Frequently Asked Questions

What is Placement Testing?
OVU uses the Accuplacer tests for determining placement for new students. The purpose of ACCUPLACER tests is to provide you and your advisor with useful information about your academic skills in math, English, and reading. The results of the assessment will help to determine which courses you will need in your first few semesters.

Why do I need Placement Testing?
Students with subject ACT scores below an 18 need placement testing to determine if they need additional support in those subject areas.

What is passing?
You cannot "pass" or "fail" the placement tests, but it is very important that you do your very best on these tests so that you will have an accurate measure of your academic skills.

How does the Accuplacer work?
ACCUPLACER is an adaptive test; questions are chosen based on answers to previous questions. Questions are adapted to your ability level. That is why you cannot go back to a question, but must answer it when it is presented.

Are the tests timed?
No. The tests are not timed. You can take as much time as you need to choose your answer and may change your answer before moving on to the next one. You cannot leave a question blank; and you cannot come back to it later.

What if I require special accommodations?
If you need test accommodations due to a documented disability, please contact kathy.muller@ovu.edu for assistance.

What is Test Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural human response to a threatening situation…a "fight-or-flight" response. Test anxiety is a response specific to situations in which you are being evaluated. Everyone experiences some level of nervousness or tension before tests or other important events in life. A little nervousness actually helps motivate us.

What can I do to avoid being anxious about the placement testing?

• Remember that you cannot fail the Accuplacer. Your results are merely an indicator of your achievement level at this point so that you know what you need to study next.
  
• Follow a moderate pace when practicing and take breaks when needed. 
  
• Get enough sleep, good nutrition, exercise, and personal time, in the days before the testing.
  
• View the exam as an opportunity to show how much you know.
  
• Tell yourself to “cut it out” if you find that you are worrying or comparing yourself to others.
  
• Before you go to bed the night before the exam, organize what you will need.
  
• Double check the time of the exam and the location. 
  
• Set the alarm clock and then get a good night's sleep before the exam. 
  
• Have a moderate breakfast and avoid coffee if you are prone to "caffeine jitters." 
  
• Get to the exam on time - not too late but not too early. 
  
• Sit in a location in the exam room where you will be distracted as little as possible. 
  
• Read all the options first, and then mentally eliminate the most obvious. Then choose the BEST answer. 
  
• Beware of tricky words such as "only," "always," or "most." 
  
• Do not rush!! The test is NOT TIMED!!
  
• Focus on answering the question, not on your grade or others' performances. 
  
• Counter negative thoughts with more valid thoughts like, "I can do well on this." 
  
• Relax the muscles throughout your body; and take a couple of slow deep breaths to relax.
  
• If you go blank, make an educated guess. 
  
• Don't panic when other students finish. There's no reward for being first. 
  
• Focus only on the exam, not on other students or thinking about other things.

What are the test questions like?
Click here: Sample Accuplacer Questions or go to this URL (http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdownload/accuplacer-sample-questions-for-students.pdf)
for sample test questions.

Can I practice for the Accuplacer?
Click here: Practice Tests or go to this URL (http://www.testprepreview.com/accuplacer_practice.htm) for some practice tests.

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