All entering students are required to demonstrate math competency and take a language placement test. Students may choose to take a biblical literature test. See the Registrar's office Web site for details about the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).
When and where are the placement and competency tests offered?
The tests are offered twice a year, during fall orientation
and on the day before classes begin in the spring.
The
Fall 2008-09 test schedule is as follows:
| Date |
Time |
Test |
Location |
| Monday, Sept. 1, 2008 |
8:00 a.m. |
Spanish: Last names A-L
Last names M-Z |
UN 004
GL102 |
| |
8:00 a.m. |
German |
NC 12 |
| |
8:00 a.m. |
French |
AD 21 |
| |
9:30 a.m. |
Math: Last names A-O
Last names P-Z |
UN 004
AD 21 |
| |
9:30 a.m. |
Biblical Literature |
GL 102 |
Students must have username and
password prior to taking all tests.
Find building locations
on the campus map
|
What can I expect from the tests and
how can I prepare myself? Please arrive at the testing
room 10 minutes prior to the start of the test. You will
need to bring a number two pencil to all the tests and
a simple calculator (graphing functions are not necessary)
to the
math competency test. You will need your username and password for all tests.
All of the tests involve multiple choice answers.
In addition, the language placement tests include dictation to be written in the target language and a listening comprehension section. All tests are administered by computer.
Math competency test
All students are required to establish mathematical competency
in one of the following ways:
First-year assessment: CIRP test
All first-year students take part in the CIRP test, which
is given at hundreds of colleges nationwide. The results
of this assessment allow us to compare our incoming students
with those of other schools and also to assess the difference
that Goshen College has made in students by the time they
graduate.
Optional testing
Biblical Literature test
Some students have taken Bible courses in high school
and feel that they would be better served by taking a
Bible
course that is more advanced than GC’s entry level
Biblical Literature class. Such students may take the
Biblical
Literature test to see if their knowledge of biblical theology
and history would help them succeed in an upper-level
Bible course.
-CLEP
See the Registrar's office Web site for
details
about the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).
Interpreting your placement/competency test scores
What your French, German or Spanish placement test scores
tell you
I scored below 40 on my foreign language placement test.
You should start with the beginning
course, 101. If you have had some language in high school,
the first few weeks will be review. If you scored 35-39
AND you feel you are ready for the more difficult course,
talk with your adviser and
the
language instructor. The language professor may decide
your verbal skills are good enough that you could be successful
in 102. It is the professor's decision, based on expertise
and experience.
My score was 40-69. You are ready for 102 level language
classes.
I earned 70-89 on the foreign language placement test.
We feel you will be most successful in the 201 level.
A score of 70 or above meets GC's SST language prerequisite
as well as the SST alternate language prerequisite.
I scored 90 or higher on the foreign language placement
test. Talk with your adviser and language professors
about your goals for further language learning. You are
qualified to take 202, 205 or 300 level courses. Your decision
depends upon your major and dreams for the future.
Questions? Please contact Assoc. Prof. Dean Rhodes, 574-535-7575,
edeanr@goshen.edu.
What your Biblical Literature placement test scores
tell you
Professor Keith Graber Miller will notify advisers of their advisees'
scores and correct placement.
If a student scores 10 points or more, we recommend that
he or she take Bibl 200. Nevertheless, scores between 10-15 points indicate that Bibl 100 would be sufficiently informative to make it worth taking if students choose to do so. Those who score 35
or more out of 50 on the multiple choice and essay exams may
take an upper-level Bible or Biblical Language to satisfy
the Bible 100 / 200 General Education requirement.
Questions? Please contact Prof Keith Graber Miller, 574-535-7436,
keithgm@goshen.edu.
What your Math competency test score tells
you:
I scored below 60% (19.2 points) on the Math competency test. You should enroll in Math 105 to gain prerequisite skills for other GC math and science courses. Successful completion of Math 105 will also satisfy GC's general education math competency requirement.
I earned 60% (19.2 points) or higher on the Math competency test.
Congratulations! Your score has established math competency.
Questions? Please contact Patricia Oakley, 574-535-7311,
poakley@goshen.edu.
