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THE SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM GRAMMAR, SPELLING AND PUNCTUATION (GSP) TEST


General Policy Information for the Academic Year 2005-2006

The computerized adaptive GSP test has three parts: Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation. The computer program presents approximately 20 multiple-choice items for each of the three parts of the test. There is no penalty for guessing.

You may select the order in which you take the parts of the test. The test is self-paced; most students complete the test in about 45 minutes.

How the Test Is Scored:
The score on each of the three parts is reported on a 20 to 80 scale. The composite score is the average of the scores on the three parts. A composite of 45 or higher is a passing score. The composite score and a subscore for each of the three parts will be reported on the computer screen and made available to the School of Journalism. The School of Journalism determines satisfactory scores.

This test does not serve as a basis for awarding credit.

Students for Whom the Test Is Required:
Journalism – In order to register for Journalism 315 and any upper-division Journalism course, students must have a score of at least 45 on the School of Journalism Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation (GSP) Test. Students with transfer credit for Journalism 315, or its equivalent, also must have a score of at least 45 on the GSP test in order to register for any upper-division Journalism course.

If you think you should be exempted from the GSP test, please consult with the School of Journalism.

Study Aid Available

The following books are available at the Perry-Castaneda Library Stacks or the Reserve Desk: The test content is taken primarily from:
  • E. L. Callihan, Grammar for Journalists (Chilton Books)
  • E.C. Callihan et al, Exercises and Tests for Journalists
Other recommended readings:
  • Joseph C. Blumenthal, English 3200 (Harcourt)
  • Strunk and White, The Elements of Style
  • Jim W. Corder, Handbook of Current English
  • G.L. Smith, Spelling by Principles

Study Help Available

  • A 50-item sample test (paper and pencil) is available outside the School of Journalism's academic advisor's office, CMA A6.146, 471-6938.
  • If a student fails the test for the third time, the student may be eligible to register for the School of Journalism's GSP Prep class, offered once a year for a fee. If the student attends all class sessions, the School of Journalism will pay for the student to take the GSP test. Attendance at all three sessions is mandatory for the School of Journalism to sponsor the student's next GSP test. This will not affect the ability to register for J315 for the next semester.

Test Administration

Test Periods: The test is offered regularly on the UT Austin campus.

Test Registration: Register yourself by going to the registration page. You must register no later than twenty-four hours before you want to take the test. You CANNOT register for a test on the day of its administration.

Test Registration for Students with Disabilities:  disability, you should contact these two offices at least five business days before the day of the test:

Registration Fee and Test Fee Payment: The total test fee is $45 (subject to change). When you confirm your registration for a test you will be immediately billed a non-refundable test registration fee of $15. The remainder of the test fee will be billed after you take the test. Payment is due within 14 days after the test administration.

Repeating the Test: The test may be taken a maximum of four times; the student who fails the third time should consult the School of Journalism. If on the fourth try a student still is unable to pass the test, that student will need to see the undergraduate advisor in the School of Journalism for assistance in choosing another major.

Admission to the Test Room: At the test room you must present a generally accepted form of identification that includes both your signature and a photograph. Without such identification, you will be admitted only if you bringand relinquish a photograph of yourself.

Test Results: Results are available on the computer screen at the end of your testing session.