FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE REGENTS' TEST
1. WHAT IS IT?
The Regents’ Test is a University system wide test administered since 1974 to measure minimum competency in the areas of writing and reading. The test consists of two parts: a one hour essay (similar to an essay written in a freshman English class) and a one hour reading comprehension test consisting of reading passages and multiple choice questions regarding those passages.
2. WHY IS IT REQUIRED?
According to the Board of Regents’ policy, each institution of the University System shall assure the other institutions, and the System as a whole, that students obtaining a degree from that institution possess literacy competence, that is, certain minimum skills of reading and writing.
3. WHO TAKES IT?
Anyone who is seeking a degree from one of the University System of Georgia schools. The only persons automatically exempt from the Regents' Test are those who have already earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. (NOTE: Students who are completing a “certificate” program that does not lead to a degree are not required to test. However, if such a student re-enrolls under a degree program, then that student MUST take the test and is subject to the rules of the testing program.)
EXEMPTIONS
READING TEST EXEMPTION (One of the following must apply)
- SAT-I Verbal exemption score: 510
- ACT Reading exemption score: 23
(SAT or ACT scores must be from a national administration. Scores from institutional SAT or residual ACT tests will not be acceptable for this purpose.)
ESSAY TEST EXEMPTION (One of the following must apply)
- College Board Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition exemption score: 3
- College Board Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature and Composition exemption score: 3
- International Baccalaureate (IB) higher-level English exemption score: 4
- SAT II English Writing exemption score: 650
- SAT Reasoning Test, Writing Section exemption score: 560
It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the college has the scores on record, either directly from the testing organization or via official transcript from previously attended institution.
NOTE: Only test scores that have been accepted by the institution at admission may be used. If the age of the test scores renders them unacceptable for admissions purposes, they may not be used for exemption determination. If you have any questions, contact Steve Preston, C-143, (229) 317-6983 for more information.
4. WHEN IS IT TAKEN?
Effective Fall 2007, all freshmen (except those in Learning Support English or Learning Support Reading classes) must take the test during their first semester enrolled at Darton. Those enrolled in LSE or LSR will test during their first semester after clearing LSE/LSR requirements. NOTE: All "grandfathering" for students enrolled prior to Fall 2007 ended with the Summer 2008 semester. Students had three semesters (Fall 2007, Spring 2008, and Summer 2008) to take the test to avoid the new remediation schedule which went into effect Fall 2008 (see bottom of page). No further "grandfathering" will be allowed.
5. WHERE AND WHEN IS IT GIVEN?
The Regents' Test is offered each semester, usually around midterm. The days, times, and locations are determined at the beginning of the semester and posted at www.darton.edu, the Darton Writing Center, and the Darton Testing Center.
6. HOW DO STUDENTS REGISTER? HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Regents' Test button as it appears
on the Darton College homepage.
There is no cost for the test.
7. WHAT IF. . . .
- You pass one part? That part is passed forever.
- You transfer? Your Regents’ Test status follows you within the University System of Georgia. The rules apply no matter what System school you enroll in.
8. Where can I get help to prepare for the test?
Free preparation materials and assistance are available for first-time test takers in the Writing Center C-143 (Student Center).
Re-Testers should see their Regents' Skills Teacher for further assistance.
Program Contact: Steve Preston
Contact: Alan Zhang (web representative)
