Placement Testing - Being Prepared

Placement tests measure knowledge and skills that you have gained over time. While it would be impractical to try to learn skills with which you have no prior experience before testing (for example, trying to learn calculus if you've never had the class), there are things you can do to help you do your best during the exam.

1. Refresh your current skills. There are many resources available to help with your review:

Review the sample test questions under Test Contents
Check out Penn College's Math Department's Practice Tests
Review old high school textbooks and notes

2. Make sure you are well rested before taking the placement tests. If you live out-of-town, you may want to consider staying in Williamsport the night before testing. Besides contributing to better test performance, arriving the day before testing may provide a good opportunity to see the campus and look for student housing.

3. You also can help boost your test performance by eating a balanced meal prior to testing.

Important Reasons to be prepared for placement tests:

To work as efficiently as possible within test time limits
To ensure correct placement in your foundation course(s)
To properly determine the fit between you and your choice of major
To improve your chances of a successful first semester
To gain an understanding of Penn College's academic expectations
To ensure the best chance of acceptance into the College or a major
To spend your tuition dollars wisely