CUNY ACCUPLACER ESL and Baruch College Placement Tests

CUNY ACCUPLACER ESL Examination

The CUNY ACCUPLACER ESL examinations is a computer adaptive test designed for English language learners. The results of the test will be used to determine proficiency and placement so that students may receive the support needed to be successful in their courses. The CUNY ACCUPLACER ESL consists of the following five test sections that are taken on a computer:

• WritePlacer ESL: Students are asked to read a brief statement and to write an essay in response to a question. The essay response should be at least 300 words, and students will need to express and develop their opinion or point of view. It is very important that students support their position by providing reasons and examples.
  • The WritePlacer ESL section has a 60 minute time limit for the essay response.
  • A guide and sample essays can be found on the study guide page
• ESL Reading Skills: Students are given a short reading passage and asked to answer questions related to the reading passage.
  • The ESL Reading Skills section is an untimed, multiple choice test and consists of 20 questions.
  • Practice materials are available via the study guide page
• ESL Language Use: Students are asked to fill in the blank with the correct word or phrase and to choose the sentence that best combines two sentences.
  • The ESL Language Use section is an untimed, multiple choice test and consists of 20 questions.
  • Practice materials are available via the study guide page
• ESL Listening: Students are asked to listen to conversations with multiple speakers presenting different topics, and answer questions about the conversation.
  • The ESL Listening section is an untimed, multiple choice test and consists of 20 questions.
  • Practice materials are available via the study guide page
• ESL Sentence Meaning: Students are asked to select the word or phrase that either 1) makes the sentence grammatically correct or 2) indicates that the student understands the meaning or detail presented in the sentence.
  • The ESL Sentence Meaning section is an untimed, multiple choice test and consists of 20 questions.
  • Practice materials are available via the study guide page

Baruch College Writing Placement Assessment

Baruch College Writing Placement Assessment students are given detailed information about two English courses, and asked to provide a short answer about which one you feel would be better for you. You’ll also be asked to write a short essay to provide us with a sample of your writing skills. Based on these responses, faculty who teach First-Year Writing will assign you to the course that will best support you as a writer and a student. Please keep in mind that the two courses require the same amount of work, have the same course goals, and count for your required English composition requirement as a Baruch College student.

First Year Students

All incoming First Year Students are required to take the Baruch College Writing Placement Assessment so faculty can assign to you: either ENG 2100: Writing I or ENG 2100T: Writing I for English Language Learners.

Transfer Students

Transfer students who do not have credit for ENG 2100 or ENG 2100T are invited to take the Baruch College Writing Placement Assessment so faculty can assign the appropriate course to you: either ENG 2100: Writing I or ENG 2100T: Writing I for English Language Learners.

Baruch College Mathematics Placement Examination

The Baruch College Department of Mathematics requires most incoming students (first year and transfer) to complete the Baruch College Mathematics Placement Examination prior to Orientation and Registration. This is an in-person, proctored exam, that will assist in determining readiness for various math courses offered at Baruch.

Some students will be waived from having to complete the Baruch College Mathematics Placement Examination, including those with high school records which suggest placement in Intermediate or College Algebra, and those with credit for certain college mathematics classes or Advanced Placement exams. The Office of Testing and Evaluation will inform students who are required to take the Baruch College Mathematics Placement Examination.

Students who are waived from having to complete the Baruch College Mathematics Placement Examination will receive a default automatic placement into the mathematics course indicated by their high school or college records. These students may still elect to take the Baruch College Mathematics Placement Examination if they wish to start in a course higher than their default automatic placement. The Office of Testing and Evaluation will send students who are waived information on how to request an appointment to take the Baruch College Mathematics Placement Examination.

Subjects covered on the exam include:

Examination Format

The examination will consist of two parts and include multiple choice and free-response questions. The time allowed for part one is 60 minutes, and part two is 30 minutes. (Total time: 90 minutes). The Department of Mathematics does not permit the use of a calculator or extra time to complete the Baruch College Mathematics Placement Examination unless approved by Student Disability Services.

Examination Administration

The Baruch College Office of Testing and Evaluation will administer the examination on campus in the testing labs. We will provide writing implements and scrap paper. Baruch will use the examination results as part of a multiple measures criteria to determine placement into Mathematics and Mathematics related courses.

Baruch College Mathematics Course Placement Test Study Resources

• Baruch College Mathematics Course Placement Test Sample Questions

Information on Mathematics Course Placement

General Information