Placement Testing FAQs
Why must I take these tests?
These tests are very important. Your previous grades, SAT scores and perceptions of your academic skills may not be accurate indicators of your readiness to succeed in college. The testing program assures that those mathematics, English and reading courses you schedule are appropriate for your current skills.
Will high placement test scores allow me to earn college credits?
You cannot earn college credit by placement testing in math, reading, and English.
What can I do to prepare for the tests?
To help you do your best during the exam, 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.
You also can help boost your test performance by eating a balanced meal prior to testing and by refreshing your skills. There are many resources available to help with your review:
- Use the sample test questions in this booklet.
- Check out Penn College’s Math Department’s Practice Tests.
- Review old high school textbooks and notes.
What if I have special testing needs?
If you have a physical, psychological or learning disability that may place you at a disadvantage in a group-testing situation, you must contact the Disability Services office at least one week prior to the placement test to request accommodations. For more information, contact Disability Services.
What if I can't attend on the day my placement test is scheduled?
Log on to the Student Information System (SIS) and choose the Change Placement Test Date menu option to request a new date, or contact the Advisement Center at 570-320-5228, or 1-800-367-9222 or e-mail us at advcenter@pct.edu.
What happens after the test?
You will not receive your test results the day of the test. You will be invited to return to campus for a Pre-Enrollment Advising Session to receive your placement test results and other information important to your enrollment.
What if I don't do well on the placement tests?
Although the placement test results are not scored on a pass/fail basis, there are certain levels of competency necessary for success in college.
If your test results show that you need to improve certain skills before attempting coursework in your major, you will be required to take developmental courses.
What are developmental courses?
Developmental courses are courses that will improve your skills in a specific area and prepare you to take higher level courses. Developmental courses must be completed as early as possible, beginning with your first semester.
Can I still take courses in my major if I have developmental requirements?
It depends upon your major and your specific developmental requirements. In many majors, you will be able to take some of the major courses along with developmental courses in your first semester. Your first semester schedule will be designed to fit your current skills and give you the best possible start to your career at Penn College.
You will learn more about your options for satisfying developmental requirements at your Pre-Enrollment Advising Session.
Can my placement test results prevent me from being accepted into my major?
Depending on your skill level, you may not be able to enter some majors. You may need to change to a related major, better suited to your current skills. For example: bachelor degree applicants with developmental requirements may start in a related associate's degree that will build their skills and allow them to transfer back into the bachelor degree program in a later semester.
If you have developmental requirements in all three tested areas, you will be restricted to developmental courses during your first semester. After successfully completing the developmental semester, you will begin taking your major courses.
Can my placement test results prevent me from being accepted into Penn College?
A very small percentage of students test below the acceptable level for admission into developmental coursework. In these cases, the student must seek academic assistance outside of the College to build skill levels and then retake placement tests.
Remember: Developmental requirements may impact your admission into your major or your completion date, so it's important that you do your best on the placement tests..
What if the test results seem wrong?
If you believe that your test results are incorrect, you may complete an Appeal Form online. You must provide rationale for requesting a retest, explaining why you believe that the scores do not accurately reflect your skill level. The Advisement Center will review your appeal and determine if a retest is the best course of action.
