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Preparation for the CUNY Assessment Tests

Register for the Summer Academy

If you do not pass one or two of the CUNY Assessment Tests on your first try, you are eligible to participate in the Summer Academy program offered by First Year Experience. This tuition-free program provides intensive test preparation and gives you another chance to pass the CAT before the fall semester starts.

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What are CUNY’s skills requirements?

What are the CUNY Assessment Tests (CAT)?
The CUNY Assessment Tests measure your readiness for college success. These high-stakes tests evaluate your competency in areas of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Reading: The CAT in Reading is an un-timed, multiple-choice, computer-based test of reading.
Writing: The CAT in Writing (CATW) asks students to write an essay in response to a reading passage of 250-300 words. Students have 90 minutes to complete the test, and they can use a non-electronic dicitionary (bilingual, if preferred). 
Mathematics: The CAT in Mathematics is an untimed, multiple-choice, computer-based test composed of four sections: numerical skills/pre-algebra, algebra, college algebra, and trigonometry.


Why do I have to take the CAT?
Depending on your SAT, ACT or Regents scores, you will be taking the CAT either for admission or math placement purposes:

For admission: If your SAT, ACT or Regents scores do not qualify you for exemption in a particular skill area, you have to take the CAT in the skill area(s) you do not qualify for exemption. Your CAT score(s) will determine whether you meet the admission requirements (http://web.cuny.edu/academics/oaa/testing/cuny-assessment-tests/admissions-requirements.html) into a four-year program.

For math placement: If your SAT, ACT or Regents scores qualify you for exemption, 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 or 105 and MAT 108 or 141).


How do I know if I have to take the CAT?
You will receive a letter from the CUNY Testing Office. The letter will tell you which test(s) you will be taking, and when and where your test is scheduled.

How well do I have to do on the CAT?
If you don't meet the admission requirements: In order to be admitted to John Jay College, you will have to pass all the CUNY Assessment Tests in the skill area(s) you are not exempt. If you pass, you will receive an acceptance letter indicating that you are eligible to start at John Jay in the fall.

If you meet the admission requirements: You will have to take the CAT in Mathematics for placement purposes only. If you score high on the test, you will place directly into the advanced MAT 108 or 141. Otherwise, you will have to take two semesters of math (MAT 104 or 105 and MAT 108 or 141). Placing into an advanced math course will save you time and money.


How can I prepare for the CAT?
Whether you take the CAT for admission or placement purposes, it is worth becoming familiar with the test and spending some time on practice exercises.

To prepare for the CAT, we recommend that you take advantage of the Self-Study Tools below. You should expect to spend a minimum of 3-5 hours preparing for each test.

Self-Study Tools for the CAT in Mathematics (CATM)
CUNY Hostos
CUNY LaGuardia
CUNY CAT Resources
The ACT COMPASS Page
Math.com
Georgia Perimeter College

Self-Study Tools for the CAT in Reading (CATR)
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

Self-Study Tools for the CAT in Writing (CATW)
CUNY Learn about the Writing Test
CUNY Information for Students
CUNY Student Handbook
CUNY Practice Exercises for Students
John Jay E-Resource Practice Exercises (coming soon) 

How can I find out my CAT results?
You can access your test results at http://esims.cuny.edu approximately 48 hours after the re-test for reading and mathematics, and in about one week for writing.


What happens if I do not pass the CAT?
If you do not pass one or two of the tests on your first try, you can be offered a seat in the tuition-free Summer Academy program to help you prepare for a summer re-test. Seats are limited, so please apply early.

If you do not enroll in the Summer Academy or do not pass the Summer Academy re-test, you will be referred to a college community or the CUNY Justice Academy — an educational partnership between John Jay and CUNY's six community colleges. Find out more.