CRT FAQ

Is this a test?

The College Readiness Tool is only an assessment…it is NOT a test.  Assessments help to find out what you know and what you don’t know.  So if writing this assessment uncovers some of your strengths or weaknesses, then it is doing exactly what we need it to do.

What subject areas will be covered?

To help prepare for the CRT, it’s a good thing to know what will be on the test.

• The reading section assesses your ability to derive meaning from a range of texts and to determine the meaning of words and phrases in short and extended contexts.  Passages on the test cover a range of content areas, writing modes and complexities.
• Writeplacer gives  you an opportunity to show how effectively you can develop and express your ideas in writing. You will first read a short passage and an assignment question that are focused on an important issue.  You will then write an essay (300-600 words) in which you develop you point of view on the issue.  You should support your position with appropriate reasoning and examples. The position you take will not influence your score.
• The Arithmetic section tests whole numbers and fractions, decimals and percents, and applications and problem solving.
• Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) assesses: Rational numbers, Ratio and proportional relationships, exponents, algebraic expressions, linear equations, Linear applications and graphs, probability sets, descriptive statistics and geometry concepts.
• Finally, the Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) section tests : linear equations, linear applications and graphs, factoring, quadratics, functions, radical and rational equations, polynomial equations, exponential and logarithmic equations, trigonometry

What if my scores are lower than my high school/college - transcript marks?

The results are only meant to advise you -- to make sure you are making the best choice for success. Remember - the CRT is not a substitute for pre-requisites; you will be accepted into a program only if you have all the requirements. Likewise, a low CRT score will not prevent you from entering a program; we may, however, give you some suggestions in order to better prepare you for your studies.

How much time will I have to complete this assessment?

There is no time limit for this assessment. It tends to take students about two (2) hours (on average) to complete.  But you can just keep working until you are finished.

When will I get my results?

If you are taking the CRT at one of the Selkirk College campuses, the supervisor will discuss your results with you and advise you on any next steps. If you are taking the CRT by distance, your supervisor can print a copy of your results which will include feedback and suggestions.

Can I use a calculator?

You cannot use a calculator for the math portion of the assessment, but paper and pencil are provided for you to do written calculations.