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Smart Start to the CUNY Assessment Tests

Register for the Foundations 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 Foundations Summer Academy 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 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 is a 60-minute paper and pencil essay test in which students are asked to respond to a question that they see for the first time when they sit for the test.
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
CUNY Hostos
CUNY LaGuardia
CUNY CAT Resources
The ACT COMPASS Page
Math.com
Georgia Perimeter College

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


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.