Questions and Answers about the NJCBSPT

  

  1. Why should I take this test?

  1. All full-time and part-time students entering New Jersey public colleges take a College Basic Skills Placement Test. The results of this test help academic advisors place you in courses for which you are best suited. Therefore, you should take this seriously since it helps the college determine what courses you need to take.

  1. Is this an admissions test? Will I be denied admission?

  1. No. The test has nothing to do with your being admitted to college. In fact, you will not take the test until after you have been accepted for admission.

  1. I have taken courses at another college. Do I need to take this test?

  1. Each college has policies for testing transfer students. However, you will be expected to take the test unless you have attained sophomore status and have received transfer credit for college-level composition and mathematics.

  1. Why do you test Reading and Writing?

  1. Reading and writing skills are essential for success in college. You must read well enough to understand your college textbooks and write well enough to prepare term papers and write essays.

  1. Why are you testing mathematics?

  1. Certain quantitative skills and mathematical concepts are necessary for success in many phases of college-level work. These are the skills and concepts that the test measures.

  1. May I take the test at another college and have my scores transferred?

  1. You are expected to take the test at the institution you plan to attend. If you already took the test at a another college, contact that college’s test administrator to arrange to transfer the scores.

  1. How do I prepare for the test?

  1. The test’s goal is to assess your skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. A review of mathematics helps refresh those skills. You should find out the format of the test, the timing of the test, and the types of questions you may be asked. An understanding and familiarity with the test may help you lower your anxiety level.

  1. Suppose I don’t do well on the test?

  1. Your college interprets the results and determines which courses you should take. You may be required to take one developmental course or more.

  1. What are developmental courses ?

  1. Developmental courses will help raise your skills level so that you can increase your chances for college success . These courses do not earn credit toward graduation.
    They are prerequisites for taking college-level courses.

  1. I have completed high school. Shouldn’t I be ready for college-level work?

  1. Probably. But, remember the longer you have been out of school and practicing those skills, the more you may still need to benefit from taking pre-college courses.

  1. Is there a fee for the test ?

  1. No.

  1. How do I get my scores ?

  1. Your placement test results will be available for you at registration. An advisor will discuss those results, your educational plans, and help you in scheduling the courses you need.