Placement Testing FAQs for Pathways Students
We administer placement testing solely for the information it provides: to place you in classes that will give you the best possible foundation for success at Dominican. You may not be required to take every test described here. See below for more details.
Computer Competency Exam
Q. What is the Computer test like?
A. This test requires you to perform tasks that demonstrate computer-user proficiency with the Microsoft Word and PowerPoint applications. It should take you less than an hour to complete. Unless you transfer in college coursework in Word and PowerPoint, you will need to take the Computer Competency Exam at Dominican. For a detailed breakdown of what the test covers, click here.
All students must demonstrate a basic level of understanding in computer skills and applications by
- passing the exam, or
- transferring in approved college coursework, or
- passing Comm 1641 Computer Skills and Applications I at Dominican.
Q. How do I prepare for the Computer test?
A. You can access the following links to help you brush up on your computer skills:
Word
http://www.baycongroup.com/wlesson0.htm
http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/word/
PowerPoint
http://www.iupui.edu/~webtrain/tutorials/powerpoint2000_basics.html
http://www.electricteacher.com/tutorial3.htm
English Placement Exam
Q. What is the English test like?
A. During this 60-minute timed test, you write an essay in response to a specific question provided. Your writing is evaluated based on the following features: focus, organization, development and support, and mechanical conventions. You do not need to take the placement exam in English if you have already taken an expository writing course for college credit and passed with a grade of ‘C’ or higher (as long as that course transfers to Dominican).
Q. How do I prepare for the English test?
A. If you would like to brush up on your writing skills before testing, you can access several resources. Just click the links below:
* The Writing Process
* Planning/Revising/Writing an Essay
* Creating a Thesis Statement
Math Placement Exam
Q. What is the Math test like?
A. This untimed test covers all arithmetic functions including percentages, decimals, and addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions--without the use of a calculator. The test also includes word problems and some basic geometry problems.
You do not need to take the placement exam in math if the following applies:
- If you have already taken college algebra, precalculus, trigonometry, or calculus and passed with a grade of ‘C’ or higher, you have met your General Education requirement in Mathematical Thinking and Quantitative Reasoning. Unless your major requires further math, you will not need to take another math course at Dominican.
- If you intend to major in strategic management or psychology and have already passed a college course in intermediate algebra with a grade of ‘C’ or higher, you may enroll directly in statistics.
Q. How do I prepare for the Math test?
A. If you would like to brush up on your math skills before testing, just click on the link below:
* Arithmetic Study Guide
* Another Arithmetic Study Guide
Special Accommodations for Testing
If you have a documented disability and need special accommodations for testing, contact Kathryn Mulholland at kathryn.mulholland@dominican.edu or 415-257-0187.
