Niagara University, like many colleges and universities, assesses the academic preparation of all entering freshmen. On the morning of the first day of CARE, you will take 3 tests - writing, reading, and math - for a total of about 2-1/2 hours.
These tests indicate your readiness for college courses, and they are used to determine placement in required writing and math courses. In some cases, they may also be used to support a recommendation for developmental course work in reading, writing, or math.
It is essential that you DO YOUR VERY BEST on each test. Arrive well-rested, and approach the tests with a serious attitude. Doing your best will help us accurately assess your strengths and your abilities. To prepare for these tests, carefully read the information below.
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.
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.
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.
If you will require modifications (e.g. extended time, a separate testing location, computer access), please contact Diane Stoelting, Coordinator of Disability Services, at 716-286-8076 or ds@niagara.edu at least two weeks BEFORE your scheduled CARE session. Due to the time constraints of CARE, the Placement Tests need to be completed BEFORE your scheduled CARE session in order to accommodate your needs, because 5-6 hours are usually required to provide extended time and breaks between the tests. The Placement Tests are usually taken in an individual testing room, proctored by the Coordinator of Disability Services.
Documentation of disability from a qualified professional is required to verify your needs. The documentation must clearly identify a disability and its impact on your current level of functioning in an academic setting. Please submit your documentation directly to the Coordinator of Disability Services, Seton Hall, 1st floor, Niagara University, NY 14109, or fax to 716-286-8063. Appropriate modifications 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!
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:
On the second part of the test, you will read seven passages on various academic subjects and respond to 38 questions that assess your comprehension. The questions range from identifying the main idea to locating details to inferring information from the passages.
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.
The Math Department uses a multiple-choice test that is designed to measure the mathematical ability required for most majors. Most students take a test containing questions that range from basic mathematics to intermediate algebra. Students whose majors require more mathematics preparation take a test that includes questions that go beyond algebra, in order to assess their readiness for calculus. All test questions are from the Mathematical Association of America. Each test is designed to be used without the assistance of a calculator.
Basic Math - Samples Only:
Calculus Readiness - Samples Only:
1. To prepare for the READING TEST: Your best preparation is regular reading; the more you read, the more likely that you will be a stronger reader. Reading fiction and nonfiction books, newspapers (particularly the editorial pages) and news magazines. The New York Times is especially recommended. For additional preparation, you may want to consult the web sites below.
These sites may be useful in preparing for the VOCABULARY section of the test:
These sites may be useful in preparing for the COMPREHENSION section of the test:
2. To prepare for the WRITING TEST:
A good way to prepare for the writing test is to access the interactive exercises on the Rules for Writers web site at www.bedfordstmartins.com/hacker/rules.
When you visit this web site, click on the menu item "Writing Assignments and Student Essays." Then click on "Arguing a Point." This page offers an excellent review of the features of a good argumentative essay. In fact, the points it covers are exactly the features that the essay evaluators will look for when they rate your placement essay. At the bottom of the web page, click on "View Sample Essay" to see an example of a well written argumentative essay, an excellent model of what you should strive to do when you compose your placement essay.
If you need a review of usage, grammar, and mechanics, this web page also offers interactive exercises on a variety of important topics.
3. To prepare for the MATHEMATICS TEST:
The following review books are suggested for students who wish to prepare for the Math test:
The following web sites may be helpful:
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