Office of First-Year Programs
Ben Trapanick, Director, First-Year Programs
Dwight Hall Room 116
1-508-626-4905
E-mail: btrapanick@framingham.edu
Orientation Program
Barbara Parece, Orientation Coordinator
Dwight Hall Room 116
1-508-626-4637
E-mail: orientation@framingham.edu
For a list of courses at area colleges that offer equivalent courses to Framingham State University's non-credit MATH 095 General Mathematics course, please click here. Prior course approval from the Framingham State University Mathematics department is not needed to enroll in any of the courses included on this list. A grade of C- or better is required for the math placement to be considered satisfied. To update your placement score, please bring the transcript to First-Year Programs located in Dwight Hall Room 116 and the score will be updated. As is the case if students were enrolled in MATH 095 General Mathematics at FSU, no credit will be awarded for completing the course. This only satisfies the math placement requirement and allows students to enroll in any 100-level mathematics course.
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. Framingham State University uses the Reading Comprehension test, the Elementary Algebra test, and the Writing Test. These tests are provided by Accuplacer, a division of the College Board, and are administered by computer.
Who must take placement tests?
Placement testing is required of all entering matriculated students unless they have:
- taken the ACCUPLACER test at another institution.
- transfer credits in college-level English or math.
- a score over 500 on the SAT – verbal (English) to waive the reading test.
- a score over 600 on the SAT – verbal (English) to waive the reading and writing test.
- The letter you receive from the College's Placement Testing Coordinator will explain your individual placement testing requirements.
When will the testing take place?
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 University will be assigned a date to take the tests and will be mailed appointment instructions. Results of all the placement tests are provided immediately. Retesting opportunities will also be available each semester.
What happens if a student does not pass one or more of the placement tests?
To see interpretation of Placement Code click here.
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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 in the the Center for Academic Support and Advising.
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 on the remaining Placement Testing webpages. 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 University 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.
If you have questions, please call 508-626-4905 or e-mail placement@framingham.edu
Students are only allowed one placement retake for mathematics. Please click the link below to find the next retake date.
Retake Dates
For a test prep review click on the link below
