How do I schedule a placement test?

Please visit the Testing Office calendar to view all upcoming test dates.

To schedule a placement test students should contact an admissions counselor at the testing location of their choice:

Bronx Campus	718-678-8012
Dobbs Ferry Campus	914-674-7324
Manhattan Campus	212-615-3313
White Plains Campus	914-348-3666 Ext. 3307
Yorktown Campus	914-245-6100 Ext. 2212

You may also call 1-800-MERCY-NY and follow the admissions prompt.

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What happens if I arrive late for a test?

The session starts promptly. If you arrive late, you will not be seated and you will need to reschedule the test on a later date.

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What should I do if I don't live near a Mercy College campus?

If you live over 100 miles away from a Mercy College campus, please follow these steps to find a proctor in your area:

• Identify a local community or four-year college and contact the Director of the Testing, Counseling or Career Development Office of the institution.
• The Placement Exam is computerized; therefore, access to a computer will be required.
• Explain to your contact person that you are taking a placement exam for Mercy College and you are inquiring about the possibility of their office providing a proctor to administer your placement exam. (Some colleges refer to this as "courtesy testing.")
• Once you have located a post-secondary institution with proctoring services; we will need the following information:
  • Name of person in charge of Testing Office
  • Official job title
  • Phone number of person in charge
  • E-mail address of person in charge
  • Name of institution
  • Address of institution
  • Your complete name
  • Your phone number: day & evening
• Inform your contact person that someone from Mercy College will be contacting them to verify the testing arrangements and the shipping of exams.

It is imperative that we receive all of the above information in a single e-mail. The request will not be processed until all of the information above is provided.

All information should be forwarded to the Testing Coordinator Yasmin Abreu.

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Why do I need to take a placement test?

It's true that when you applied to Mercy we learned a great deal about you from your high school or college transcripts. But now, as you get ready to register for your courses, we want to help you choose the right direction to best apply the skills and knowledge you gained in high school. Placement tests give us specific information regarding your current academic skills as they relate to the Mercy curriculum. That way you won't take courses covering material you have already mastered and also know you have the skills you need to succeed in Mercy courses.

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Should I study for the placement test?

Brushing up on high school material is always helpful. Because part of the test determines whether you need to take certain courses, students who just miss the required score can regret not preparing for the test. Make sure you get plenty of rest and have something to eat before you come for the placement test! Don't think that if you are not able to earn the minimum score for admission that you've failed or that you'll struggle in college. It just means that you could be helped by some additional skills preparation before you enroll. To familiarize yourself with the placement test please visit the ACCUPLACER Introduction for Students.

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Are there special accommodations for students with disabilities?

Students with disabilities must take placement tests, but we may offer special testing accommodations if appropriate. If you need any special testing arrangements, please contact the Director for Disability Services, Monica Jackson, at (914) 674-7523 at least two weeks prior to your placement test appointment. You will be asked to provide documentation of your special needs to the Director for Disability Services before accommodations can be arranged.

• You must have an appointment in order to take the placement test.
• You must have all documentation on file in our office prior to your testing date.

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How much time does the placement test take?

The time allotted is up to 3 hours per session. Please plan accordingly and make sure that you allow sufficient time to stay for the entire session. The time allotted for the essay is 45 minutes, and the ACCUPLACER is untimed. However, students need to complete the essay and ACCUPLACER subtests within the 3 hours allotted. The average time it takes to complete each ACCUPLACER subtest is 30 minutes.

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When will I find out the results of my placement test?

Your Admissions Counselor should have results of your placement test within one week after you take the exam. Be sure you review these with your counselor and then with your academic advisor at your first registration session. He or she will help guide you to the appropriate courses for your first semester.

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Can I retake the exam if I don't do well?

Once you have placed into an English or Math course you are NOT permitted to take the test again in hopes of improving your score and placement. However, during the first week of class, your skills will be reassessed by your English and math professors and, if he/she believes you are in the wrong course, they may possibly recommend a change. Students may retake the English portion of the placement test if he/she:

• Did not meet Mercy College standards for admittance.
• Is a transfer student (with more than 9 credits in transfer) who previously placed in ENGL006.

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What if I don't enroll right away? Will my scores "expire"?

Placements are valid for 18 months after you take the exam. If you do not enroll within this time, you will need to retest.

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