What are the assessments like?

Accuplacer

Accuplacer is a computerized assessment that immediately provides students with placement results upon completion. Accuplacer is an adaptive assessment, which means that the computer chooses questions for students based on answers to previous questions. Therefore, no two assessments are exactly the same. Accuplacer is also untimed, so students may use as much time as needed to complete it.

What is on the assessment?
Accuplacer Practice Booklet
There are four sections of the assessment:
Reading Comprehension - Measures your ability to understand what you

   read
Sentence Skills - Measures your understanding of sentence structure

   and grammar
Arithmetic - Measures your knowledge of basic math concepts such as

   adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions, decimals, and

   percents
Algebra - Measures your understanding of algebra at the high school

   level

Can I study for the assessment?
DCCC provides a study guide to help prepare students for Accuplacer. SAT preparation materials are also useful study tools for this assessment. In addition, the College’s Basic Skills Department offers free refresher classes for students who are at least 18 years of age. For detailed information about enrolling in a refresher class, contact the department at 336-249-8186, Ext. 6712 or 6359.

Because SAMS Challenge is designed to measure your current level of skill in general computer use, and computer technology changes rapidly, study materials and refresher classes are not available to students.

What parts of the assessment do I need to take?
All new DCCC students are required to take the reading, writing, and arithmetic sections. Algebra is required for all Associate Degree programs and some Diploma and Certificate programs at DCCC.

SAMS Challenge
SAMS Challenge, also a computerized assessment, measures current level of skill in general computer use and immediately provides students with placement results. SAMS Challenge presents students with skill-based and multiple choice questions. The assessment is untimed, and students are given three chances to provide a correct answer to each question. As of August 21, 2006, all new DCCC students are required to take SAMS Challenge prior to being admitted to the College.

What if I don't acheive the required scores on the assessments?  Will I be able to start classes at DCCC?
The assessments are used to determine readiness for college-level work. Students whose scores fall below the requirements for their chosen program of study will be placed into preparatory courses designed to refresh and build skills before entering college-level courses.

What if I’ve already taken the DCCC placement assessment (Accuplacer or ASSET) or the SAT/ACT?
Students who have taken Accuplacer or ASSET within the past three years (either at their high school or the College) or who have SAT/ACT scores (also within the past three years) may be exempt from all or part of Accuplacer. SAT/ACT scores may be submitted to the Admissions Office for review. Previous ASSET/Accuplacer scores are likely to be filed in the Admissions Office. Assessment scores within the past three years from other colleges may also be submitted to the Admissions Office for review.

SAMS Challenge is new to DCCC as of August 21, 2006; therefore all new students will need to complete this assessment.

How many times can I take the placement assessment?
Students may repeat all or part of Accuplacer two times in a three-year period. Taking one part of the assessment counts as one of the two allowed assessment sessions. This reassessment can occur no sooner than 30 days following the initial assessment unless recommended by personnel in the College’s Basic Skills area because of improvement accomplished through that program.

Students may complete the SAMS Challenge assessment one time prior to enrolling in courses at DCCC. Because the assessment is untimed and allows students multiple chances to provide correct answers, reassessment for the purposes of improving scores is not permitted.

Students currently enrolled in reading, writing, math, or computer preparatory courses are not eligible to retake either placement assessment.

When are the assessments offered?
Accuplacer and SAMS Challenge are offered by appointment Monday – Friday in the Admissions Office (Davidson Campus) and by appointment at the Davie Campus. Students wishing to assess at the Davidson Campus may contact the Admissions Office at 336-249-8186, Ext. 6731 or admissions@davidsonccc.edu to schedule an appointment. Students wishing to assess at the Davie Campus may call 336-751-2885 for an appointment.

Preparing for an Assessment Session

1. Make an appointment by contacting the Davidson Campus Admissions Office or the Davie Campus (see contact information above). Since both Accuplacer and SAMS Challenge are untimed, be sure to schedule your appointment on a day when you have plenty of time to devote to the assessments. Most students will need about 3 hours to complete both assessments.
2. Arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled assessment time.
3. Bring a photo ID.