Anoka-Ramsey Community College - Assessment and Placement for Success

Placement for Success

To ensure academic success, new students at Anoka-Ramsey are required to take The College Board Placement test, Accuplacer. Accuplacer assesses skill levels in reading, English composition and mathematics. Test results are used to determine the appropriate course to improve your success in college. Placement tests are offered on a regular basis throughout the year and the first set of tests are free.

Students planning to attend ARCC are advised to apply for admission before taking the placement tests. You may experience problems in registering for courses if you take the placement tests before you apply for admission. All students are encouraged to take placement tests prior to orientation and registration. You are required to take placement tests if you are: (PSEO and International students need additional documentation to complete the admissions process)

A new student registering for eight or more credits
A returning student registering for your eighth credit
A new student enrolling in a math and/or an English course
A PSEO student
A transfer student who has not completed college level math and/or English classes with a grade of "C" or higher
A transfer student who has not taken The College Board Placement test (online or paper/pencil) at another college

If you have taken The College Board placement test at another college or have completed a college level math and/or English at another college, please send an official copy of your scores/grades to the Records and Registration Office.

You are strongly encouraged to prepare for placement tests by reviewing the following study materials:

Preview of Accuplacer and sample test questions
Math practice exams with video solutions (developed by ARCC Math Dept.)
Study Guide Zone
Test Prep Review
(The college and the Accuplacer College Board do not endorse the sites above, but students have found the reviews helpful.)

Interpreting Your Results

Use this sheet to determine your placement if you tested prior to February 8th, 2008: How to interpret your placement scores
Use this sheet to determine your placement if you tested after March 19th, 2008: How to interpret your placement scores
If you tested between February 8th, 2008 and March 19th, 2008, please see a counselor or advisor for assistance with your course placement

Placement results do not determine admission to ARCC, but they do determine entry into some courses. If your reading score results in placement into Reading 0910, you must enroll in Reading 0910 during your first term. If your scores are below the lowest level of developmental coursework, you may be referred to Adult Basic Education (ABE) or a site that offers English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.

You are expected to complete all courses numbered below 1000 prior to the completion of 30 credits.

If you are not satisfied with your placement results, you may retest once per subject area. A $5 retest fee will be charged. This fee needs to be paid in the Business Office before 4:30 pm and a receipt must be given to the testing center staff prior to testing. Retest options apply only to initial course placements. Once you have begun any course in English composition or math, you may not use the retest option to attempt to change your placement. To appeal initial course placement contact a counselor or advisor.

Course enrollment may be canceled if you do not follow the placement test requirement. Course refunds may not be issued for inappropriate registration.

To sign-up for your placement test:

Cambridge Campus Placement Test sessions and sign-up

Coon Rapids Campus Placement Test sessions and sign-up

If necessary, you may confirm or cancel your test date (using your Last Name and Confirmation ID).

If you have a disability or a temporary disabling condition that will prevent you from taking the tests under standard conditions, please contact the Access Coordinator at 763.433.1872, Cambridge or 763.433.1334, Coon Rapids .