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Regents' Test
FAQs
Registration Information
Skills Classes
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE REGENTS' TEST
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WHAT IS THE REGENTS’ TEST?
The Regents’ Test, which is required by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, is a two-part timed test designed to measure minimum competency in the areas of reading and writing. It is in effect at every school in the Georgia system. The 60 minute reading portion of the test consists of 9 passages and 54 multiple choice questions; a score of 61 (on a scale of 1-99) is required to pass. The 60 minute essay portion consists of a 4-5 paragraph essay responding to one of the four topics provided; a score of 2 (on a scale of 1-3) is required to pass.
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CAN THE REGENTS’ TEST BE EXEMPTED?
You can exempt the reading part of the test if you have a national SAT Critical Reading Score of at least 510 or ACT reading score of at least 23. You can exempt the writing part of the test if you have a national SAT Writing Score of at least 560, have a national ACT English/Writing score of at least 24, or earned at least a 3 on AP English Language or Literature exams. In addition, you can exempt the essay if you have at least a 510 SAT Critical Reading Score AND at least a 500 SAT Writing Score or have at least a 23 ACT Reading Score AND at least a 22 ACT English/Writing Score. You are also exempt if you have already earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college.
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IF I DON’T EXEMPT THE REGENTS’ TEST, WHEN DO I TAKE IT?
Beginning Fall 2008, ALL 1st semester freshmen and 1st semester transfer students are required to attempt the Regents’ Test. Those who do not attempt the test in their 1st semester could face penalties that include placement in Regents’ Test skills classes. This requirement applies to both full-time and part-time students.
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WHEN IS THE REGENTS’ TEST OFFERED?
The Regents’ Test is offered around the middle of the semester. You must register for the test either through BANWEB or the Testing Office. Although the test is offered several times over a 3-4 day period, you should register early in the semester to get the testing date/time which best fits your schedule.
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HOW MUCH DOES THE TEST COST?
There is no charge to take the Regents’ Test. However, keep in mind that if you don’t attempt and pass the test your 1st semester and Regents’ Test skills classes are placed on your schedule, that could change your fees for the semester and will count toward the number of attempted hours covered by HOPE scholarship.
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HOW MANY CHANCES DO I GET TO PASS THE REGENTS’ TEST?
Most students get two chances to pass the Regents’ Test before any Regents’ Test skills classes must be added to your schedule. Remember, though, that if you don’t show up your 1st semester to take the test, you’ve lost one of your chances.
Some students whose Regents’ Test results the first semester indicate that they are at “high risk” for failing a second time (for example, those whose reading score is below 50) will be required to participate in the skills course their second semester of attendance.
Once you’ve been required to enroll in the skills classes, you must take the skills course and test each semester of attendance until the test is passed.
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I PASS THE REGENTS’ TEST?
You have successfully completed your Regents’ Test requirement and don’t ever have to think about it again.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF I TAKE THE TEST BUT DON’T PASS?
If you pass one part, that part is passed forever. The next semester you attempt the part you haven’t passed. If you don’t pass either part, then both parts must be repeated the next semester you are enrolled.
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AT WHAT POINT WILL I BE REQUIRED TO TAKE REGENTS’ SKILLS CLASSES?
That depends on two factors: how many times you’ve had the chance to take the test (even if you didn’t show up) and what your scores are. If you’ve failed the test for the second time or have been enrolled in school two semesters and haven’t attempted/passed the test or your scores indicate you are “at risk,” remediation will be required. The two classes, RGTE 0199 for the essay and RGTR 0198 for the reading, are added to your academic schedule. These classes cost the same amount as any other 3 hour credit course you’re enrolled in.
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HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE TEST?
Study aids are available on the Regents’ Test website (www.gsu.edu/rtp), your English 1101/1102 instructor is a valuable source of information and help, and the Writing Center is a wonderful resource for sample materials and additional assistance. Feel free to contact the Testing Office (678-839-6435) or email lst@westga.edu for additional details.
REMEMBER THIS: Your chances of passing the Regents’ Test are definitely better if you make yourself familiar with the test format and what is expected on each part.
You are responsible for adhering to the rules and regulations that stipulate when you must test and what the consequences are if you do not.
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REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Registration for the Regents’ Test can be done in several ways:
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The preferred way is to register online through BANWEB:
Log on to BANWEB using your student ID and password.
Click on “Student Services and Financial Aid.”
Click on “Student Records.”
Scroll to the bottom and click "Regents' Test Registration."
Select a test date and time which fit your schedule.
When your admission ticket appears on the screen, PRINT IT OUT.
This ticket lists where and when to report and what to bring.
This ticket also contains information about study aids. - Call the Testing Office (678-839-6435); even if you register over the phone, you’ll still need to access BANWEB in order to print out your admission ticket.
- Stop by the Testing Office, 110 Strozier Hall, between 8 am and 5 pm; even if you register in person, you’ll still need to access BANWEB in order to print out your admission ticket.
NOTE: Students who are required to enroll in the Regents’ Test skills classes are not eligible to register for the test on BANWEB. They will register for the test during one of their Regents’ Test class periods.
NOTE: Regents’ Test Results are available toward the end of each semester and are accessed in the same manner that the Regents’ Test registration is accessed. Follow the steps above, but instead of clicking on "Regents' Test Registration," click on Regents' Test Results."
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CLASSES:
RGTR 0198
Course Title: Regents' Reading Skills
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
Course Description:
The Regents' Reading Skills course is intended to ensure that all graduates of USG institutions possess certain minimum skills in reading comprehension. Students work on improving their comprehension of material drawn from a variety of subject areas (social science, natural science, and humanities) with various modes of discourse (exposition, narration, and argumentation). Critical thinking and the following four major aspects of reading are emphasized: vocabulary in context, inferential and literal comprehension, and analysis.
Expected Educational Results:
As a result of completing this course, the student will be able to
1. Use context clues, and structural analysis to determine word meaning.
2. Find the main idea.
3. Recall facts and supporting details accurately.
4. Make inferences and judgments.
5. Draw conclusions
6. Identify relationships between and among words and ideas through use of transitional devices.
7. Identify and explain patterns of organization.
8. Perceive author's tone and purpose.
9. Distinguish fact from opinion.
10. Distinguish between inductive and deductive reasoning.
11. Recognize figurative language.
12. Determine the difference between parts of a whole.
Attendance:
It is the student's responsibility to attend class regularly and prepare assignments for class. Failure to comply with the attendance policy could adversely affect the student's final grade and the student's opportunity to take the Regents' Test.
Grading Policy:
S: Passes Regents' Test and completes class assignments satisfactorily.
U: Does not satisfactorily complete 60% of all assigned class work and is ineligible to test OR is eligible to test but does not pass Regents' Test.
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RGTE 0199
Course Title: Regents' Writing Skills
Credit: 3 semester hours
Course Description:
The Regents' Writing Skills course is intended to ensure that all graduates of USG institutions possess certain minimum skills in writing. Students learn to evaluate their own writing strengths and weaknesses and work on improving their writing skills so that they are able to write an essay meeting the Regents' criteria.
Requirements:
Attend scheduled class meetings until requirements are satisfied. Poor attendance may adversely affect the final grade.
Write three essays outside of class (Typed essays should be double- spaced. Hand-written essays should be in blue or black ink, one side only, and double-spaced).
Pass at least two extemporaneous essays written in class.
Essay Topics:
Topics for essays to be written outside of class should be selected from the approved list provided at the Regents' website. (http://www.gsu.edu/rtp) To view the complete list, click on "Regents' Essay Test-Complete list of Approved Topics."
The instructor will provide four topics from this same list for each essay written in class, and test conditions will be duplicated as much as possible.
Conferences:
Individual conferences with the instructor are optional but strongly encouraged. Office hours are posted on the instructor's door, but appointments are recommended.
Grades:
Essays will be graded using the same numerical system applied by Regents' Test graders: 4=Good; 3=Pass; 2=Borderline; 1=Fail
Final Course Grades:
S - Completed all requirements and passed essay portion of the Regents' Test
U - Did not complete all requirements and was not eligible to test OR was eligible to test but did not pass the essay portion of the Regents' Test.
