The very first college experience students take part in is the placement test; for some students it can be really stressful, and others just take it as it comes. “The Placement Test is not a passing or failing test, it is only to show you skill level,” said the assessment coordinator, Andy Davis. The purpose of the test is to help counselors place students in the right class. Depending on the scores of the test, is where the students will be placed. Some of the students around the campus are satisfied with the test, “It is benefitting to students, because it helps us find the right class, and it also help us save money”, said Skyline student, Damian Maharaj, who has taken the placement test. The basic test consists of two different sections: a math test and an English test. The math test is divided into four different levels: pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, and pre-calculus. The student can choose one of the four levels. This part of the test is timed; students get up to an hour to complete any of the levels. The second part of the placement test is the English test. This test is divided in two parts, a reading comprehensive part, with twenty questions. And sentence skill, with twenty questions as well. This test is not timed, but there is a limit of two hours. Students have a choice to either take both parts together, or they can separate it in two different days or times. There are some additional tests available for students. The testing center also offers a test for ESOL students, ABT [Ability to benefit], and Spanish. All of these additional tests were all faculty requests.All new and returning students must take the placement test, also students earning a vocational certificate or an Associate degree. Almost all students planning on attending to Skyline have to take the Placement Test. In exceptions of students that already have an Associate degree, if they have already taken a prerequisite class somewhere else, or if they are signing up for any self enrichment classes. Students can repeat the test up to two times within two years. If students are repeating the test they have to do it before 14 calendar days. Students that do not pass the test after taking it twice, have an alternative. If eligible, they can go through the Prerequisite Challenge Process, which is a process where students meet with their counselor to see if they are ready for a class without taking the test. This process is not common among students here at Skyline. The results of tests taken previously at other schools are not acceptable here at Skyline. Students must take the test over; this is because each school has a different test based on their faculty. “I disagree with taking the test, because I had already taken it, and I think it is unnecessary”, said Jocelyn Moore, a Skyline student who disagrees with the test. All of the placements tests here at Skyline are given electronically, but if the students are not computer proficient, they can take a paper and pencil test.After the test, students can get their results right away. But, they must wait for orientation, until they are able to enroll in any classes.To schedule a testing time, you can call the testing center or make an appointment online. All appointments will be cancelled after ten minutes of absence. The testing center is open on weekdays, and now also on Saturdays. Davis recommends Saturdays because there are more computers available. Students need to bring a valid id, student identification number, and a matriculation ticket. It is not recommended for students to study for it, because they can learn the material temporarily and forget it later, and fail the class. “I recommend students to relax, before taking the test,” Skyline student Nadia Tariq said. “There is no way to study for it.”