The ASSET program is a series of short placement tests developed by American College Testing (ACT) that lets you and your school work together to help you succeed in your educational program. ASSET helps you identify your strengths as well as the knowledge and skills you will need in order to succeed in specific subject areas. ASSET also helps your school use this information to guide you toward classes that strengthen and build logically upon your current knowledge and skills.
How Does ASSET Work?
ASSET has three tests of basic skills in writing, reading, and numerical reasoning, plus more advanced tests in algebra and geometry. Additionally. The ASSET program also offers the Educational Planning Form and the Study Skills Inventory, which supplement your ASSET test scores by providing your institution with information about your educational needs and goals.
How Are ASSET Scores Used?
The ASSET is not used like a traditional test battery. There is generally no "passing score." Rather, ASSET scores indicate areas in which you are strong and areas in which you may need help. Thus, ASSET can identify problems in major subject areas before they disrupt your educational progress, giving you the opportunity to prepare more effectively for needed courses.
You and your institution can use scores from ASSET tests and the information from the Educational Planning Form to prepare a course of study that will be appropriate, relevant, and meaningful for you.
How Can I arrange to Take the ASSET?
Sign up for the ASSET Test in the Counseling Office, Academic Building, Room 104.
1. Relax! The ASSET tests are designed to help you succeed in school. Your score helps you and your institution determine which courses are most appropriate for your current level of nowledge and skills. Once you identify your academic strengths and weaknesses you can get the help you need to improve underdeveloped skills before they can interfere with your learning.
You will be able to concentrate better on the test if you get plenty of rest and eat properly prior to the test You should also arrive a few minutes early so you can find the testing area, bathrooms, etc., and to ensure that you have time to find satisfactory seating, sharpen pencils, and gather your thoughts before the test begins.
Be sure you understand the directions for each test before that test session begins. Ask questions if you need to.
Pace yourself You have 25 minutes to answer all questions. Note the time when you start the test and check the lime periodically to keep yourself "on schedule." Questions usually get increasingly harder, so you need to allow more tune for later questions.
Answer the easier questions first and skip over the more difficult ones. Be sure that you mark the appropriate item number on the answer sheet, so you can come back to the difficult items later. You can put a light check mark on the answer sheet next to any item you skip over as long as you erase any stray marks after you have returned to that item and answered it Do not make any marks in the test booklet.
Read each question carefully until you understand what the question is asking. If answering an item requires several steps be sure you consider them all.
Be sure to answer every item. You are not penalized for guessing. Your score will provide more useful placement information if you answer every item1 even if you must guess.
If time is available, go back and check your work on the test after you have answered all items. Don’t be afraid to change an answer if you believe that your first choice was wrong.
Be sure that you mark the space that corresponds to the answer you have selected for each item. Darken the space completely. If you change your mind about an answer be sure to erase any stray marks on your answer sheet.
If you have a problem or question during the test, raise your hand and the test administrator or proctor will help you. Although they cannot answer test questions for you, they can help you with other types of problems (e.g., a broken pencil, etc.).
