Overview

The First-Year Testing, Counseling and Advising Program (FTCAP), conducted by Penn State's Division of Undergraduate Studies (DUS), assists new, first-year students in evaluating their educational plans by providing them, prior to initial registration, with a comprehensive program of testing and individualized educational planning and academic advising. This program is the first stage of academic advising, and provides students with an understanding of their scholastic preparation, academic abilities, educational and professional interests, and introduces them to the academic structure and degree programs of the University. For more information, visit the Penn State FTCAP site.

Testing - The testing component of FTCAP is used for educational planning and academic advising purposes, to determine a student's appropriate starting levels in English, mathematics, and chemistry course sequences, and for basic skills purposes. The testing component involves approximately 3 hours or less of the student's time. For more information, visit the Penn State FTCAP testing site.

Counseling and Advising- The educational planning and academic advising component of the program provides students and families with an understanding of each student's academic preparation and abilities as compared to other Penn State students through the Profile of Academic Abilities. The advising component of FTCAP also provides each student with an individual interview with a FTCAP advisor in order to discuss the student's educational plans. The program also familiarizes students and families with the wide range of degree programs available at Penn State, acquaints them with the campus and some of its procedures and helps students to select courses for their first semester of study. For more information, visit the Penn State FTCAP advising site.

Special Needs

If you require special assistance during your FTCAP date, please contact the DUS Advising Center at 814-949-5084 in advance, so accommodations can be made.

If you have a learning disability, please submit information and documentation to the Health and Wellness Center.