What is required to enroll?
First, you must submit an application for admission to the Center for Worker Education with the appropriate documents and application fee.

Then, you must take and pass the CUNY ACT in reading, writing (a test comprised of two components), and mathematics.

You are exempt from the CUNY ACT if: 

•  you are a transfer student from within CUNY who can show passing scores on all three tests, or 

•  if you are a transfer student from a non-CUNY school and you have earned 45 or more liberal arts credits from an accredited
institution, or 

•  if you can show Regents Exam scores of 75 or higher or SAT scores of 480 or higher in Verbal and 480 or higher in Math.

What if I don't pass these entrance tests?
You may re-take the exams only after taking a college approved workshop to help your skills in the various areas. Also, you may still enroll at CWE as a non-matriculated student. Any classes you take as a "non-matric" will count toward your degree though the tuition is more. Talk to an Academic Advisor about this option.

What are the tests like?
The tests are computerized, except for one section of the writing exam. If you need help using the computer, you will receive computer instruction prior to the test. The reading exam asks you to read some short passages and answer multiple choice questions related to what you read. The math exam asks you to do arithmetic-- addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, and so on--as well as some algebra.

How is the writing essay exam scored?
The writing exam has two parts. In one part, you are asked to write an essay in which you take a side on an issue and defend your position. Part two asks you questions about grammar. Trained readers at a central CUNY location score the exam. They look for a clear argument that makes sense, good organization (one point logically follows the next), and just a few grammar or spelling errors.

What is the difference between "placement" and "re-test"?
A placement exam is the exam given if you have never taken the CUNY ACT or SKATs before. A re-test is a different test than placement. It means you have already taken CUNY ACT exams or SKATs but are going to re-take the exam after having had a college-approved workshop.

How do I sign up?
When you have an application on file, you will receive a letter from the CCNY Office of Testing that lets you know of upcoming test dates. If you need to re-take an exam, you must speak to the CWE Admissions Office at extension 257.

How should I prepare for the tests?
Samples of the tests are available. Ask the receptionist or an Academic Advisor for this material. We recommend that you spend time taking practice tests and reading about the way the tests are scored. If you have already taken the tests and did not pass, you will need to register for a college-approved workshop to prepare to retake the tests.

Where do I go to take the tests?
Tests are given on the main campus of City College which is uptown, in Manhattan. Take the 1 or 9 train to 137th Street, walk up the hill, and you will see the campus right away.

How do I get the results?
Call the CWE Admissions Office at extension 257.