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Register for the Foundations Summer Academy
If you do not pass the CAT on your first try, you are eligible to participate in the Foundations Summer Academy offered by First Year Experience (FYE). This tuition-free program provides intensive test preparation and gives you another chance to pass the CAT before the fall semester starts.
212.237.8138
fye@jjay.cuny.edu
Smart Start to the CUNY Assessment Tests (CAT)
So you have to take the CUNY Assessment Test. But why? And how can you prepare?
Depending on your SAT, ACT or Regents scores, you will be taking the test either for admission or placement purposes. Both are important, so it is worth becoming familiar with the test and spending some time on practice exercises.
Select the statement that best describes your situation to read about and prepare for the CAT.
You have to take all three portions of the test: the CAT in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Your CAT scores will determine whether you meet the admission requirements into a four-year program as well as your placement in either preparatory courses in reading, writing, and mathematics or college-level courses.
Before you take the test, we recommend that you take advantage of Self-Study Tools:
Self-Study Tools for the CAT in Reading
Printable Summary of the CUNY Guide to the CAT in Reading
CUNY Interactive Guide to the CAT in Reading
John Jay E-Resource CAT Tutorial in Reading
CUNY Sample Questions
Self-Study Tools for the CAT in Writing
Printable Summary of the CUNY Guide to the CAT in Writing
CUNY Interactive Guide to the CAT in Writing
John Jay E-Resource CAT Tutorial in Writing
Hostos Writing Tutorial
CUNY Sample Essays
CUNY Sample Questions
Self-Study Tools for the CAT in Mathematics
CUNY Hostos
CUNY LaGuardia
CUNY BMCC
CUNY CAT Resources
The ACT COMPASS Page
Georgia Perimeter College
Math.com
If you pass both the CAT in Reading and Writing, you will be able to enroll in ENG 101, the first college-level writing course. Otherwise, you will have to take preparatory classes in reading and writing, which will cost you time and money. You will also have fewer courses to choose from until you pass, since ENG 101 is a prerequisite for most college-level courses.
If you pass the CAT in Mathematics, you will be able to enroll in a college-level mathematics course (MAT 104/105 or MAT 108/141). Otherwise, you will have to take preparatory classes in mathematics. This will cost you time and money since you may have to take as long as four semesters of mathematics classes (e.g., MAT 100, 103, 104, and 108).
REMEMBER:You will save time and money if you prepare and pass the CAT before you start college.
2. You meet the CUNY admissions requirements for mathematics, but not for reading and writing.
You have to take both the CAT in Reading and the CAT in Writing. Your CAT scores will determine whether you meet the admission requirements into a four-year program as well as your placement in either a one-credit preparatory course (ENGW 100) or a college-level course (ENG 101 Composition I).
Before you take the test, we recommend that you take advantage of Self-Study Tools:
Self-Study Tools for the CAT in Reading
Printable Summary of the CUNY Guide to the CAT in Reading
CUNY Interactive Guide to the CAT in Reading
John Jay E-Resource CAT Tutorial in Reading
CUNY Sample Questions
Self-Study Tools for the CAT in Writing
Printable Summary of the CUNY Guide to the CAT in Writing
CUNY Interactive Guide to the CAT in Writing
John Jay E-Resource CAT Tutorial in Writing
Hostos Writing Tutorial
CUNY Sample Essays
CUNY Sample Questions
If you pass both the CAT in Reading and Writing, you will be able to enroll in ENG 101, the first college-level writing course. Otherwise, you will have to take preparatory classes in reading and writing, which will cost you time and money. You will also have fewer courses to choose from until you pass, since ENG 101 is a prerequisite for most college-level courses.
REMEMBER: You will save time and money if you prepare and pass the CAT before you start college.
3. You meet the CUNY admissions requirements for reading and writing, but not for mathematics.
You have to take the CAT in Mathematics. Your CAT scores will determine whether you meet the admission requirements into a four-year program as well as your placement in either a preparatory, zero- or one-credit mathematics course (MATH 100/103) or in a college-level mathematics course (MAT 104/105 or MAT 108/141).
Before you take the test, we recommend that you take advantage of Self-Study Tools.
Self-Study Tools for the CAT in Mathematics
CUNY Hostos
CUNY LaGuardia
CUNY BMCC
CUNY CAT Resources
The ACT COMPASS Page
Georgia Perimeter College
Math.com
If you pass the CAT in Mathematics, you will be able to enroll in a college-level mathematics course (MAT 104/105 or MAT 108/141). Otherwise, you will have to take preparatory classes in mathematics. This will cost you time and money since you may have to take as long as four semesters of mathematics (e.g., MAT 100, 103, 104, and 108).
REMEMBER: You will save time and money if you prepare and pass the CAT before you start college.
4. You meet the CUNY admissions requirements for reading, writing, and mathematics.
You still have to take the CAT in Mathematics. Your CAT score will determine whether you have to take one or two semesters of General Education Mathematics (MAT 104/105 and MAT 108/141).
If you score high on the CAT in Mathematics, you will place directly into the advanced MAT 108/141. Otherwise, you will have to take two semesters of mathematics (MAT 104/105 and MAT 108/141), which will cost you time and money.
Before you take the test, we recommend that you take advantage of Self-Study Tools:
Self-Study Tools for the CAT in Mathematics
CUNY Hostos
CUNY LaGuardia
CUNY BMCC
CUNY CAT Resources
The ACT COMPASS Page
Georgia Perimeter College
Math.com
REMEMBER: You will save time and money if you prepare and score high on the CAT.