Which test do I take: English or ESL?
You are only required to take English as a Second Language if English is not the first language you learned as a child, and/or you do not speak English with family members, friends or co-workers, and/or you did not complete most of your education in English. We strongly encourage you take the ESL test if the above situation applies to you. The ESL test has been specifically designed to assess the English skills of non-native English speakers. Additionally, the ESL assessment places you into academic ESL courses that parallel the English courses also taught at the college.
What if I “fail” the assessment tests? Will the college still admit me?
There is no ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ on the assessment tests. We will simply identify courses commensurate with your skills. While taking the assessment is not an admission criterion (except in some cases for Concurrent Enrollment students), your ability to enroll in the courses that you want or the number of units you want, are impacted by the completion of the English/ESL and math assessments.
Do you have sample tests that I can use for practice?
Yes. We do have sample tests English, ESL, and math which are available at Center front office and online at http://www.smc.edu/assessment/sample_tests.html. Please note that these are merely samples and not completely reflective of the test length or content.
How is placement into a specific course determined?
Placement into courses is determined through multiple measures. This means that you not only take a test, but other factors are also taken into account to assess your readiness for courses.
Do test results expire?
Yes. Each test result expires after one calendar year. In this respect, students are advised to enroll into the English/ESL or Math course they are placed as soon as possible and certainly before the expiration of the test results. Remember that your ability to meet your educational goals may be impacted by the number of English//ESL and math courses you may need to take. Please be sure to consult with a counselor to plan the timing of your course-taking.
Can I retest if I did not do well in the first test?
Yes. You may retest in English, ESL, Math, and Chemistry after an initial wait of two weeks from the date of the first test. Thereafter, other retests may be taken once every calendar year, provided you have not enrolled in the relevant course sequence. Retesting for the Math Proficiency Assessment is permitted once only after a waiting period of eight weeks. Note there is a retesting fee of $10 per test. All test results are valid for one calendar year only.
What next do I need to do after taking assessment tests?
At the end of your placement tests, you will be given your test results and a two-sided flyer which indicates which English, ESL or Math course you placed into, and the steps you need to take to enroll in classes. You are strongly encouraged to meet with a counselor to discuss your educational plans. They in turn will assist you in proper course selection based on your assessment results. If you are a first-time college student please go to the Welcome Center; if you are a continuing/returning student go to the Transfer/Counseling Center in the Counseling Complex.
4. ASSESSMENT WAIVERS & TEST RESULTS TO/FROM OTHER COLLEGES
Do you accept assessment results from other colleges?
Yes, but only under certain conditions: 1) Only the following tests will be accepted:
· ACCUPLACER test for English (Reading Comprehension & Sentence Skills);
· ACCUPLACER ESL test for ESL (Reading Skills, Sentence Meaning, Language Use); and
· COMPASS Math test.
This means that tests other than those listed will not be accepted. Further restrictions are imposed. Please visit http://www.smc.edu/assessment/waivers_exemptions.html for additional information and instructions on how to forward your test results. Test results taken at other colleges must be faxed to 310-434-8019 by the College where the test was taken. Student faxed results or hand-carried results will not be accepted.
Do you grant placement waivers based on completed course work from other institutions or based on AP Scores? If yes, what are the means of forwarding such results to you?
Yes. Waivers may be granted for English, ESL, Math, or Chemistry to those who have completed applicable college-level coursework as evidenced in a college transcript or as evidenced in an AP Report. A student making request for waivers based on these results must complete the appropriate form(s) from the website indicated below and must attach relevant unofficial transcript(s) and course descriptions (or AP Report) and fax them to 310-434-8019. Please visit http://www.smc.edu/assessment/waivers_exemptions.html for additional information.
Can I request for my placement test results to be faxed to other colleges?
Yes. You can request your assessment results to be faxed to other colleges by completing a form provided for that purpose at our website at http://www.smc.edu/assessment/faxresults.html. A fee of $3 may be issued in some instances.
Does SMC accept SAT/ACT scores in place of assessment test scores?
No. We do not accept request for waivers based on SAT or ACT or any other high school exit exam scores or transcripts.
What does the math assessment consist of?
The SMC Math assessment consists of several subtests. Initially, all students will start with an algebra test. Based on your performance in this section one of three things will occur: 1) a placement recommendation will be given; 2) if your performance was low, you will be routed to the pre-algebra section where your placement will be determined; or 3) if you answered most questions correctly, you will routed to the College Algebra section. If you continue to perform well, you may go through the Geometry and Trigonometry sections. However, not all students will see these items. It all depends on how well you are performing on the test.
What kinds of skills are assessed in each of the COMPASS Math tests?
The COMPASS test assesses a variety of skills, however, most items will encompass the following:
Pre-Algebra: Operations with Integers; Operations with Fractions; Operations with Decimals; Positive Integer Exponents, Square Roots, and Scientific Notation; Ratios and Proportions; Percentages; Averages (Means, Medians, and Modes).
Algebra: Substituting Values into Algebraic Expressions; Setting Up Equations for Given Situations; Basic Operations with Polynomials; Factoring Polynomials; Linear Equations in One Variable; Exponents and Radicals; Rational Expressions; Linear Equations in Two Variables.
College Algebra: Functions; Exponents; Complex Numbers; Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences and Series; Matrices (basic operations, equations, and determinants).
Geometry: Triangles (perimeter, area, Pythagorean theorem, etc.); Circles (perimeter, area, arcs, etc.); Angles (supplementary, complementary, adjacent, vertical, etc.); Rectangles (perimeter, area, etc.); Three-dimensional concepts; Hybrid (composite) shapes.
Trigonometry: Trigonometric functions and identities; Right-triangle trigonometry; Trigonometric equations and inequalities; Graphs of trigonometric functions; Special angles (multiples of 30 and 45 degrees).
If I know which Math course I want to take, can I just take the portion of the test that may deal with skills taught in that course?
No. You must start the test from the beginning and work your way through. If you are attempting to enroll in a specific course, you should make every effort to get as many questions correctly. Remember that since the math assessment is computerized, the testing program automatically determines if you answered a question correctly and based on this it will determine what type of item (level of difficulty and content) it will give to you next. Thus, it is crucial that you take the test seriously and spend as much time as you need on each item.
If I answer the initial questions incorrectly, is it likely that I will see more difficult items later on or that I will place into more advanced math classes?
No. Given that the math assessment is computer adaptive, the initial items on the test are particularly important in determining how far you will go on the test. Our recommendation is that you spend enough time on each item and make every effort to arrive at the correct answer.
How should I prepare for the math assessment?
The Assessment Center provides a brief sample test for the COMPASS math assessment, which may be found at http://www.smc.edu/assessment/MathAssmntBroch04.pdf. Note that this is not a comprehensive study guide and is not completely reflective of the tests’ content or length. Additional COMPASS sample College Algebra/Geometry/Trigonometry tests may be found at http://www.act.org/compass/sample/pdf/geometry.pdf or Algebra/Pre-Algebra at http://www.act.org/compass/sample/pdf/numerical.pdf. You may also wish to visit a website such as www.math.com or www.purplemath.com for additional review materials and quizzes related to algebra, college algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
If I placed into a specific course, does it mean I am ready for it and will do well in the course?
Placement into a course may not necessarily indicate that you are fully ready or prepared for the actual work required. In many cases, students barely place into a course, that is they score at the bottom of a cut score range. In most cases, unless the student studies a lot and completes assignments and homework regularly and often, they are unsuccessful. Please check with a counselor or a math professor for advice. As a rule of thumb, if you place into a particular course, but it has been two or more years since you took a math class, you should strongly consider enrolling in a course lower than the one you placed into.
Am I required to take the math class I placed into?
No. Please consult with a counselor to determine which math course to take. The counselor will help you determine your readiness for a specific class and will help you determine which math course will meet graduation, major, and transfer requirements. In many cases you will need to take more than one math class to meet your educational objectives.
If I placed in Math 21, 41, or 52 and am planning to take Math 2 (Precalculus), what should I do?
As an initial step, you should consider retesting, but before you do, be sure to study and prepare for the test to ensure you maximize your placement eligibility. The Mathematics Department recommends that you take Math 20 (Intermediate Algebra) instead of Math 21, 41, or 52 first. You must also satisfy the SMC geometry prerequisite by having completed high school geometry within the last 3 years or by successfully completing Math 32.
If I placed in Math 22 and am planning to take Math 2 (Precalculus), what should I do?
As an initial step, you should consider retesting, but before you do, be sure to study and prepare for the test to ensure you maximize your placement eligibility. Additionally, you may enroll in Math 2 if you attained a score of at least 41 points on the COMPASS College Algebra
test and have fulfilled the geometry prerequisite by having completed high school geometry within the last 3 years or by successfully completing Math 32 (Plane Geometry). You will need a counseling waiver to enroll in Math 2. If you have not attained a score of at least 41 points on the COMPASS Algebra test, then the Mathematics Department recommends that you take Math 20 (Intermediate Algebra) prior to enrolling in Math 2. You must also satisfy the SMC geometry prerequisite by having completed high school geometry within the last 3 years or by successfully completing Math 32.
If I placed in Math 23 and am planning to take Math 2 (Precalculus), what should I do?
If you placed in Math 23 and are planning to take Math 2 (Precalculus), you may do so if you have completed Math 32 (Plane Geometry) or high school geometry within the last three years. If it has been more than two years since you successfully completed an algebra course, then the Mathematics Department recommends that you take Math 20 (Intermediate Algebra) prior to enrolling in Math 2.
If I placed in Math 22 or 23 and am planning to take Math 7 (Calculus), what should I do?
If you are planning to take Math 7 (Calculus 1) but placed into Math 22 or Math 23, note that Math 2 (Precalculus) is a prerequisite for Math 7, and Math 20 (Intermediate Algebra) and Math 32 (Plane Geometry) are prerequisites for Math 2. Please see the Chair of the Mathematics Department if you wish to take Math 7.
6. MATH PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT
Are all students required to take the Math Proficiency Assessment (MPA) in order to get an AA Degree from SMC?
No. Only students who have not completed Math 20 or who did not place into a college-level math class when they took the Math assessment are required to take the MPA. Note that the math assessment and the MPA are two different tests.
Is retesting permitted for the Math Proficiency Assessment?
Yes. Retesting is permitted after eight weeks following the initial test. A $10 charge will be issued.
What is the content of the MPA and how should I prepare for it?
The MPA consists primarily of elementary and intermediate algebra questions. You are strongly encouraged to study and prepare for the test. Please go to http://www.smc.edu/assessment/math_proficiency.html for information on the content of the test. Note that this test is computer-adaptive, meaning that it is a computerized test that adjusts to your skill level as you answer questions. If you want to maximize your score, it is crucial that you spend sufficient time in the first 6-7 items to ensure you arrive at the correct answer. This test is untimed, thus you may have as much time as you need.
Are calculators permitted?
Yes and no. You may not use a calculator of your own. However, for a select number of items, an electronic calculator will automatically be made available as you work on these questions. The calculator will not appear on the screen for every item.
Who must take the Chemistry Challenge Exam?
The Chemistry Challenge Exam is for students wishing to challenge the Chemistry 10 prerequisite in order to enroll into Chemistry 11.
What is the content of the Chemistry Challenge Exam?
The Chemistry Challenge Exam primarily deals with concepts taught in Chemistry 10 including: elements and their properties, chemical formulas, concentrations of solutions, gases, oxidation numbers, redox reactions and the concepts of acids and bases. Please visit the Chemistry Challenge Exam website at http://www.smc.edu/assessment/chemistry_challenge.html for additional details on the exam.
How long is the test?
The test consists of 44 items that must be answered in 45 minutes.
Do I need an appointment to take the Chemistry Challenge Exam?
Yes. This exam is by appointment only and must be scheduled online at http://www.smc.edu/assessment/chemistry_challenge.html. Once you sign up, you will receive an email from us stating whether you are eligible or not to test. You must bring this email with you (if you are eligible to test) on the date/time indicated.
Is retesting permitted?
Yes. Retesting is permitted once after a two week waiting period. A $10 retesting fee will be issued.
Does the Assessment Center proctor exams for non-SMC students?
Yes. The Assessment Center currently offers proctoring services to both SMC students and non-SMC students for a variety of testing situations. All requests must be submitted by completing and faxing or emailing the Proctor Request Form one week in advance of anticipated test date. Our fees are $20 per hour and must be paid in full prior to proctoring the test. Testing dates and times must be pre-arranged through the Assessment Center. For more information, please visit the following website: http://www.smc.edu/assessment/proctoring_services.html.
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