Required Standardize Testing For the Next Step Program

All Next Step students are required to pass the college entrance examination. The entrance testing policies and procedures are outlined in the Student Handbook (click on the student handbook menu option on the left menu and select as appropriate the New England or the New York Student Handbook).

ASSET TEST (SUNY Schools)
SUNY (State University of New York) students will be required to pass the ASSET test. All NY Schools are in the SUNY system EXCEPT Bronx Community College, New York City College of Technology and Queensborough Community College. These three schools are CUNY schools (for information about the testing requirement for these schools please read the below CUNY information)

What is ASSET?
The ASSET evaluation program is a series of short placement tests developed by American College Testing (ACT) that lets an associate and the schoolwork together to help in a successful educational program. ASSET helps identify strengths as well as the knowledge and skills needed in order to succeed in the Program.

How Does ASSET Work?
ASSET, as used in NEXT STEP, has four tests of basic skills in writing, reading, numerical reasoning, and elementary algebra. ASSET scores indicate areas in which an associate is strong and areas in which he or she may need help. Thus, ASSET can identify problems in major subject areas before they disrupt the educational progress, giving the learner the opportunity to prepare more effectively for needed courses.

ASSET Scoring
The maximum possible score on any segment of the ASSET is 55. The lowest possible score is 23. The following are the minimum acceptable performance levels for the Program.
Writing: 35
Reading: 34
Numerical Skills: 34
Elementary Algebra: 34

How Are ASSET Scores Used?
An associate must achieve a minimum score on ASSET for eligibility to the Program at any non-CUNY college to which he or she applies. Seniority is also an important factor in determining who gets the opportunity to test to qualify for the Program in any enrollment period.

Asset Test Study Guide
For more information about the ASSET test click on the ACT website
http:/www.act.org/asset/index.html (click here)

ASSET Test preparation information is available from your Program Coordinator. Most colleges provide developmental math and english courses on their academic schedules. Students may enroll  in these courses using tuition assistance.

CUNY ENTRANCE AND EXIT EXAMINATIONS (CUNY schools)
CUNY (City University of New York) students must pass both a CUNY entrance examination a before they are matriculated and an exit examination before they are allowed to graduate.

*PLEASE NOTE* THE NEXT STEP PROGRAM POLICY PROHIBITS CUNY COLLEGES FROM WAIVING THE ENTRANCE EXAM FOR ANY POTENTIAL NEXT STEP STUDENT.

What is CUNY ACT?
The ACT is America's most widely accepted college entrance exam. It assesses students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing Test, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay.

How Does CUNY/ACT Work?
CUNY requires its students to be proficient in reading, writing, and mathematics. To this end, it assesses the skills levels of applicants to its colleges as part of the admissions process.

CUNY ACT Scoring
Reading: a scaled score of 70 or more.
Writing Sample: a total score of 7 or more.
Mathematics: scaled scores of 30 or more on each of the first 2 sections of the test: numerical skills/pre-algebra and algebra. Some colleges require students to achieve higher scores before they can register for credit-bearing mathematics courses.

How Are CUNY/ACT Scores Used?
An associate must achieve a minimum score on CUNY/ACT for consideration in the Next Step Program at any CUNY college. Seniority is also a factor in determining who is given the opportunity to register for NEXT STEP in any enrollment period.
Where Can

The web links below provide information about the CUNY entrance and exit tests.

An ACT study Guide with sample questions for all parts of the test is also available on the Act website: http://www.act.org/asset/pdf/StudentGuide.pdf
CUNY Information
 FAQ about the exams & administration
 CUNY Exams Home page
 Skills Assessment
 integrating graphs/text sample
 reading/writing sample
 

Tuition Assistance: If you want to apply for Verizon's Tuition Assistance Program to pursue coursework in  entrance test preparation, information is available on the eWeb, but you must allow a few weeks for processing to occur: http://edge.verizon.com , enter your employee password, select "training services", then "Tuition Assistance".