Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of placement testing?

The purpose of the placement test is to determine the individual skill level and readiness in English, Reading and Math. Because students enter college with different skill levels, we administer a test to determine the appropriate course(s) a student needs to begin with for their chosen curriculum. This is an important test because it determines which courses you will take during the first semester of enrollment and beyond.

2. How do I sign up for placement testing?

Call the Office of Retention and Student Success at 912-353-3112 to reserve a seat for testing or email your request to reserve a space for testing. You will need to forward your name, the last 4-digits of your SSN, complete home address, and phone number.

3. How do I know which placement test I need to take?

Placement testing is based on your admittance status and/or your SAT/ACT scores. If you are a nontraditional student (i.e. you have been out of school for 5 or more years) and have no previous college experience you will take all parts of the COMPASS test (Reading, Writing, and Math). If you scored below 430 on the SAT verbal (17 ACT English) test you will have to take a Reading and Writing Placement test. If you scored below 400 on the Math (17 ACT Math) test you will have to take a college algebra placement test. Also, students who have not completed all College Preparatory Curriculum (CPC) coursework will take a placement test in their area of deficiency.

4. What are the placement testing dates, where is the test, and what will I need to bring?

· See Placement Testing Schedule

· You will need to bring a copy of your admittance letter, a picture ID and a blue or black pen.

6. What are the dates for the next Regents’ Test and how do I sign up?

See Regents’ Test Schedule. You may register for the Regents’ Test by getting the necessary information from the course schedule as you would your classes. Registration for the Regents’ Test should take place during student course registration periods.

7. How do I prepare for the Regents’ Test?

The Regents’ test is a basic test of writing skills and reading comprehension. Extracurricular reading and writing will assist students to maintain their skills after the general English courses. You may visit the Regents’ Testing Program website at: www.gsu.edu/rtp or visit the ReWrite Connection for test preparation on reading and writing skills. A Regents’ Mock Test is given to allow students a chance to sit for a simulated test. This information is published in each academic building on campus each semester.

8. How do I sign up for :

· SAT or ACT?

To sign-up for the SAT or ACT you will fill out the test registration bulletin which you can retrieve from a high school counselor or from the SSU Testing Office on a bookshelf located outside of room 259 in Whiting Hall. You can also visit the following websites to register or request a copy of the registration forms. [SAT Test Dates, ACT Test Dates]

· GRE or GMAT?

The GRE is a Computer Based Test and you must call the Sylvan Learning Center at (912) 355-2267 to set up an appointment for testing. For more information go to www.gre.org.

· LSAT?

To sign-up for the LSAT you will fill out the test registration bulletin, which you can retrieve from the SSU Testing Office on a bookshelf located outside of room 259 in Whiting Hall. You can also visit the LSAT (www.lsac.org) website to register for the test or request a copy of the registration bulletin. [LSAT Test Dates]

9. How do I sign up for an independent exam to be proctored?

To schedule an appointment for a proctored independent study exam you must call the Office of Retention and Student Success. You must provide the timeframe needed for testing and the institution in which you are testing. The fee for proctored exams is $20 per hour, based on the number of hours the institution allots for the test.

10. What is the CLEP Exam and when is it administered?

The College Level Examination Program is a program, which allows students to gain credit for a course by examination. Each student at Savannah State University may CLEP up to 15 semester credit hours. This test is offered once on the third Wednesday of each month. For fee information contact the Office of Retention and Student Success. Seats are limited, so reserve your seat at least two weeks in advance.

11. What is the DANTES Exam and when is it administered?

The test is a program in a student may take a test to gain credit for a course. This test is offered once on the third Thursday of each month. For fee information contact the Office of Retetnion and Student Servicesg. Seats are limited, so reserve your seat at least two weeks in advance.

12. What if I have a disability?

If alternative accommodations are necessary because of a diagnosed disability, requests for approval, assistance, and scheduling should be arranged through SSU’s Counseling & Disabilities Center at (912) 356-2202 or 2283.