The ACCUPLACER
The ACCUPLACER is a College Board placement test, NOT an entrance examination, as is the ACT or SAT. The ACCUPLACER is used, not for admission to college, but to place students in appropriate course levels after admission. Many colleges administer the ACCUPLACER to determine appropriate mathematics and English placement if the admitted student does not have qualifying scores on the ACT or SAT. Montgomery College (MC) uses the ACCUPLACER in this way.
The ACCUPLACER is split into two categories, mathematics and English.
The mathematics category of the ACCUPLACER is comprised of two sections: Advanced Algebra and Functions (NGAA), and Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (NGAQ). These sections are connected and a minimum score on NGAQ will progress the test to the NGAA section.
More information about the ACCUPLACER can be found on the College Board’s website at ACCUPLACER
What is HSAP and what is its goal?
HSAP stands for High School ACCUPLACER Program. The goal of the HSAP is to increase awareness of the College Board ACCUPLACER placement test and student preparation to enable more students to test college-ready and enroll in college credit-bearing courses upon high school graduation, thereby increasing the likelihood of college completion. This placement test is currently one of the available options for MC, as well as the other community colleges and four-year universities in the state. HSAP is comprised of the following six components:
1. Identification
2. Orientation
3. Pre-assessment (college course option)
4. Intervention
5. Post-assessment
6. Counseling
A more detailed look at the above steps is described below:
IDENTIFICATION
Students who wish to enroll at Montgomery College and do not have qualifying scores on the SAT or ACT exams may be identified to participate in HSAP.
ORIENTATION
Students and/or parents are made aware of the ACCUPLACER college placement test and its use. In addition, information related to ACCUPLACER is shared, including the the benefits of scoring college ready.
PRE-ASSESSMENT
Students participate in the initial College Board ACCUPLACER test administered by MCPS. Students meeting college-ready or college-eligible scores may enroll in college courses through MC.
INTERVENTION
Students participate in intervention support which may include use of the Khan Academy for SAT, or other school based method of support.
Support materials are also provided by the College Board and can be found HERE.
POST-ASSESSMENT
After participating in intervention and support, students participate in an ACCUPLACER administered at their home school.
COUNSELING
After the final ACCUPLACER, students attending MC may receive counseling by MC staff and/or Dual Enrollment Program Assistants (DEPAs) regarding next steps in their postsecondary or dual enrollment pursuits.
HSAP Contact List