Villa Maria College - Placement Test

What is Villa Maria College’s placement test?

Villa Maria uses a computerized placement test called ACCUPLACER to ensure that incoming students are matched with courses corresponding to their unique knowledge base. Its computerized adaptive technology tailors each question to the individual's skill level in order to accurately and efficiently determine appropriate course placement.  To find out about upcoming test dates, students should contact the Admissions Office at (716) 961-1805.


Who is required to take the placement test?

Nearly all incoming students are required to take the placement test. Applicants to music programs are also required to take music theory and aural skills placement tests.

Applicants with an accredited associate’s or bachelor’s degree, certain college transfer credits, and/or SAT scores of 500 or higher for each component may be exempt from testing. Applicants with an ACT score of 21 or higher may also be exempt. Contact the Admissions Office at (716) 961-1805 to determine whether you meet exemption criteria.


What is on the placement test?


WRITING

For the writing test, students are required to compose a 300-600 word essay on a provided prompt. The essays are scored holistically based on content, grammar, and structure.

READING

The reading test measures comprehension of passages of varying lengths. Questions include:

• identifying main ideas
• identifying secondary ideas
• making inferences
• applications

MATHEMATICS

Arithmetic Test

The arithmetic test measures the student’s ability to solve problems that involve fundamental concepts in arithmetic. Content areas addressed are:

• whole numbers and fractions
• decimals and percents
•  applications

Elementary Algebra Test

The elementary algebra test measures the student‘s ability to perform basic algebraic operations and to solve problems that involve elementary algebraic concepts. Content areas addressed are:

• integers and rational numbers
• algebraic expressions
• equations, inequalities, and word problems

College-Level Math Test

The college-level math test measures the student’s ability to solve problems that involve college-level mathematical concepts. Content areas addressed are:

• algebraic operations
• solutions of equations and inequalities
• coordinate geometry
• applications and other topics
• functions
• trigonometry

MUSIC

Students applying to any of the music programs are required to take an additional music placement test. The college-developed music theory assessment evaluates music fundamentals, including pitch notation, rhythm and meter, and scales. The aural skills assessment evaluates the student’s ability to identify intervals and measures while listening to a piece of music.

How long does the placement test take?

The test is not timed, however most students complete it in approximately three hours.

What do I do to arrange for accommodations for the placement test?

Students with documented physical or learning disabilities who require accommodations should contact the Coordinator for Students with Disabilities at (716) 961-1879. The Coordinator will arrange for the test to be administered in compliance with the student's Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Where do I take the placement test?

The placement test is administered in a computer lab on the ground floor in the library building.

How may I find out about the results of my placement test?

Students will find out about the results of their placement tests when they meet with their advisor to register for classes.

Have more questions?

Please contact the Admissions Office at (716) 961-1805.

Villa Maria College uses a holistic approach to student placement in courses. Processes take into account the student's academic history as well as student scores on the placement test.

CONTACTS:

Dr. Aimee M. Woznick
Director, Academic Success Center
(716) 961-1861

Melissa A. Zgliczynski
Coordinator for Students with Disabilities
(716) 961-1879