Eligibility

To be eligible for the English 302 Test-Out Exam, student

• must not currently be enrolled in 302 when taking the 302 Test-Out Exam
• must have at least a junior classification
• must have completed English 150 and 250
• must be taking the test-out exam for the first time (university policy prevents repeats)

The Test

The English 302 Test-Out Exam has three parts. Part One is a short answer test over course concepts and vocabulary. Part Two requires a critique of a letter or memo on features such as organization, style, audience awareness, tone, and correctness. Part Three asks students to write a persuasive message based on data provided to them. Students will take the exam in a Ross Hall computer lab. Three hours will be allowed to take the exam.

Accommodation

Students who require accommodation for a disability should indicate their needs on the registration form and provide university documentation. If student requires an alternative test day for religious reasons, contact the Director of Advanced Communication.

Suggested Preparation

If students wish to review, they may consult the following source: 

• Business and Administrative Communication, 8th edition by Kitty O. Locker and Donna Kienzler, McGraw-Hill/Irwin

The book is on reserve at the ISU Parks Library.

Test Date

The next 302 Test-Out Exam will be offered Saturday, January 23, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Students registered for the exam should arrive at 8:30 a.m. at Ross Hall 124 for check-in.

Registration for the Exam

Students must register with the Testing Office. The Spring 2010 registration deadline is noon on Wednesday, January 20. A $100, non-refundable fee will be placed on the student's university bill after the exam has been taken.

• Print out the English 302 Registration Form (Adobe PDF file).
• Mail or take registration form to:
  

  Testing Office
  Student Counseling Service
  2030 Student Services Building, 2nd floor
  Iowa State University
  Ames, IA 50011-2223

What to Bring to the Exam

Pencils, pens, and student IDs ONLY will be permitted in the test lab. DO NOT bring notes, books, or backpacks.

Evaluation

The Advanced Communication Committee compares the student's performance on the exam to the writing of a good 302 student who has taken the course. All parts of the test must receive a satisfactory rating for the student to earn "T" (test-out) credit. Students will be notified within six weeks of the exam whether or not they have earned this "T" credit. If a student receives "T" credit, it will be posted at the end of the semester in which they took the exam.

Contact Information

For further information, please write to:

Director of Advanced Communication
Sherry McGough
smcgough@iastate.edu