Step 2: Testing
Welcome to the second FTCAP step—placement testing. This component of FTCAP involves placement testing in mathematics and chemistry. The results are used to determine a student's appropriate starting levels in mathematics and chemistry courses at the University. Students receive their placements during the FTCAP advising day campus visit.
English composition course placement is determined by the SAT-W score. Advisers will assist students without SAT-W scores during the FTCAP campus visit to determine appropriate English composition placement.
Click on the links below for more information about the mathematics and chemistry tests and English placement:
Mathematics Test
Mathematics testing is required of all entering first-year students and is important because all majors at the University require courses in quantification. This test measures a student's knowledge of various algebra and trigonometry topics. The test is particularly important for students entering programs of study that require calculus, since the results will indicate which courses to schedule in calculus, algebra, and/or trigonometry.
Two versions of the mathematics test are offered: one version requires the use of a calculator; the other does not. You may choose either version of the test. If you choose the calculator version of the test, you may use any four-function, scientific or graphing calculator. Whichever test you decide to take, please be aware that calculators are not allowed for quizzes and exams in calculus courses (MATH 110 and 140) and pre-calculus courses (MATH 021, 022, 026 and 041) courses at Penn State.
Information about this test:
- 72 questions
- 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete
- Most of the questions and answer choices contain images
A sample test is available to check your knowledge of these subjects before you take the actual mathematics test.
Chemistry Test
The purpose of the chemistry test is to measure students' knowledge in various topic areas of chemistry. All students who have taken high school chemistry are required to take this test. The results, in conjunction with the results of the mathematics test, will determine the appropriate beginning chemistry level if you schedule a chemistry course at Penn State. This test is most important for students who are interested in academic programs in science/engineering areas.
The chemistry test covers a wide variety of topics including: simple atomic structure (atomic number and weight), nomenclature of common elements and compounds, the meaning of empirical and molecular formulas, equation balancing (non-redox type), simple stoichiometry (percentage composition, weight-weight calculations in a reaction), the mole concept (gram-mole conversions) and gas laws (Boyle's and Charles's).
You may not use a calculator on this test.
Information about this test:
- 20 questions
- 30 minutes to complete
- 2 questions contain graphic images
English Placement
Penn State requires all students take a first-year composition course that can be satisfied by ONE of the following:
- ENGL 015 (Rhetoric and Composition)
- ENGL 030 (Honors Freshman Composition), or
- ENGL 137H (Rhetoric and Civic Life I), or
- ESL 015 (ESL/Composition for American Academic Communication II)
Students who speak English as a second language may schedule either ENGL or ESL composition courses.
Entering first-year students are placed in the composition program based on their demonstrated writing skill as measured by the SAT-Writing exam. Students who do not have SAT-W scores need to consult with an academic adviser during the FTCAP campus visit to determine appropriate placement.
Most students demonstrate adequate preparation and are placed into ENGL 015. Those who demonstrate strong preparation are encouraged to take an honors composition course. Students whose SAT-W scores indicate weakness in their preparation may need to schedule ENGL 004 (Basic Writing Skills) before scheduling ENGL 015. Students enrolled in ENGL 004 or ENGL 015 may also concurrently schedule ENGL 005 (Writing Tutorial), a 1-credit course that offers additional writing support.