Frequently Asked Questions
When do students take the placement tests on-line?
Once students have paid acceptance fees, FTCAP Operations at University Park will send an orange postcard listing the deadline date for taking the online placement tests.
When will students get placement tests results?
The results of the placement tests will be distributed on the FTCAP advising day.
How do students select a FTCAP date?
Students will choose their FTCAP date online to accommodate family schedules. The timeline section of this website lists when students will be able to choose their FTCAP date. If illness or circumstances arise causing a need to change the FTCAP date at the last minute, please contact the DUS Advising Center at 814-949-5084.
Do students need to attend the program for the whole day?
Yes! There are important sessions for students and families throughout the day. Essential information will be missed by leaving early or by being absent from sessions.
What materials do students need to bring to FTCAP?
Students will need a photo ID to be able to get a
PSU ID card. If students do not bring a photo ID (such as a driver’s license, school ID, passport, etc), they will not be able to receive an ID card during FTCAP, and they will not be able to fully participate in the FTCAP sessions. Students should also review general education course descriptions and bring a completed
general education worksheet. Please also bring a pencil!
When do students schedule classes?
Students will learn basic information about scheduling and talk with advisors about placement test scores and goals during the morning and early afternoon sessions. They will work with an advisor in the afternoon to create a schedule and register for classes. Come prepared - bring a completed
general education worksheet to help with course selection.
Will students and families attend sessions together?
Family participation is very helpful to students, and we encourage families to attend FTCAP. Students and families will be together for the opening session and for lunch; however, the groups will be separated for the remaining sessions. College is an opportunity for students to begin making decisions on their own. It is critical for them to take responsibility for their choices of classes, schedules, and majors. Advisors will be available to assist students in making decisions throughout the day. Although the same academic information will be presented to both students and families, there are specialized sessions to discuss relevant topics for each group. If you have questions after the FTCAP day, you are welcome to contact the DUS Advising Center at 814-949-5084.
If students attend FTCAP later in the summer, will there still be course availability?
Yes. We have a system in place to ensure that there will be equal course availability throughout all of the FTCAP dates. Unfortunately, some classes will become full, so we ask students to have alternative class choices listed on the general education worksheet. Students may be able to take their first choice class in a later semester.
Can students make schedule changes after FTCAP?
Yes. Students have until the add/drop deadline to make schedule changes. The deadline is nine or ten days into the semester. This allows students to attend classes to decide if any schedule changes need to be made. The online schedule of courses shows course availability and information needed to register for classes. The eLion system is used to register for classes and make schedule changes. Students will learn how to use the system during FTCAP.
What if students are undecided about a major?
The Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) is Penn State's enrollment unit for students who wish to explore the University's academic opportunities before deciding on a field of study and for students in transition from one college or major to another.
Check out the following web site to begin the exploratory process:
http://www.psu.edu/dus/md/
Can students get on a waiting list for courses that are full?
No. However, courses may open during the regular add/drop period in the beginning of the semester, so students may have an opportunity to register for a desired course. In some instances, the instructor may give the student permission to add the class. The class limit is not flexible in certain courses. Please be understanding; the instructor may not be able to accommodate every student request due to space limitations, computer availability, etc.
Will the advisor that the student meets during FTCAP continue as the student’s academic advisor?
No. Students will be assigned to an academic advisor and given a Resource Guide pamphlet at the end of the FTCAP day, listing the academic advisor’s name. Students can also use the eLion system to find the advisor’s name and contact information, closer to the beginning of classes.
When is the tuition bill sent?
Tuition bills will be sent to student email accounts after scheduling classes, beginning in mid-July. Students are not officially registered until the bill is paid. For more information visit
http://www.bursar.psu.edu/
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