Mathematics Department
School of Integrated Studies
Klump Academic Center, Rm. 102 · (570) 327-4521
Mathematics Placement Testing Introduction
Penn College evaluates students' skills to ensure that they have the entry-level skills necessary for their majors and college-level coursework. The placement process should determine the highest level at which a student has the prerequisite knowledge to be successful.
The goal of the mathematics placement process is to identify the correct initial placement into the mathematics curriculum, so that each student can succeed in college mathematics.
A committee of mathematics faculty will consider the math placement that is appropriate for each student by reviewing a variety of measures, including:
- scores on mathematics and reading placement exams;
- high school math courses that have been completed and the level of success in those classes;
- your SAT and ACT scores, if available;
- your PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment) scores, if available;
- the amount of time that has passed since completion of the last math course;
- study skills, anxiety, and attitude scores, as determined by an affective survey; and
- your high school rank.
After careful consideration of each student’s scores and background, the committee will assign the student a mathematics placement level. This level will determine a student’s initial mathematics course-selection options.
For more information about mathematics placement testing, please see our placement test FAQ’s at http://www.pct.edu/schools/is/math/faq.htm#5. For more information about placement testing in general, please see the information from our Advisement Center at http://www.pct.edu/advise/placementtesting/placementrequirements.htm.