VGCC Testing Center


ASSET Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS ASSET?
ASSET is a timed paper/pencil test administered by Vance-Granville Community College. It was developed by American College Testing (ACT) and is used as an alternate testing instrument. Students are tested in Reading, Writing, and Numerical Reasoning. In addition, advanced tests in algebra are offered. A student guide is available at: http://www.act.org/asset/pdf/StudentGuide.pdf

WHY DO I NEED TO TAKE THE PLACEMENT TEST?

Placement testing is required for curriculum students that do not meet one of the following criteria:

  1. Transfer students who have successfully completed transferrable college or university-level courses in English and/or mathematics from an accredited post-secondary institution.
  2. Applicants who scored 500 or better, on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) on the critical reading, writing, and mathematics sections, or 19 on the American College Test (ACT) with neither English, reading, or mathematics below a 19. Only scores less than five (5) years old at the time of application will be accepted.
  3. Applicants who have taken placement tests within five (5) years at another NC Community College may transfer those scores to VGCC.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE ASSET PLACEMENT TEST?

The three (3) ASSET tests are in a multiple choice format and each are twenty-five (25) minutes in length. Advanced Mathematics tests will require additional time.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY ASSET TEST RESULTS?

ASSET tests are scored manually with a scanner. Test results are normally available within twenty-four (24) hours.

WHAT IS ON THE ASSET PLACEMENT TEST?

The ASSET Placement Tests consist of Reading, Writing, and Numerical Reasoning. Advanced Mathematics tests are also available.

The Reading Skills test consist of a 24-question test that measures your ability to find specific information in text and to make logical inferences that extend beyond the text information.

The Writing Skills test consist of a 36-question test that measures your understanding of appropriate usage in grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, writing style, and writing strategy.

The Numerical Reasoning test consists of a 32-question test that assesses your knowledge and skills in the performance of basic math operations using whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. It also measures your ability in pre-algebra with understanding of prime numbers, absolute values, scientific notation, and square roots.

The following Advanced Mathematics tests are available:

The Elementary Algebra test consists of a 25-question test that measures skills acquired during a first-year high school algebra class. This test assesses your knowledge and skills in the performance of simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear and quadratic equations, and performing operations with polynomials.

The Intermediate Algebra test consists of a 25-question test that measures skills acquired during a second-year high school algebra class. This test assesses your knowledge and skills in the performance of solving linear inequalities, calculating slope and distance, factoring, and graphing.

The College Algebra test consists of a 25-question test that measures skills acquired within two (2) years of high school algebra and geometry, trigonometry or numerical analysis (pre-calculus).

The Geometry test consists of a 25-question test and is made available, if appropriate, by the testing administrator.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE PLACEMENT TEST?
There are numerous web sites available to assist you with preparing for the placement test. For a list of recommended sites, please click on the following link:

Study Guides



DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE THE PLACEMENT TEST?

Yes, please contact the nearest Vance-Granville Community College Testing Center. Students may choose to take their test at the Main Campus, South Campus, Franklin Campus, or Warren Campus. Click on the link below to find a location.

VGCC TESTING CENTERS



WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME ON TEST DAY?
You must bring with you an official picture ID. (Examples: driver's license, passport, or high school picture ID) Paper and pencil will be provided. Calculators are allowed for the Advanced Mathematics tests only (Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra, and Geometry). A calculator will be provided by Vance-Granville Community College for the ASSET tests. No food, drinks, tobacco products, cell phones, beepers, pagers, or children are allowed in the Testing Center.

HOW MANY TIMES MAY I TAKE THE PLACEMENT TEST?

Students may test and retest once prior to the semester in which they are enrolling. Retesting must be scheduled prior to the first day of the semester. The higher score will be used for placement. There is a minimum wait of ten days between the first and second administration of the test to ensure time for review.

Students who have not enrolled in a developmental English, Reading, or Math class for twelve months after testing may test and retest prior to the semester in which they are enrolling. The most recent scores (or higher of the most recent test-retest scores) will be used for placement. Once a student has enrolled in developmental classes, retesting is not allowed to place out of those courses. Any additional testing beyond the initial test-retest will require special approval through the Dean of Arts & Sciences and/or the VP of Instruction. Placement test scores are valid for five (5) years.

WHAT IF I NEED SPECIAL TESTING ACCOMODATIONS?

Students that need special testing accommodations may contact the Special Needs Counselor/Advisor (Tieren Evans) in the Student Learning & Success Center located in Building 1 at the Main Campus in Henderson, North Carolina. (Examples: extended time, a reader, or interpreter) Counseling Services will determine the best accommodations to meet your testing needs.

WHAT IF I EXPERIENCE TEST ANXIETY?

Anxiety is common for most test takers. Stress can make the body more alert, consequently improving your performance. For some individuals, stress can be a hindrance and can result in a decrease in concentration. In order to minimize stress while taking a test, please consider the following things:

  • Get plenty of rest the night before taking a test.
  • Eat a well-balanced breakfast or lunch.
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to testing in order to collect your thoughts.
  • Don't drink too much caffeine. Caffeine can increase your excitability.
  • Think positive! Do not begin testing with negative thoughts. You will do well.
  • Relax!