1. What is this test and why do I have to take it?
The Regents' Test is required by the Board of regents for all students seeking an undergraduate degree from a University System of Georgia institution. It is a test of reading and writing skills. You will be asked to read a selection and answer questions regarding the selection. you will also be given several topics and asked to write an essay on your selection.
2. How important is the Regents' Exam?
You cannot receive an Associate or Baccalaureate degree from the University System of Georgia until you pass the exam.
3. What kind of test is the Regents' Exam?
The Regents' Exam consists of two sections, essay and reading, administered in that order. The essay section requires students to write an essay on one of the four topics given. The timed reading test includes word usage and reading comprehension.
4. When will I be scheduled to take the exam?
Students are invited to take the test after they have earned 10 hours of college credit, including AP and transfer credits. All new students should be invited to take the test either the first or second term of attendance at Tech.
5. I have AP English credits or transfer credits for English courses. Do I still have to take this test?
Yes. There is no substitute for this test.
6. I think I took a similar test in high school or in another state. Does this count?
No, you must complete this specific test. It does not matter if you are a Georgia resident or non-resident; all undergraduates are invited.
7. How will I be notified about the date, time, place of the exam?
You will receive an invitation that will list this information. You can also find this on the GT Student Web Access System at "Anticipated Graduation Date/Regents' Exam/BOR Data."
8. How long is the exam?
The exam lasts two hours: 60 minutes for each section. Non-native speakers of English are often eligible for extended time (90 minutes per section). For more information, contact Debbie Williamson (debbie.williamson@registrar.gatech.edu) or Tabitha Barnett (tabitha.barnett@oars.gatech.edu).
9. What should I bring with me?
You should bring: two number two pencils for the information sheet, two pens (either blue or black) in case one runs out of ink, and your student ID. The essay will not be rated if it is written in pencil, but erasable ink may be used. You may not use colored ink or white liquid ink. You may bring a text or electronic dictionary to use during the last 15 mins. of the exam, but you may not share it with another student.
10. How is the exam graded?
All tests are graded off campus. The reading portion is multiple choice and scan sheets are used. Currently, 61 is a passing score (on the standardized scoring scale of 0-99). Three independent graders grade the essay portion. The grades assigned are from 1 to 4 and you must receive a grade of 2 or higher from at least two of the three graders in order to pass. You can read the scoring procedures at the following website: http://www.gsu.edu/%7Ewwwrtp/essaygrd.htm.
11. What types of topics are printed on the exam?
The types of topics used are those dealing with life-experiences, and those requiring knowledge of history, literature, or socio-economic-political issues. You have a choice between the two types, so you should select carefully and choose the type/topic you know most about. A complete list of approved topics is available at the following web address: http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwrtp/topics.htm .
12. What are the standards used in grading the essay?
The Regents' Office suggests that "in general the pass rating will require that you (1) state and develop a central idea; (2) have an organization that is indicative of an overall plan; (3) deal with the assigned topic; and (4) avoid serious errors in diction, sentence structure, and paragraph development." The organization and content are the most important factors in determining a passing essay, but you must be aware that excessive, distracting errors will fail an essay. You should proofread to avoid the major errors: the comma splice, the run-on, the fragment, and the subject-verb agreement errors.
13. What is the procedure for grading the essays?
All essays throughout the state are sent to a central office where they are mixed thoroughly and then sent to six or seven grading centers. The essays are rated holistically by three graders who are experienced composition instructors in the University System. The graders do not know who wrote the essays or what school they come from. Since no marks are made on the paper, and the rating is concealed, each grader assesses the composition with no knowledge of previous or subsequent evaluations. Readers record a mark of (1) failing (2) minimum pass, (3) above average, or (4) superior on a data processing sheet, and then a computer tabulates the results. Two of the three graders must have awarded the paper a (2) or higher in order for a student to receive a passing grade.
14. Can you see your tests after you turn them in?
You may make an appointment to review your essay exam with Dr. Mary Carney in Skiles 310 or Dr. Shannon Dobranski in Skiles 331. In regards to the reading test, you may not see the test, but you may see the scores.
15. How will I know if I passed the exam?
Written notification will also be sent to your campus mailbox and you can access the information from the GT Web Student Access System to view your results. Once you have entered the web system using your ID and PIN, select Student & Financial Aid Menu. Next select the Student Records Information Menu. Select "Anticipated Graduation Date/Regents Test/BOR Data." If you are registered for English 0012/ English 0015, you will receive an S for Engl. 0012/0015 if you passed the exam, and a U if you did not.
16. What is the procedure for appealing a failing essay grade?
To appeal the essay grade, you must have received at least one passing grade among the three scores awarded. (See the Engl. 0012/0015 instructor to find out your scores.)