FAQ's

The placement tests for math and reading are on-line. Does this mean I can take the test from home?

It is correct that these tests are web-based, computerized on-line assessments. However, because they are placement tests, including the writing exam, they must be completed in a proctored environment. Subsequently, you must test at Ship or one of the alternate test sites.

I passed all parts of the PSSA tests. Do I still need to complete placement testing?

Congratulations on passing all parts of the PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment). We do not use PSSA scores to determine placement testing requirements. We only use nationally normed tests such as the SAT or ACT. If testing is required based on your SAT scores, you are still required to complete your placement testing.

I am not required to take the placement tests. Should I take the optional math test?

If you choose to take the math test, you are not eligible to receive course credit for testing into the respective Advanced level.

If your math SAT is between 520 and 605 and you wish to be eligible for Calculus I, you must take the optional test and test into the Advanced level. In addition, for certain majors (generally B.A. degrees), testing into the Advanced level will satisfy the university's math competency. When you satisfy the competency with the placement test, those 3 credits can be used for any college class. In essence, it can count as an additional free elective. If you are majoring in Elementary Education, taking the optional math test is unnecessary because this major requires 2 college level math courses.

What if my SAT scores are incorrectly reported?

If your SAT scores are different from what is posted on your Test Reservation Form (gold sheet), please contact the Office of Admissions. The information posted on the Test Reservation From comes directly from the Office of Admissions. Generally, a correct/updated SAT score report can be faxed or mailed to their office.

If you only completed the ACT, your ACT scores are converted into SAT scores. These converted scores subsequently are posted on your Test Reservation Form. If you are interested in the conversion of ACT scores to SAT scores, please contact the Office of Admissions. The Placement Testing Office does not have any information on the conversion.

If you plan to test at an alternate site, please contact the Placement Testing Office so that we can notify the site of your correct scores and placement testing requirements. If you are testing on the Ship campus, no further action is necessary as your corrected SAT scores will get posted and we will readily have access to that information.

What are the dates of placement testing on the Shippensburg campus?

The early testing date for all test sites is May 24th, unless you test at Bucks County Community College. Ship students can complete their testing until May 28th. We would appreciate the completion of your testing before either date.

After May 24th, testing will take place during the week of June 16th-20th or July 14th. Testing each day will occur at 3:45 pm. For transfer students, testing can be scheduled for July 15th, the day of transfer student orientation.

To register for one of the testing dates at Ship, please select the "Registration@Ship" link and input the requested information. You will be given your Ship ID# and e-mail address. Your Ship ID# is also your Library ID#. Proceed by selecting url link and entering requested information.

Unless otherwise noted, testing on-campus takes places in the Mathematics and Computing Technologies (MCT) Building. MCT is building number 35 and can be found on the university's campus map.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early. Photo ID and Test Reservation Form (gold sheet) are required.

What are the dates of placement testing at the alternate sites?

Alternate site testing is available before May 24th at several community college sites. For placement testing dates at any of the Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) campuses, the main campus of Bucks County Community College (BCCC), Delaware County Community College (DCCC) or the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (PHCC), please contact them directly. Their respective contact information can be accessed by selecting the approprate college link below. Again, all early testing must be completed by May 24th, except Bucks County CC. Please note that some alternate sites have earlier deadlines.

How do I register for testing?

If testing at Ship, simply select the Register Online link. If testing at one of the alternate sites, please contact them directly. Please select the appropriate link below:

Bucks County Community College (Eastern Pennsylvania)

Delaware County Community College (Eastern Pennsyvania) (Closed)

Harrisburg Area Community College (Central Pennsylvania: 6 sites) (Closed)

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (Western Pennsylvania) (Closed)

What if I can not complete testing by the early deadline?

If you are unable to complete testing by the testing deadline, you will be expected to complete your testing requirement during the week of June 16th-20th or July 14th. Please remember however that completing your testing early is strongly recommended because it aids in the development of your schedule.

Does placement testing have any impact on my admissions?

For students already admitted to the University, placement testing does not have an impact on admissions. Placement testing is designed to aid in the selection of appropriate courses your first semester.

What do I need to bring to testing?

You must bring a photo ID and your Test Reservation Form (gold sheet) which indicates the tests you are required to take. Please do not bring calculators. They are not allowed for testing. Also, please arrive at least 15 minutes early and know your social security number.

When should I take the placement test(s)?

We recommend that you complete testing as soon as possible; ideally before the early testing deadline in May. This will allow ample time to prepare yourself academically before you begin classes.

What should I do if I have earned course credits or I am taking an AP course/test?

If you have taken a course in which you earned college credit, please send official transcripts to the Admission’s Office. If the college credit is for a math or English class, please inform the Placement Testing Office. If you already have your AP score, please send an official transcript to the Admission's Office. If you will be taking the test, generally we will still recommend completing testing.

If I have to complete all 3 tests, do I have to register for 3 different testing sessions?

No, whether you need one, two, or all three tests, all testing is completed in one testing session.

How long is testing?

Each test is untimed, but expect at least 30 - 45 minutes per test.

When will I get my results?

Because we use an on-line assessment for math and reading, the test results will be available immediately upon completion of the tests. The English essay results will be available on the web at a later date.

How should I prepare for the tests?

The primary reason students do not do well is that they do not review. To review Accuplacer's overview for students, select this LINK.

This is especially true in math. Our math test emphasizes basic algebra. Many students unfortunately believe that this information will return to them at testing. You should plan on a minimum of 5 hours of review. Please review the following to ensure your basic algebraic math skills:

The English essay does not require any special preparation. The topic is of general knowledge.

The reading test also does not require any special preparations; however, the following review sheet provides some comprehensive reading strategies. The website (2nd link) provides a variety of ACCUPLACER practice tests.

I tested into the developmental level:

What does this mean?

Based on your placement testing results, it appears that you need additional preparation to be successful in college level work.

What should I do?

We recommend that you remediate your developmental placement by taking and passing a developmental course through your local college, university, or community college. However, please remember, developmental courses do not count toward graduation. If you wish to take a summer class, please complete a Transcript Request Form. This will allow me to send your testing results to the respective college and give "permission" to take the recommended course. If you are considering the tutoring option, please have your tutor contact the placement testing office at dihenr@ship.edu.

How do I know what class to take?

On the options sheet you receive immediately following testing, there is a list of community colleges and the appropriate course at that school. If you remain unsure, please feel free to contact us with any questions.