Welcome to the Placement Testing Office
Your success at Shippensburg University is our ultimate goal!
What is Placement Testing?
Our General Education Program requires our students take various courses to develop certain skills and competencies. The mission of Placement Testing is to determine whether or not students are adequately prepared to succeed in these courses. We determine level of proficiency by testing Math and Writing (English).
Math: Your test results will determine your eligibility to enroll in college-level math courses. Continue reading for further information.
Writing (English): The English composition program is designed to provide students with sufficient writing skills to fulfill undergraduate writing requirements. Read on for more detailed information.
How Will I Know If I Need To Test?
First-year students who have confirmed their admission to Shippensburg University will receive a letter indicating which test(s) they are required to take (see the gold Test Reservation Form) accompanied by this brochure from the Placement Testing Office. Not all students are required to test. Testing requirements are based on SAT scores.
There are also opportunities for optional testing:
If you are a student transferring to Shippensburg University, click here.
Students required to complete any part of placement testing MUST complete all testing requirements prior to orientation in order to register for classes during on that day. This means you MUST complete your placement testing requirement ASAP.
Accommodations for Students with Special Needs
If you have a learning difference or if you need special testing accommodations, you should contact the Office of Disability Services, Horton Hall 120, 717-477-1329, as soon as possible. To be eligible for accommodations, you must file the appropriate documentation with the Office of Disability Services before testing.
Registration for Testing
Students required to complete any part of placement testing MUST complete all testing requirements before their orientation date in order to register for classes during June or July Orientation. This means you must complete your placement testing requirement ASAP. Click here for registration information including dates and locations.
Testing Procedures
Arrival: Do not be late. Testing begins promptly at the announced times. Plan to arrive to placement testing approximately 15 minutes early to sign in. Once testing begins, it will be impossible to admit you to the testing arena If you are late.
What to Bring: You must bring a photo ID and know your Shippensburg University ID number. First year students must bring their gold Test Reservation Form.
Timing: Tests are untimed. All tests are completed in one session.
Test Materials: We will provide all necessary testing materials. Calculators are not permitted. If needed, a ‘pop-up’ calculator will be available.
Test Results: You will receive your math results immediately after testing. Results will then be explained by Placement Testing Office staff. If further clarification is necessary, contact us for a more thorough explanation. English placement results will be communicated to you after the English department has reviewed your essay.
Retesting: Students who qualify for a retest will be informed.
Why Students MUST Prepare For Testing
Developmental courses do not count toward graduation therefore it is imperative that students review before testing. For the math test, review Algebra I & II material. Practice tests are available on the math review pages. For the writing test, review grammar and be able to clearly articulate a well-constructed point. Visit our website for additional information and resources on how to best prepare for each test.
Placement Testing Transcript Requests
Student's requesting to have their placement testing results sent to another college or university, must complete a Transcript Request form. Once the request is submitted, we will forward your scores. Please complete the form completely. An incomplete form will delay your results being sent out.
Last updated 1/30/2012.
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