Placement Test Information

What Do You Need to Know to Prepare for Your NU Placement Tests?

Know WHY NU requires you, as an entering first-year student, to complete three placement tests before you may register for classes

Niagara University will test you, along with all incoming students, in order to assess your knowledge and skills in relation to the university’s academic standards for NU’s introductory courses.

Know HOW NU uses your test results to select your classes

Your NU advisor will use your test results to determine the best course placements for you during your first year. These courses could include required non-credit or developmental courses in reading, mathematics, and writing.

Know WHAT tests you will need to take and what you can do to prepare

You will take three different tests: a standardized test of reading achievement, which includes a vocabulary and a reading comprehension section; a mathematics tests designed to test your readiness for required mathematics courses; an essay test, designed to assess how well you write relative to university standards.

Know WHEN you will take the placement tests:

You will take all three tests on the first morning of CARE, and the testing period will last for 2½ hours. Therefore, you will need to be well rested so that you can do your best on the tests. After all, your course registration depends upon it! No calculators, cell phones, pagers, PDAs, or other electronic devices are permitted in the testing rooms.

Know WHERE you may request testing modifications if you have documentation of a disability from a qualified professional

If you will require modifications (e.g. extended time, a separate testing location, computer access), please contact Diane Stoelting, Coordinator of Specialized Support Services, at 716-286-8076 or ds@niagara.edu at least one month before your scheduled CARE session.

To qualify for testing accommodations, you will need to provide documentation of your disability from a qualified professional to verify your needs. The documentation must clearly identify a disability and its impact upon your current level of functioning in an academic setting. Please submit your documentation directly to Diane Stoelting, Seton Hall, First Floor, Niagara University, NY 14109; if you prefer, you may fax your documentation to 716-286-8063. Appropriate accommodations will be determined on an individual basis.

Know the “FAQ’s”! Visit the Office of Academic Support Web site at www.niagara.edu/oas to learn more about your tests, why they matter, and what you can do to prepare!

What is the reading test like?

You will take a nationally standardized reading test. For Part I, you will have 15 minutes to answer 80 multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge of college-level vocabulary. Here are some sample vocabulary items:

• A salient idea is: a. emotional b. outstanding c. tasty d. ridiculous e. average
• To acquiesce is to: a. acquire b. melt c. inquire d. agree e. expire

Part II is a comprehension test containing seven passages on various academic subjects. Each passage is followed by literal and analytical comprehension questions, such as identifying the main idea, locating details, and drawing inferences. You will have 20 minutes to read the passages and answer a total of 38 multiple-choice questions.

What does the writing test involve?

To assess your writing skills, the university will ask you to write an argumentative essay in response to a question similar to the sample below. Two faculty members will read and score your essay according to established criteria, including focus, development, organization, style, and mechanics

Sample Only: Directions: Use the information provided below to write a well organized, well developed, and carefully edited essay in response to the assigned question. Do not simply copy the information provided; rather than quoting extensively, you should re-state the information in your own words. Use as much of the information as you need to develop a strong essay. You may add your own ideas to your essay, but do not disregard the information provided.

Question: Should consumers have the option of disconnecting automobile airbags when they purchase a car?

Purpose: To argue in support of your position on the question.

Audience: Educated readers, not all of whom agree with your position.

• Beginning with the model year 1998, all passenger cars will be required to have dual airbags.
• Statistics show that for every 71 lives saved because of airbags, one child was killed because of airbags.
• Statistics show that airbags saved about 1,500 lives last year.
• Only 60-70% of car users wear seatbelts.
• Airbags often save lives in high speed accidents; in low speed accidents where airbags are deployed,
  the likelihood of the airbags' injuring or even killing people is greater.
• Taking all types of crashes into consideration, the airbag reduces fatal injuries for drivers by 11%.

What is the math test like?

The math test, which has been developed by Niagara’s mathematics department, contains 40 multiple-choice questions ranging from basic arithmetic to intermediate algebra. You will have 45 minutes to complete the test without the assistance of a calculator.

Samples Only:

• 26.345 divided by 6.25 is:
• Solve: 3x – 4 = 7x – 8
• 40% of ______ is 100.
• 7y – 2(x – y) – x =
• Find the value of the expression when x = -3: (3x – 4) – (x + 2)
• The solutions of x² - 3x – 2 = 8

If your major requires calculus, you will be assessed for your calculus readiness. The assessments are from the Mathematical Association of America and also use a multiple choice format. This test, too, is designed to be completed without the assistance of a calculator.

Samples Only:

• Write the equation of the line with slope .4 passing through the point (5,7).
• For what values of x in the interval 0<x<2 p does (sin x –1) (sin x + 1) = 0?
• tan 4p = ?
• Solve: 6x² - x > 2
• The graph of x-5y-30 = 0 crosses the y axis at y=?