Congratulations on your acceptance to Montclair State University!  We look forward to having you join our “family.”

An important part of your success in college will be enrolling in courses that are best suited to your level of preparation and career goals.  The first step in this process is for you to take the MSUPlacement Test (MSUPT).  At Montclair State University, this test is administered by Center for Academic Development and Assessment and must be taken before a student’s first semester of enrollment.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PLACEMENT TEST?

The MSU Placement Test is used to assess your individual skills in language and mathematics, and to assist you and your advisor in making decisions about the kinds of courses you are prepared to take.  Your scores will also indicate what areas of the Montclair State University Basic Skills requirements you have satisfied.

WHEN MUST I TAKE THE MSUPT?

You are expected to take required basic skills courses during your first semester at Montclair State University.  Therefore, it is important that you take the MSUPT before you register, so that you may receive a schedule appropriate to your needs and wishes.

You will be scheduled for placement testing after you accept our offer of admission and return the MSU Placement Test Reply Form attached below.  The Placement Test is given free of charge to all students admitted to Montclair State University.  Your prompt return of the Test Reply Form will assure that you may complete your registration properly.

ARE SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS AVAILABLE?

Upon receipt of the Test Reply Form, we will mail you a test date confirmation letter, a web link which includes sample test questions. Samples are also available from the home page of this link.

IS ANYONE EXEMPT FROM THE MSUPT?

All full-time and part-time students are required to take the MSUPT.  However, the following students may apply for exemption from the Placement Test by checking the appropriate line on the Test Reply Form and returning it to Center for Academic Development and Assessment:

1. Students entering Montclair State University with 25 or more college credits accepted by Montclair.  Students will be asked to provide verification of these credits.  However, students who plan to take advanced math courses must take the math sections of the test to determine appropriate placement regardless of transfer status.

2. Students who have already taken the ACCUPLACER Test at another college (only  scores on the ACCUPLACER test taken within the last three years will be accepted).  Please arrange to have your test scores, along with records of developmental/remedial courses completed, forwarded immediately to Center for Academic Development and Assessment, Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043.

 For your convenience, a Test Scores Transfer Authorization Form is provided on the other side of this form for you to mail to the college where you took the test (please note that your ACCUPLACER scores are not part of the official college transcript).

3. Readmits to MSU who have already taken the Placement Test at Montclair or who, at the time of readmission, have accumulated 25 or more semester hour credits.

4. Students registered in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.  These students are required to take the math sections of the MSUPT; the reading and writing sections will be deferred until after ESL courses are completed.

SPECIAL NOTE:  Students should return the Test Reply Form within two weeks of being accepted to Montclair State.

Special Arrangement for Students with Disabilities

If you have a learning or physical disability that would prevent you from taking the test under standard conditions, you may request special accommodations and arrangements to take the test.  No charge is made for these arrangements.  For details, please contact the Wellness Services-Services For Students With Disabilities at (973) 655-5431.

 HOW WILL MY TEST SCORES BE USED?

Your test scores will be used to determine whether or not you meet the level of proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics, as established in the Montclair State University Basic Skills requirement.  Developmental courses are provided for students who do not score at the established proficiency levels on the reading, writing, and mathematics sections of the MSU Placement Test.  These courses will assist you in performing well in your regular course work, and thus enhance your chances of success at Montclair State.

IS CREDIT GIVEN FOR DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES?

Credit toward status as a full-time or part-time student is given for all developmental courses.  However, the three semester hour credits given for Basic Skills Math II (MATH 051/061) are additive and do not count toward graduation.  However grades in some developmental courses do count toward the student’s grade point average (see the college catalog for details).

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE MY REQUIRED DEVELOPMENTAL COURSES?

Since the aim of the Basic Skills program at Montclair State is to help maximize your success in college, you must take any required developmental courses at the beginning of your program of study.

Students must register for Basic Skills required courses during their first semester and must complete all requirements during their first academic year at Montclair State University.

Questions may be addressed to Center for Academic Development and Assessment, Morehead Hall (Academic Success Center), Room 139, (973)655-4476.

Return to:  Center for Academic Development and Assessment, Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, N. J.  07043

Last Name__________________________________First Name_________________________M.I._____
MSU ID______________________________________________________________________________
Home Address_________________________________________________________________________
City_________________________________________ State__________ Zip_______________________
Home Phone__________________________________ Major___________________________________ Date of Entry_________________
                                  (Semester/Year)
____Please schedule me to take the MSU Placement Test.

____I do not need to take the MSU Placement Test because I have 25 or more transfer credits. These credits  do not include remedial or CLEP credits earned.  These credits were earned at ______________________________ College.

____I took the New Jersey College Basic Skills Placement Test at _____________________ College, and I will contact that school to transfer my scores to MSU by completing and mailing the attached Score Transfer Authorization Form to them.

____I will be taking ESL courses during my first semester at Montclair State University.  I understand that I must take the MSU Placement Test after completing required ESL courses. (Click on this link  http://chss.montclair.edu/linguistics/linguistics.esl.test.html for ESL Placement Test Schedule)

____Please schedule me to take the MATH SECTIONS ONLY of the MSU Placement Test in  ___English /___ Spanish.  This option is only available for students TRANSFERRING 25 or more credits or STUDENTS ENROLLING IN ESL COURSES.

____I do not plan to attend Montclair State University.
 

SEND TO: __________________________________ College  (college where you took the ACCUPLACER).

If you took the ACCUPLACER at another institution within the last three years, you should complete this Authorization Form and mail it to the Testing Office at that college.
Name____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date Tested with the ACCUPLACER Placement Test________________________________________________________

Please transfer my scores on ACCUPLACER to Center for Academic Development and Assessment, Montclair State University, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043, as soon as possible.
Signature_________________________________________________________ Date________________________________

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