How to Improve Your ACCUPLACER Score: A Comprehensive Guide

The ACCUPLACER exam is an important stepping stone for students looking to enter college or university. This placement test assesses a student’s current knowledge and skills, determining their preparedness for college-level coursework. A high score on the ACCUPLACER can open up many opportunities and help you get on the path to educational and career success.

But, for many students, the thought of taking this exam can be overwhelming. With so much riding on your performance, it’s natural to feel nervous. However, there are steps you can take to prepare for the ACCUPLACER and increase your chances of earning a high score. This article will cover everything you need to know to help you improve your ACCUPLACER score.

What’s on the ACCUPLACER?

The ACCUPLACER was last updated in 2016, introducing several new “Next Generation” sections to better align with the knowledge and skills needed for college success. The test is multiple choice and computer adaptive, and it consists of the following components:

• Reading: Tests a student’s ability to read and understand college-level texts, including main ideas, supporting details, point of view, inferences, and choice of vocabulary.

• Writing: Requires the student to evaluate a short passage based on the conventions of punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, and organization.

• Arithmetic: Tests a student’s understanding of arithmetic concepts such as whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percent.

• Advanced Algebra and Functions: Tests a student’s knowledge of functions, factoring, polynomials, linear equations and graphs, and trigonometry.

• Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics: Tests a student’s knowledge of linear equations, probability, rational numbers, exponents, and basic geometry.

• WritePlacer: Tests a student’s writing ability by asking them to write an essay in response to a prompt.

Additional ACCUPLACER tests are offered for those students who speak English as a second language (ESL). The specific content and format of the ACCUPLACER may vary depending on the institution administering the test, so it’s best to check with the testing center for more information.

Preparing for the ACCUPLACER Exam

The best way to improve your ACCUPLACER score is to prepare ahead of time. Here are some steps you can take to get ready:

1. Familiarize yourself with the format of the exam.

2. Brush up on basic skills and knowledge in the areas tested by the ACCUPLACER.

3. Use ACCUPLACER study guides and practice tests to help you identify areas where you need to improve.

4. Create a study schedule and stick to it, making sure to allocate enough time for each subject.

5. Get plenty of rest and eat a nutritious meal before the exam to help you perform your best.

Improving Your Reading Skills

The Reading section of the ACCUPLACER exam is designed to measure your ability to understand written passages. You’ll need to practice reading and analyzing written materials to improve your score in this area. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Read a wide range of materials, including books, articles, and other written works.

2. Practice active reading by highlighting key points, taking notes, and summarizing what you’ve read.

3. Work on improving your vocabulary by reading challenging materials and learning new words.

4. Try to make connections between what you’re reading and your own experiences and knowledge.

Improving Your Writing Skills

The Writing section of the ACCUPLACER exam tests your ability to revise and edit passages and your understanding of sentence structure and grammar. You’ll need to practice writing and revising your work to improve your score in this area. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Write every day, even if it’s just a few sentences.

2. Read your writing out loud to check for clarity and accuracy.

3. Study grammar rules and practice using them in your writing.

4. Review the types and formatting of well-written essays.

5. Revise your work for consistency, coherence, and proper sentence structure.

6. Get feedback from others and use it to improve your writing.

Improving Your Arithmetic Skills

The arithmetic section of the ACCUPLACER exam tests your ability to solve basic arithmetic problems, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. You’ll need to practice solving mathematical problems to improve your score in this area. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Review basic arithmetic concepts, including whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.

2. Practice solving arithmetic problems using a variety of problem types and difficulties.

3. Work on developing your mental math skills, so you can quickly perform calculations in your head.

4. Use a calculator to check your work and make sure you understand how to perform the necessary calculations.

5. Study and practice arithmetic word problems, which often require more than simple calculations.

Improving Your Advanced Algebra Skills

The Advanced Algebra and Functions section of the ACCUPLACER exam tests your understanding of basic algebraic concepts, such as solving linear equations and manipulating algebraic expressions. You’ll need to practice working with algebraic expressions and equations to improve your score in this area. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Review the basics of algebra, including variables, expressions, and equations.

2. Practice solving linear equations and manipulating algebraic expressions.

3. Study how to simplify and factor algebraic expressions.

4. Use graphing calculators to help you visualize and understand algebraic concepts.

5. Work through algebraic word problems, as they require a deep understanding of algebraic concepts.

Improving Your Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics Skills

The Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics section of the ACCUPLACER exam tests your ability to solve more advanced mathematical problems, such as geometry and trigonometry. You’ll need to practice solving complex mathematical problems to improve your score in this area. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Review basic geometry concepts, including lines, angles, and polygon properties.

2. Study trigonometry, including functions, identities, and graphs.

3. Practice solving complex mathematical problems using a variety of problem types and difficulties.

4. Use a graphing calculator to help you visualize and understand mathematical concepts.

5. Work through mathematical word problems, which often require more than simple mathematical calculations.

Final Thoughts

Taking the ACCUPLACER exam can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right preparation and practice, you can increase your chances of earning a high score. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can improve your reading, writing, math skills needed to do well on the test. Good luck on your ACCUPLACER exam!