What is placement testing?

Proper course placement is important in fostering the academic success of college students. In order to ensure that students enroll in courses that match their individual skill levels and prior preparation, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education has mandated that all new students take placement tests in reading, writing and mathematics.  The exact same tests will be given at all public institutions of higher education in the state--community colleges, four-year colleges, and the University of Massachusetts.  Reading Comprehension and the Elementary Algebra tests, provided by Accuplacer, a division of the College Board, are administered by computer. The Writing Test requires a brief writing sample.

Who must take placement tests?

All freshman students who are entering Framingham State College for the first time are required to take all three of the state-mandated placement tests. Those who score well on the Elementary Algebra test will also take the College Level Mathematics test to determine whether or not they qualify to take a 200-level mathematics course.
Transfer students who have not earned college-level credit in math or writing at their previous institutions will be tested in the appropriate subject(s). Framingham State College will accept a passing Accuplacer math score from another college. Students without credit for a writing course must take the writing placement test administered at FSC. Transfer students are not required to take the reading competency test
When will the testing take place?

(See list testing dates below for students entering 

in Fall 2002)

Students have the opportunity to take the mandatory placement tests prior to the start of each semester.  Students who have submitted their deposits to Framingham State College will receive a testing schedule and appointment instructions.  Results of the reading and mathematics tests are provided immediately; results from the writing sample are given at New Student Orientation.  Retesting opportunities will also be available each semester.

What happens if a student does not pass one or more of the placement tests?

Future success at the College is by no means determined by performance on these placement tests. Nevertheless, your performance on the tests will determine the classes for which you may register. If test scores show deficiencies, students may not register for college-level writing and/or math courses.
If a student does not achieve a satisfactory score on a placement test, there are three options:
Students who score significantly below the cut-off points should take appropriate remedial courses. Ideally, this should be done before a student starts courses at Framingham State College, although sometimes that may be impossible.
Students who score sufficiently close to the cut-off score may participate in intensive workshops  at Framingham State. Upon completion of these workshops, held during each semester, students will again be tested for their mastery of the material.
Particularly self-motivated students who are close to the cut-off scores may choose to study on their own and retake the tests at a later time.  Appropriate review materials are available at CASA. 

Can students prepare for the mandatory placement tests?

At one level, no. Placement tests assess established degrees of academic skills mastery achieved over the span of a new or transfer student's previous educational experience. However, students should carefully read the materials in the placement testing packet. This packet will include descriptions of the tests and sample questions, as well as suggestions for achieving optimal performance.

What if I have a documented disability for which I will need some form of accommodation during placement testing?

Framingham State College strives to remain in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. If you do have a documented disability that requires accommodation during testing situations, our disability services providers will grant requests for reasonable accommodations well in advance of the actual placement testing.  Note: the Reading Comprehension and Mathematics tests are always given in an untimed setting.  No documentation is required for that accommodation. 

Please take these tests seriously.  Your performance will determine whether you can begin your college career by taking all college-level courses or whether you will need to spend some time (and possibly money) in review.

Placement Testing Dates for 

Students Entering

in Fall 2002

Thursday, May 9, 2002 at 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 18, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 4, 2002, at 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 6, 2002, at 3:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 8, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, June 11, 2002, at 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 12, 2002 at 1:00 p.m.

If you have questions, please call 508-620-1220 (x4290)

or e-mail placement@frc.mass.edu.