Competition
Subjects and Exam Descriptions

Accounting
The accounting competition will consist of an essay examination based on a reading that will be provided at the time of the exam regarding a timely accounting-related issue that will be provided. No bookkeeping skills will be required.
Students interested in accounting are encouraged to participate.
Time allowed: 90 min.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Art
Aspiring Competitive Scholars in art will be interviewed individually by members of the art department faculty. Participants should arrive on campus with the following required materials for review:

1. ESSAY: Write an essay (2-3 pages typed) addressed to the art faculty articulating the importance of artistic activities in your life and education, and why you are seeking college-level work in art.
2. PHOTO AND LETTERS: Please attach a recent snapshot of yourself, as well as two letters of recommendations from people who know your work and working habits.
3. FOUR REQUIRED DRAWINGS in charcoal, graphite or pastel. Each is to be about 16 x 20”. They need not be matted or framed. The drawings should be done from direct observation, not from photographs or any other pre-existing graphic material. They need not be realistic, per se, in fact they may be highly abstracted. We are interested in how you compose and develop imagery in response to the subjects indicated:

I. A chair from an oblique angle
II. A portrait or self-portrait
III. A table-top arrangement of objects
IV. A landscape

4. SIX RECENT PIECES OF ART in any medium or combination of media, including drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, design, sculpture, etc. Formal presentation is not required, i.e. framing, though 2-D work should be matted or mounted in a viewing portfolio. Video material and/or slides will be accepted as non-returnable copies only unless return self-addressed and stamped packaging is provided.


Biology
The examination will consist of 100 multiple choice questions covering the breadth of biology -- from molecules to ecosystems and from microbes to plants, animals and fungi. No special equipment or calculators are necessary for the examination.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Business
The business competition will consist of an essay examination based on a reading that will be provided to you at the time of the exam regarding a timely business-related issue. Students interested in any of the business disciplines, including business administration, finance, management and marketing are encouraged to participate.
Time allowed: 90 min.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Chemistry
The exam consists of four problems plus an essay. Participants should note that while the essay topic will be made available in advance, the essay submitted for the exam must be written during the scheduled exam time (not written in advance).

The essay topic will be:

Why do you believe atoms exist? Give physical and chemical evidence you have learned and explain why the evidence is best explained by the existence of atoms.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Non-graphing calculators are allowed in the exam.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Communication Arts and Intercultural Communication
The examination will consist of three parts.
Part A: Written Exam
Essay #1 is a response to a hypothetical communication interaction within a relational context. You will be asked to examine a situation and suggest a course of action based on your analysis.
Essay #2 consists of a personal narrative that provides a brief autobiographical sketch, describes personal goals, and explains why you consider the study of human communication an important endeavor in the twenty-first century.
Part B: Oral Exam
In Part B of the examination, you will engage in an interview with faculty and students in the Communication Arts Program. As part of this process, you will be asked to present a two-minute speech about a high school teacher or class that you found particularly inspirational and explain why this person or course was engaging.
Time allowed for Written Exam: 45 min.
Time allowed for Oral Exam: 7-10 min.
Notes are allowed for essay #2, but not for essay #1.



Computer Science
The computer science exam will consist of a set of problems that are intended to test the type of thinking required in the area of computer science. No particular computer skills are needed for the exam. Instead, you will be asked questions that test your ability to think clearly, logically and analytically.
Calculators not allowed
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Creative Writing
Writers interested in the creative writing competitive scholarships should arrive on campus with a five page sample of their own work. The sample should be printed in 12 point type and double spaced with adequate margins. In addition, a single page cover sheet should include your name, a list of the work (or
works) in the sample, and the genre for each of these works. No other description or discussion should be included. The cover sheet and the five pages of original work should all be stapled together. They will be collected from you at the time of the exam.

In addition to the writing sample, you should expect to write a short essay that will ask you to comment in some way on your own writing experience, interests, or aspirations. Beyond being a writer who's thoughtful about your own practices and ambitions, you cannot really prepare in advance for this essay. A more specific writing prompt will be given to you at the time of the exam.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Economics
The economics competition is a two-part examination. The first part will consist of multiple-choice questions that test basic economic knowledge and reasoning skills. The second part is a written essay that will test your understanding of economic concepts, your analytical skills, and your ability to communicate in writing about economic issues of national or international concern. You will answer two essay questions, one focusing on microeconomics, the other addressing macroeconomics. For each essay you will have two questions from which to choose.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Education
The Education Department competitive scholarships will be awarded on the basis of two essay examination questions. One essay will cover an application of learning theory. The other essay addresses your understanding of a contemporary educational issue. Essays will be evaluated on organization, language usage, strength of argument, and usage of applicable personal experiences. Only students with a strong desire to become teachers are encouraged to apply for the Competitive Scholarship Day Exam.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no

English
The English competition will consist of two short essays--or, at the department's discretion, one longer essay--that might ask for analysis of a specific literary passage or passages provided in the exam or might ask writers to discuss works familiar to them. We rarely reuse essay prompts from earlier years. Students are expected to have a strong background in literature and writing.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Environmental Studies
Students who choose the environmental studies exam will be asked to answer one of the following three questions as thoroughly as time allows.

1. Compare and contrast the environmental effects of population growth in the U.S. and in a developing country of your choice. Be sure to discuss the relevance of the demographic transition model to both countries.

2. Discuss the importance of species diversity to the long-term integrity of ecological communities. In the course of your essay, be sure to focus on a specific type of ecosystem and to offer clear definitions of key concepts.

3. You are scientific advisor to the U.S. President. While you are aware of the broad scientific consensus on the reality of global warming, you also know that political pressures and economic impacts are important aspects affecting policy decisions. After discussing why and how global warming is taking place, including as much evidence possible, describe what actions you will recommend to the president and his advisors.

Essays will be evaluated according to how well the author demonstrates 1) an understanding of underlying scientific and technical issues, 2) an ability, where appropriate, to defend a coherent public policy response to environmental issues, and 3) an understanding, where appropriate, of how different cultural values affect the assessment of environmental issues.
Time allowed: 90 min.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Government, Law and Politics
Sponsored by the Department of Political Science, this competition involves an essay examination based upon material sent to the participants by the department of political science. Students interested in politics, government, current affairs or law are encouraged to compete. An interest in these areas suffices for preparation. No formal course-work in politics is required.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Health and Human Performance
The examination will consist of two parts.

Part A includes short answer questions covering personal health promotion and disease prevention, physical education and fitness, athletic training and exercise science (incorporating kinesiology, biomechanics, physiology and motor learning). The questions contained in Part A are of a specific nature and are designed to test the student’s knowledge in these areas.

Part B of the examination consists of a personal narrative which provides a brief autobiographical sketch, describes personal goals and aspirations and explains why the student is considering Linfield and the Department of Health and Human Performance. Part B is also intended to provide the department with an opportunity to better assess the student’s written communication skills and abilities.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Health Sciences
Please note: Students interested in majoring in Health Sciences take their first two years in McMinnville and then transfer to the Portland Campus for their Junior and Senior years. The examination will be held on the McMinnville campus.

The examination is an essay that should address the following:

Global warming is becoming a serious issue for climatologists, ecologists and public health officials. The projected effects of global warming include flooding, drought, and changes in the distribution of the biomes.
It is also feared that significant changes will occur in terms of human health and diseases. Discuss the potential consequences of global warming on human health. Also discuss possible ways to moderate the effects on health.
The focus of your discussion should be on changes in health and health care resulting from global warming.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no

History
The history competition will consist of a writing assignment designed to test:

1. Analytical skills
2. Ability to interpret historical documents
3. Awareness of the factors that contribute to social, economic and political change from one time period to another
4. Skill in using historical evidence to support a thesis
5. Writing ability

The examination will be based on reading materials provided by the Department of History. These will be sent to participants by the department after January 10. Participants should bring pens.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no (reading material only)

International Business
The international business competition will consist of an essay examination based on a reading regarding a timely issue from the area of international business that will be provided at the time of the exam.

Students interested in international business are encouraged to participate.
Time allowed: 90 min.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Mass Communication
The mass communication scholarships will be awarded on the basis of participation in a group interview with a news source, a news story based on the interview and written on deadline within a one-hour time limit, and interviews with a Department of Mass Communication faculty member and students. We will provide competitors with background information on the news source on exam day. We presume knowledge of and experience in high school journalism. We base our evaluations on the level of basic writing skills, the clarity of the writing, the quality of story structure, and the ability to interview and be interviewed successfully. Participants should bring pencils and should be proficient in computer word processing.
Time allowed: 2 hrs
Notes allowed in exam: no

Mathematics
The mathematics competition is designed to measure the participant's knowledge, background and ability in mathematics and general problem solving. Participants will be asked to solve four to six problems of a general nature. The problems do not come from a particular course such as Algebra II or Precalculus and may be solved with a variety of approaches. Participants' work will be evaluated on approach and organization as well as completeness and accuracy. Participants should bring pencils; calculators are not needed (therefore not allowed).
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed during exam: no

Modern Languages-French
The scholarships in modern languages will be awarded on the basis of a written examination and an oral interview in the French, German and Japanese exams.

The written exam will test reading, writing and aural comprehension. The oral interview consists of a 20-minute interview in which a student’s overall abilities with the language are assessed. The department selects those students who have developed their language proficiency to the highest levels in relation to the time they have been exposed to the foreign language.

Three scholarship awards are available in each of the four languages: French, German, Japanese and Spanish.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed during exam: no

Modern Languages-German
The scholarships in modern languages will be awarded on the basis of a written examination and an oral interview in the French, German and Japanese exams.

The written exam will test reading, writing and aural comprehension. The oral interview consists of a 20-minute interview in which a student’s overall abilities with the language are assessed. The department selects those students who have developed their language proficiency to the highest levels in relation to the time they have been exposed to the foreign language.

Three scholarship awards are available in each of the four languages: French, German, Japanese and Spanish.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed during exam: no

Modern Languages-Japanese
The scholarships in modern languages will be awarded on the basis of a written examination and an oral interview in the French, German and Japanese exams.

The written exam will test reading, writing and aural comprehension. The oral interview consists of a 20-minute interview in which a student’s overall abilities with the language are assessed. The department selects those students who have developed their language proficiency to the highest levels in relation to the time they have been exposed to the foreign language.

Three scholarship awards are available in each of the four languages: French, German, Japanese and Spanish.

The written portion of the Japanese examination tests students’ abilities to read and write Japanese using Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji. The oral portion of the Japanese examination consists of a ten- to fifteen-minute interview similar in structure to that accompanying the French and German examinations.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed during exam: no

Modern Languages-Spanish
The scholarships in modern languages will be awarded on the basis of a written examination and an oral interview in the French, German and Japanese exams.

The written exam will test reading, writing and aural comprehension. The oral interview consists of a 20-minute interview in which a student’s overall abilities with the language are assessed. The department selects those students who have developed their language proficiency to the highest levels in relation to the time they have been exposed to the foreign language.

Three scholarship awards are available in each of the four languages: French, German, Japanese and Spanish.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed during exam: no

Music
Participants will be expected to perform prepared solos by two different composers, or one longer composition that demonstrates contrasting styles.
Performers are to show versatility in style and may perform portions of one or more composition. Music participants will also be tested on their ability to sight read material selected by the Department of Music. Each performer is allotted 10 minutes for his or her audition time (six minutes of prepared music and four minutes for sight reading and conversation with the faculty). Prior to the audition, performers who need an accompanist will have ample time to rehearse with one of our staff accompanists. A copy of music for the accompanist must be received by the Department of Music no later than two weeks prior to the audition date. Upon confirmation of participation in Competitive Scholarship Day, participants are asked to contact Ms. Donna Root, Music Administrative Coordinator, at 503-883-2275 to set up the precise time-slot for the audition and rehearsal (if needed) on the day's schedule. Participants will receive a written confirmation from the Department of Music of their audition date and time. Three scholarships may be awarded (instrumental and vocal combined).
Total audition time allowed: 10 minutes

Nursing
Currently the nursing workforce does not represent the diversity of the populations of our country. There are few minorities in nursing, especially minorities with baccalaureate and higher degrees. What strategies would you implement to recruit minorities into a nursing school? How would you retain minority students once they enroll in nursing school?

Your essay will be judged in terms of the research on the subject, writing abilities and how you present your ideas.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Physics
The physics competition will consist of fifteen problems from which ten may be chosen. The exam is designed to test the knowledge of some fundamental concepts of mathematics and physics. Since the problems are designed to bring out the participant’s knowledge of physical concepts and principles, it is important that the method of solution and all steps of reasoning be presented clearly. Some problems from previous competitions are shown below:

• Since its clarification by Isaac Newton, the concept of force has had a central place in physical theory. Two types of force are the gravitational and the electric forces. How are these two forces alike? How are they different?
• A block of balsa wood floats on water contained in a vessel, while a block of lead of the same size lies submerged on the bottom of the vessel. Which block experiences the greatest buoyant force? Explain.
• The light from distant galaxies is “red-shifted” when viewed from the Earth. Explain what this term means and what the observation tells us about the nature of the Universe.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Psychology
The Department of Psychology scholarships will be awarded on the basis of a two-part examination. The first portion of the exam will consist of a set of objective questions surveying the applicants’ knowledge of the discipline of psychology. The second portion of the exam will consist of an essay question(s) concerning gender roles, learning phenomena/theories or personality phenomena/theories. The choice of essay questions will be left to the Department of Psychology. It is strongly suggested that students consult an introductory or general psychology text in preparation for the exam.
Time allowed: 1 hr., 45 min.
Notes allowed for the exam: no

Religious Studies
Formal coursework in religious studies is not required for this competition, though students should give evidence of an interest in and openness to the study of religion in all of its forms, ancient and modern.
The exam will be an essay. The student will be given a text (two or three paragraphs) selected from the corpus of world religious literature. The student will be given a topic suggested by the text, asked to formulate a thesis position with respect to that topic and offer evidence-drawn from the supplied text-in support of the position taken.

The evaluation of the exam will focus on how well and how directly the student has engaged the text provided.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed for the exam: no

Society & Ethics
This exam is for students interested in anthropology, philosophy, or sociology. Because these disciplines are rarely, if ever, taught in secondary schools, students who major in these subjects typically develop an interest in them after their arrival at college. Both the Linfield Department of Philosophy and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology welcome students who are interested in exploring fundamental issues about human nature and the social order.

Students who sign up for this exam will be expected to answer one question similar to the two examples provided. Up to three scholarships will be awarded--the awards going to the best three essays, irrespective of a student's inclination toward one discipline over the others. Time allowed: 90 min.

1. Suppose a country's legitimate legislative assembly passes a military draft stipulating that all 18-year olds, male and female, owe a two-year obligation to the military, no exceptions allowed. Suppose a citizen of this country believes it is a violation of conscience to participate in any military organization, because killing of other humans is wrong and every military holds the objective of killing enemies, all of whom are human. What should be done with this citizen, and why?

2. Over the past century, the social sciences have made tremendous strides in understanding the complexity and diversity of human society and culture.
This body of knowledge and theory, however, does not seem to have had an appreciable impact on the social and foreign policies formulated by successive US government administrations. How might we account for the negligible role the social sciences have played in the creation of policies to address longstanding political and economic problems? Were you to serve as policy advisor to the next administration, what recommendations--in principle and practice--would you make to the President that draw directly from that body of knowledge and theory?
Time allowed: 90 min.
Notes allowed in exam: no


Theatre
The faculty and students of the Theatre Arts Program will interview students interested in many areas of theatre.

Students focusing primarily on acting/directing should prepare two contrasting audition pieces that illustrate the range of their acting talent. The combined pieces should not exceed 5 minutes.

Design students should bring a portfolio of their work.

Technical theatre, business or promotions students should prepare a narrative explaining their experience and interest in their particular fields of theatre. If materials are available, these students are encouraged to bring portfolios as well.

All students must send a resume and a letter of recommendation from their drama teacher or director to the Office of Admission or the Theatre Department at least two weeks prior to the event date. The audition/interview process should discover the generally talented student as well as the exceptionally talented student. Both will be given equal consideration.
Time allowed for audition: 5 min.
Time allowed for interview: as necessary