CHALLENGE TESTING PROCEDURES

 

The Testing Office is responsible for administering the English, mathematics, and reading challenge test to eligible students.  Those eligible to take the challenge test are admitted first time freshman.  If you have any questions regarding your qualification to take a challenge test after reading the information below feel free to contact our office (859) 572-6373.

 

Please Note:  Northern Kentucky University Academy Students are not eligible to take Challenge Tests.

 

Those high school seniors who have been admitted with conditions:  you may want to re-take the ACT to obtain better scores during your senior year. Scores you are looking for (ACT): 18 or above in English, Reading, and Math Scores; (SAT): 480 or above in English/Reading and 430 or above for Math [these scores are for college level ready courses.  Some majors require a higher Math score for specific courses.  Those with lower scores will need to take developmental courses.]

 

First time freshmen (or transfer students with less than 24 hours) who are admitted to NKU and choose to take a challenge test, must do so prior to registering for classes. Open Challenge Testing dates are listed below and students should choose a date that precedes their Orientation date. (Exception: for those residing 50 + miles from NKU - you may test during the first day of Orientation).

 

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL INCOMING STUDENTS

* A student is permitted to take challenge test/s only once for each developmental studies subject area.

* A student is not eligible to take a challenge test in English, mathematics, or reading if he/she is currently enrolled at NKU, has taken the course and received a grade, or withdrew from the course.

* Entering Freshman MUST take challenge test/s before meeting with their academic advisor during Orientation/Open Registration.  Students who do not complete challenge testing before meeting with their advisors will be placed into the required developmental courses (per availability of open sections).

 

Challenge Testing Format:

 

English – a written essay taken on and scored by a computer with a time limit of one hour.

 

Math – computerized exam with discussion of scores by a math instructor. Click link below for practice questions:

http://www.nku.edu/~williamsd/CHALLENGE%20TEST%20REV/CHALLENGE%20TEST%20REVIEW-SP04.doc

 

 

Reading – computerized reading comprehension exam similar to the ACT reading passages.

 

Challenge Testing Dates

 

OPEN CHALLENGE TEST DATES 2008
You do not have to register, just show up 15 minutes early.

A photo ID is required to take the Challenge Test

 

DATE

DAY OF WEEK

TIME to REPORT for TESTING

LOCATION

April 17, 2008

Thursday

5:00 pm

FH 421 (Founders Hall)

May 15, 2008

Thursday

5:00 pm

FH 421 (Founders Hall)

June 19, 2008

Thursday

5:00 pm

FH 421 (Founders Hall)

July 17, 2008

Thursday

5:00 pm

FH 421 (Founders Hall)

 

NKU MAP LINK FOR LOCATION    Please park in Lots K or L.

 

***If you live more than 50 miles from NKU, you may take the Challenge test during the first day of your Orientation.  Otherwise, you must take the Challenge test on an open testing date.

 

Refer to the following chart for testing eligibility and course placement:

 

ACT SCORES taken after 10/89

     SUBJECT           REQUIRED SCORE     CHALLENGE ELIGIBILITY    COURSE LEVEL                                                        

ENGLISH

18 or higher

No testing required

ENG 101 College Level English

15, 16, or 17

Eligible to test

ENG 090 or ENG 101

14 or below

Not eligible to test

ENG 090 Required

 

MATHEMATICS

18 or higher

No testing required

College Level Math

(Some courses require a higher math score)

15, 16, or 17

Eligible to test

MAH 095/MAH099 

14 or below

Eligible to test

MAH 090 /MAH 095/MAH 099

 

READING

18 or higher

No testing required

No Requirement

15, 16, or 17

Eligible to test

LAP 091 or No Requirement

14 or below

Not eligible to test

LAP 091 Required

 

SAT SCORES

SUBJECT           REQUIRED SCORE   CHALLENGE ELIGIBILITY       COURSE LEVEL

Verbal

(English  &

Reading)

480 or higher

No testing required

ENG 101 –College Level English

420 – 470

Eligible to test

ENG 090/LAP 091 or ENG 101

410 or below

Not eligible to test

ENG 090 and LAP 091 Required

 

MATHEMATICS

430 or higher

No testing required

College Level Math

(Some courses require a higher math score)

350 – 420

Eligible to test

MAH 095/MAH 099 

340 or below

Eligible to test

MAH 090/ MAH 095/ MAH 099

 

COMPASS SCORES**

    SUBJECT         REQUIRED SCORE   CHALLENGE ELIGIBILITY    COURSE LEVEL

ENGLISH

(Writing skills)

70 or higher

No testing required

ENG 101 – College Level English

38 – 69

Eligible to test

ENG 090 or ENG 101

37 or below

Not eligible to test

ENG 090 Required

 

MATHEMATICS

(Algebra)

35 or higher

No testing required

College Level Math

(Some courses require a higher math score)

30 - 34

Eligible to test

MAH 095/MAH 099 

29 or below

Eligible to test

MAH 090/ MAH 095/ MAH 099

 

READING

81 or higher

No testing required

No requirements

61 – 80

Eligible to test

LAP 091 or no requirement

60 or below

Not eligible to test

LAP 091 Required

 

**Education Department does not accept Compass scores. Nursing accepts with conditions. Contact Nursing Department prior to taking the Compass test.

 (ACT or SAT is acceptable for a