Freshman Transition Program—Placement Testing
As a new Freshman Transition Program student, you may be required to take the ACCUPLACER® placement test, which will determine your placement in reading, math and English. Placement test results will be used by program coordinator to develop your class schedule.
Developmental education courses may be required if your placement test scores do not meet the CCBC placement requirements for college-level courses. Developmental education courses are non-credit and do not count toward the 120 credits required for graduation at TU. Please note: College Reading I (RDNG 051), Basic Writing I (ENGL 051) and Basic Mathematics (MATH 081) are not offered through this program.
How to Register for Placement Testing
1. Determine if you are exempt from portions of placement testing.
Depending on your scores on standardized tests or previous course work, you may be exempt from placement testing. If you meet any of the following criteria for exemption, scan and email appropriate documentation to Ann Gamble, or fax to 443-840-1206.
English Exemption
- Writing SAT I score of 500 or above
- Transfer of a 100-level college English composition course equivalent to ENGL 101 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transfer 30 or more college-level credits
- ACT-English score of 21 or above
- Advanced Placement (AP) exam score of 4 or above for English Composition
Reading Exemption
- Critical Reading SAT I score of 500 or above, or Writing SAT I score of 500 or above
- ACT Reading score of 21 or above
- Transfer of 6 or more general education college credits
Math Exemption
- Mathematics SAT I score of 500 or above
- Transfer of college-level mathematics course
- ACT Mathematics score of 21 or above
- Advanced Placement (AP) exam score of 3 or above Calculus (AB or BC) or Statistics
2. If required, register for placement testing.
You must register for placement testing as soon as possible. Testing dates, times and locations are listed online.
Placement testing is untimed. Calculators are not permitted, but one will appear on the screen when appropriate.
3. Prepare for placement testing by reviewing practice tests.
The College Board offers free practice tests online.
4. Take placement tests.
On the day of your placement test, bring a photo ID and your social security number; both are required to take the test. Print out a TU campus map to help you find your way around campus, and make sure to park in a visitor parking space in the Towsontown Garage or Glen Garage. Note: If you do not park in a visitor space and pay for parking, your vehicle will be ticketed.
About Remote Testing
While it is possible to arrange for remote testing at an authorized remote testing facility, testing at TU is strongly encouraged. Students who test at TU will have the opportunity to confirm their admission to the program and review their test results in person, as the program coordinator will be on campus to answer questions. (The program coordinator's availability to discuss placement test results with remote test takers will be limited to days she is not conducting placement testing a Towson University.)
To register for remote testing, carefully follow the instructions below.
1. Contact the testing center of a local community college or learning center to find out if they test students from other institutions.
Identify yourself as a Community College of Baltimore County student who needs to take the ACCUPLACER® for the Freshman Transition Program. It is your responsibility to take the test before the final testing deadline of April 23.
2. Sign up for remote testing and inform the FTP program coordinator.
When you find a facility that will administer the placement test on behalf of the Community College of Baltimore County, email the FTP program coordinator, Ann Gamble, with the following information:
- In the subject line, write “Remote Placement Testing Request”
- Include your name, TU ID, email address, and phone number
- Provide the name of the college or test facility with test administrator’s name, email and phone number
Within three business days, the program coordinator will send instructions to the remote testing facility. The remote testing facility must return the security agreement before they will be given permission to administer the test.
3. Prepare for placement testing by reviewing practice tests.
The College Board offers free practice tests online.
4. Take placement tests.
When you arrive at the remote testing facility, be sure to identify yourself as a Community College of Baltimore County student and bring a photo ID, your social security number and the remote testing fee.
5. Follow up.
Email the FTP program coordinator, Ann Gamble, to schedule a phone appointment to discuss your results.
8000 York Road | Towson, MD 21252 | 410-704-2000
