The English Composition placement exam requires students to write an essay that addresses
an issue or a problem. Students have 1.5 hours (90 minutes) to plan, write, and proofread
a 300-600 word essay on a given topic. Student essays are graded holistically based
on the following six characteristics:
- Purpose and Focus – The extent to which you present information in a unified and coherent
manner, clearly addressing the issue.
- Organization and Structure – The extent to which you order and connect ideas.
- Development and Support – The extent to which you develop and support ideas.
- Sentence Variety and Style – The extent to which you craft sentences and paragraphs
demonstrating control of vocabulary, voice, and structure.
- Mechanical Conventions – The extent to which you express ideas using Standard Written
English (grammar, spelling, etc.).
- Critical Thinking – The extent to which you communicate a point of view and demonstrate
reasoned relationships among ideas.
To view sample Accuplacer English Composition student essays and a detailed description
of the grading criteria click.
Based on the results of the English Composition placement exam and students’ previous
college-level coursework in English Composition, students are placed into a first-semester
English Composition course (either ENG 1230 or ENG 1270) or a second-semester English
Composition course (either ENG 1240 or ENG 1280).
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The Mathematics placement exam is a multiple-choice test with the goal of evaluating
proficiency in mathematical procedures and problem-solving that are necessary for
college-level math courses. Students take different math placement exams based on
the general education math course that is required for their major program, either
Math 1200, College Algebra (or higher) or Data Science math. Students can talk with
their advisor about which math course is required for their major program. To view
sample questions for the math placement exam used for majors that require College
Algebra, click . To view sample questions for the math placement exam used for majors that require
Data Science math, click .
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The Reading placement exam is only required for undergraduate students who began their
enrollment at Chicago State prior to the Fall 2019 semester. It is a multiple-choice
test with the goal of evaluating reading comprehension. To view sample Accuplacer
Reading test questions, click . Based on the results of the Reading placement exam, students are either placed into
Reading 1500 or students are informed they are exempt from the Reading requirement. |
Chicago State does not currently administer any national standardized exams for undergraduate
or graduate programs. Students can examine the links below for resources on major
national standardized exams.
The American College Test (ACT) is a national college entrance exam that consists
of multiple-choice tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science. Undergraduate
students are required to take either the ACT or SAT and submit their scores directly
to º£½ÇÉçÇø in order to apply for admission. Visit the for more information about the test, including test dates, locations, and registration. |
Education Licensure Exams |
Chicago State’s College of Education has its own Pearson VUE-Authorized Test Center, located in the College of Education Building, Room 208. The º£½ÇÉçÇø Pearson Vue Testing
Center administers the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) and Illinois Content Area
Exams required to become a licensed elementary, middle school, or high school teacher
in Illinois. Please call the º£½ÇÉçÇø Pearson Vue Testing Center at (773) 995-2598 for
more information or visit the website. |
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a national standardized exam used
for admission to many graduate business schools that consist of sections in verbal
reasoning, analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and integrated reasoning. Visit
the for more information about the tests, including test dates, locations, and registration. |
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test is a national graduate school entrance
exam that consists of sections in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical
writing. There are also GRE Subject Tests that assess students’ knowledge of a particular
field of study. GRE tests are used by many graduate programs for admission and fellowship
requirement. Visit the for more information about the tests, including test dates, locations, and registration. |
The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is a national standardized exam required for
admission to many law schools that consists of sections in reading comprehension,
analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning. Visit the for more information about the tests, including test dates, locations, and registration. |
The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is a national standardized exam required
for admission to most medical schools. Chicago State’s Prehealth Professions Programs provides students interested in applying to medical school and other health professions
schools with extensive information and preparation. Students can also visit the for more information on the exam and the medical school application process. |
The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a national college entrance exam that consists
of multiple-choice tests in reading, writing and language, and math. . Undergraduate
students are required to take either the ACT or SAT and submit their scores directly
to º£½ÇÉçÇø in order to apply for admission. Visit the for more information about the test, including test dates, locations, and registration. |