2020, April
Mr. Qin, 2020-UNC New admitted Undergraduate Student, asked us on WeChat:
“I just heard that there is a placement tests before enrollment. What the hack is it?! I am so nervous!!!”
Anna, Overseas Study Representative, answered him,
Hello, Mr. Qin,
In fact, the US placement examination is very common, don’t panic. I know that you have just completed various SAT, TOEFL, AP and other exams, and finally got the offer lettre of dream school. And you might think that you can get rid of the exams and start to travel and play video games.
Anna is here for you and will introduce you from the following three points:
1. What are the entrance exams for American universities and why do they exist?
2. Two common entrance exams: Math + English
3. How to prepare for the entrance exam?
What is placement tests?
• Basic introduction
American universities focus on the academic achievement of each student. The firm fit between the enrolled student and the Freshmen class is an important factor in the student’s academic adaptability to the university. The College Placement Examination assesses each student’s basic skills in math, reading and writing.
• Exam format
The exam format is usually a computer-based exam, with durations ranging from 30 to 120 minutes. Normally, if a student fails to take an exam, he or she will not be able to choose courses normally.
• Test meaning
• Less class
• Early graduation
Test points
• Mathematics
Usually the basic mathematics exam covers the two major sections of arithmetic and algebra, and the algebra test is usually given as a separate part of the basic test.
Some upcoming students will take the advanced mathematics entrance exams, which include university algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
The three levels of testing are:
– Basic Skills-Basic Math Operation Sequence
– Application-apply basic functions to various situations
– Analysis-understanding of ratios and more complex mathematical functions
• English language
There are many different versions of the English probing test in the university probing test. Various colleges and universities have developed their own system of test questions.
However, the two main areas covered by all these exams include:
– Writing skills
– Reading comprehension
Although the format and content of the English test are similar to the TOEFL, it is designed more closely to the ability of native American students than the TOEFL test for foreigners. Therefore, some test techniques and forms are different from the TOEFL and IELTS language tests.
For example, in the writing test, the test will be different from the two major test sites of the TOEFL test:
– English Usage Test
– Sentence Correction Test
How to prepare for the entrance exam?
Preparation is the key to high score test experience
Anna agreed that the entrance examination in the United States should be taken seriously. Because it will play an important role at the beginning of your university education. Active and comprehensive preparation for the bottom-up exam can optimize your placement results.
Best Regards,
Anna