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Placement Test Preparation

Placement tests help us assess which college courses you should take during your studies at Northeastern. It’s important that you understand the placement test sections and why you have to take the tests.

It’s also important to practice, practice, practice before you take the tests. Once you take the test, you can to see which courses you can take during your first year.

Northeastern’s placement testing is composed of two tests: English (reading and writing) and math – for a total of three sections. 

About the Tests

By studying and practicing for the English and math placement tests, you increase your chances of entering into higher-level English and math courses during your first year at Northeastern. This will be beneficial in both time and money, as you’ll be advancing in your studies earlier and saving tuition dollars along the way.

Northeastern uses the College Board’s Accuplacer to administer the placement tests in Math and English. The tests are taken online on a computer, on campus or at home.

Math

  • Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (20 multiple choice questions)
  • Advanced Algebra and Functions (20 multiple choice questions) (given only with a score 250 or higher on the Quantitative Reasoning test)

English

  • Reading (25 multiple choice questions)
  • Writing ( (300-600 word essay)
  • NEIU Reading and Writing Survey (Taken if you place into any ELP or READ class.) (20 multiple choice questions and 300-600 word essay)
    Results will be available 5-7 days after you complete the survey.

Accuplacer Resources

Begin preparing for your tests today with these free resources:

  •  - Register and Download a free app to your phone or computer to study on the go.
  • sample questions

Additional resources

Accuplacer is a popular testing platform, and has many resources on the web. Just google "Accuplacer Next Generation preparation" to see what other free resources are available.

Links to more free study guides and resources:


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Take advantage of Northeastern’s tutoring services for additional preparation. The Learning Success Center offers math and writing tutoring by appointment during their hours of operation. To make an appointment with a tutor at the Learning Success Center, please visit their webpage.