What are placement tests at Hawaii Pacific University. How do placement tests determine course placement. Which majors require specific placement tests. How can students prepare for placement exams. What should students bring to on-campus placement testing.

Understanding Placement Tests at Hawaii Pacific University

Placement tests play a crucial role in determining the appropriate course level for students at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). These assessments are designed to evaluate students’ skills and knowledge in specific subject areas, ensuring they are placed in courses that match their current abilities and academic needs.

Who needs to take placement tests at HPU? Placement tests are required for students who have already been admitted to the university. It’s important to note that these are not entrance exams and do not affect admission decisions. Instead, they serve as tools to help the university guide students towards the most suitable courses for their academic journey.

Key Points About HPU Placement Tests

• Purpose: To determine appropriate course placement
• Eligibility: Admitted students only
• Impact: Does not affect admission decisions
• Subjects: Primarily writing and math

Placement Test Requirements by Major

The specific placement tests required for students at Hawaii Pacific University vary depending on their declared major. Understanding these requirements is essential for proper academic planning and registration.

Writing Placement Test

Is the writing placement test required for all majors? Yes, all students, regardless of their chosen field of study, are required to take the writing placement test. This universal requirement underscores the importance of strong writing skills across all disciplines.

Math Placement Test

Which majors require the math placement test? The math placement test is mandatory for students in the following majors:

• Business Administration
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Biotechnology Engineering
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Marine Biology
• Mathematics
• Oceanography

Why do these specific majors require math placement testing? These fields of study typically involve advanced mathematical concepts and applications. The math placement test ensures that students are prepared for the rigorous quantitative coursework they will encounter in their chosen programs.

Exemptions and Alternatives

Are there any exemptions from placement testing? Yes, certain students may be exempt from placement testing based on the following criteria:

• Residential Honors students are exempt from the English Writing placement assessment
• Students with qualifying ACT or SAT scores may be exempt from certain placement tests

How can students determine if they are exempt? Students should review the HPU placement guide and contact [email protected] if they believe they may qualify for an exemption based on their test scores or academic status.

Placement Testing Options for HPU Students

Hawaii Pacific University offers multiple options for students to complete their required placement tests, accommodating various geographical locations and personal circumstances.

On-Campus Placement Testing

Where are on-campus placement tests administered? On-campus placement exams are typically held at the Center for Academic Success on the downtown campus, located at:

500 Ala Moana Boulevard, Waterfront Plaza Building 6, Suite 440
Honolulu, HI 96813

How can students register for on-campus testing? Students can schedule their on-campus placement exams through the RegisterBlast platform, which allows them to select a convenient date and time.

Remote Proctoring Through HPU

Is remote testing available for students who cannot come to campus? Yes, HPU offers remote proctoring for both math and writing placement tests at no additional cost to students.

What are the steps for remote proctoring?

1. Schedule a test date and time through RegisterBlast
2. Receive a voucher number, Zoom Meeting URL, password, and meeting ID
3. Download and install Zoom on your computer
4. Ensure your computer meets the technical requirements for ACCUPLACER

When are remote proctoring sessions offered? HPU provides remote proctoring sessions at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM Hawaiian Standard Time.

Testing at Participating Centers

Can students take placement tests at locations outside of Hawaii? Yes, students can locate nearby participating testing centers through Accuplacer’s Test Center Locator. This option is particularly useful for out-of-state or international students.

What is the process for testing at a participating center?

1. Find a nearby testing center using the Accuplacer locator
2. Contact HPU with your name, student ID, chosen test center, and required assessments
3. Receive a voucher to cover the cost of the exam
4. Complete the assessments and notify HPU upon completion

Preparing for HPU Placement Tests

Proper preparation is key to achieving optimal results on placement tests. Hawaii Pacific University encourages students to invest time in preparation to potentially save both time and money in their academic journey.

The Importance of Preparation

Why is preparing for placement tests crucial? Thorough preparation can lead to higher placement scores, potentially saving students $2,000 – $3,000 per class by allowing them to skip prerequisite courses.

Study Resources

What resources are available to help students prepare for placement tests? HPU provides several resources to assist students in their test preparation:

• Detailed information about math and writing placement exams
• Study guides
• Practice exams
• Review materials for key concepts, especially in math

Tutoring Services

Are tutoring services available for placement test preparation? Yes, HPU offers tutoring services to help students prepare for college placement exams. Students living on Oahu can visit the Center for Academic Success (CAS) to work with tutors on key concepts.

How can students access tutoring services? Students can contact the CAS by email at [email protected] or by phone at 808-544-9334 to schedule tutoring sessions or get more information about available services.

Placement Test Structure and Administration

Understanding the structure and administration of placement tests can help students feel more confident and prepared on test day. Each test has its own unique format and time constraints.

Accuplacer English Writing Exam

• Time limit: 50 minutes
• Format: Essay typed on a computer
• Task: Compose a well-organized, cohesive essay of 300-600 words based on a given prompt

Accuplacer Math Placement Exam

• Time limit: Untimed (typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours)
• Format: Computer-based test with multiple-choice questions
• Materials: Scratch paper provided for calculations (collected after the test)
• Note: No calculator permitted

Modern Language Placement Exam

• Time limit: 90-100 minutes
• Available languages: French, Hawaiian, Korean, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish

On-Campus Testing Logistics and Requirements

For students opting to take their placement tests on the HPU campus, it’s important to be aware of the logistics and requirements to ensure a smooth testing experience.

Required Items

What should students bring to on-campus placement testing?

• A valid photo ID (required for admission to the test)
• No need to bring writing utensils – paper and #2 pencils will be provided

What items are prohibited during the test?

• Cellular phones
• Calculators
• Dictionaries
• Any other aids not specifically authorized

Parking Information

Where can students park for on-campus testing? Several parking options are available near the testing center:

• South Street Garage: 564 Pohukaina Street (Estimated cost: $2 for 2 hours)
• Makai Garage: 530 Halekauwila Street (Estimated cost: $2 for 2 hours)
• Waterfront Plaza Garage: Accessible from South and Pohukaina Street (Estimated cost: $12 for 2 hours)

Does HPU validate parking for placement testing? Unfortunately, HPU does not offer parking validation for placement testing. Students are responsible for any parking fees incurred.

Support and Additional Information

Hawaii Pacific University provides various support channels and resources to assist students throughout the placement testing process.

Contact Information

Who should students contact with questions about placement testing? For procedural questions or additional information, students can reach out to:

• Assessment Specialist at the Center for Academic Success
• Phone: (808) 544-9334
• Email: [email protected]
• Available: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (HAST)

Military Campus Program Students

What options are available for Military Campus Program students? Students accepted into HPU’s Military Campus Programs have the following options for placement testing:

• Take exams at a participating testing center
• Use HPU’s Remote Proctoring service

How can Military Campus Program students arrange for testing? These students should contact the HPU assessment office to discuss their options and receive the necessary vouchers or instructions for their chosen testing method.

By providing comprehensive placement testing services and support, Hawaii Pacific University aims to ensure that all incoming students are placed in courses that align with their current skills and knowledge levels. This tailored approach to course placement helps set students up for academic success from the very beginning of their university journey.