Competitive Scholarship 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. No bookkeeping skills will be required. Students interested in accounting are encouraged to participate.
Time allowed: 90 min.
Notes allowed in exam: no
Art
1. ESSAY: Write an essay (2-3 pages typed) addressed to the
department faculty articulating the importance of artistic activities in your
life and education, and why you are interested in art and/or visual
culture as a personal, lifelong passion.
2. QUESTIONNAIRE: The Office of Admission will send a
questionnaire via postal mail (there are neither right nor wrong answers; we are
simply interested in learning about your taste and interests.)
3. LETTERS: Please attach two letters of recommendations from
people who know your work and working habits.
4. EIGHT ORIGINAL WORKS OF ART: At least two of which are to
be drawings in charcoal, graphite or pastel. Each is to be about 16 x
20”. They need not be matted or framed. These two 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. The remaining six works of art should be recently
completed in any medium or combination of media, including drawing, painting,
photography, ceramics, design, sculpture, video, etc.
All materials must be brought to the examination.
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 multi-part problems plus an essay. Please note that
although the essay topic is made available in advance, the essay submitted for
the exam must be written during the scheduled exam time on the provided exam
paper. Non-programmable calculators are permitted and will be provided if you
do not bring your own.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no
Communication Arts and Intercultural Communication
The Communication Arts and Intercultural Communication examination will consist of three parts.
Part #1: Essay 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 of the communication interaction. This
essay will be written during the exam.
Part #2: Essay Exam
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. This two-page, typed, and double-spaced essay should be written prior to the exam and submitted at the beginning of the examination period.
Part #3: Oral Exam
In Part 3 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 formal, two-minute speech about a high school teacher, class, or extra-curricular activity that you found particularly inspirational and, using at least two arguments, explain why this person, course, or activity was engaging. You may use one 3”x5” note card during the speech.
Time allowed for Written Exam: 30 min.
Time allowed for Oral Exam: 7-10 min.
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. Students are not
required to major in Education should they receive an Education scholarship and
enroll at Linfield. However, we hope that students with a strong desire
to become teachers will apply for this exam.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no
English
The English competition will consist of two short essays. One asks for analysis
of a specific literary passage or passages provided in the exam. The second
asks writers to discuss works familiar to them. 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 prior to the event 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 may be interested in considering
studies and/or future careers in 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.
Students who choose the health sciences exam will be asked to answer one
of the following questions. The questions are based on the two health sciences majors - Health Administration and Environmental & Public Health - but students may choose to answer either question.
1. Health Administration major:
The World Health Organization ranks US Health 37th in quality outcomes and fairness yet America spends a larger % (17%) of its gross domestic product and more per person than any other major developed country on health. Health Care Reform in America has been a major issue in 2008’s Presidential election and in 2009. What specific advice do you have for President Obama to do in the next 3 years to improve health care access, quality results, and affordability in America?
Your answer should include comments about the connections or inter-dependence of access, quality outcomes, affordability, and prevention versus treatment. Your writing should be thoughtful, direct, clear, well organized, and demonstrate the logic or evidence for your specific recommended advice.
2. Environmental & Public Health major:
Over the centuries of recorded history humans have faced many pandemics. These include the infamous "black death" that rampaged through Europe in the 1400s, and the 1918 H1N1 flu pandemic that killed more than 50 million world-wide. Today public health officials are responding to new pandemics including H1N1 flu, AIDS, and others. Adding to the problem of pandemics is climate change. Many public health scientists are concerned that climate change will be associated with pandemics.
Identify two pandemics that may be associated with climate change/global warming. Explain why these two are associated with climate change. Also explain what public health measures you think the government agencies should institute to respond to the changing climate and potential global warming to either prevent or deal with these potential pandemics.
In your response justify why you chose those two pandemics as potential problems and clearly explain the reasons for the measures you think should be taken. Your writing should be thoughtful, direct, clear, well organized, and demonstrate the logic or evidence for your specific recommended advice.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: yes
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
and may be solved with a variety of approaches. Participants' work will be
evaluated on approach and organization as well as completeness and
accuracy. Please bring pencils to the exam, but it is not necessary to
bring a calculator due to the nature of the questions.
Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed during exam: no
Readings sent in advance: no
Modern Languages-French
The scholarships in modern languages will be awarded on the basis of a written
examination and an oral interview.
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.
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.
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.
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
This exam description is
from 2009 and will be updated soon.
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 an essay examination.
The second portion of the exam will consist of an essay question or set of
questions 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: 2 hrs.
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 (scenic, lighting, costume, sound) should bring a portfolio of their work and be prepared to discuss their design experience during the interview.
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.
As part of the exam, students will have an opportunity to discuss the Linfield Theatre Program with current students.
All students must send a resume and a letter of recommendation from their drama teacher or director to the Office of Admission and the Theatre Program 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