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Examination Descriptions

Students will select three exams on Linfield's Supplement to the Common Application that they would be interested in taking, in order of preference. Each invited student will be selected for one exam. Exams need not be related to a student's potential major, but rather should reflect an area he or she feels comfortable completing the exam based on the description below.

Please note that not all departmental exams are available every year and that students may be asked to select another option or be placed in a comparable exam. An invitation to Competitive Scholarship Day does not require you to participate - you will have the option to decline an invitation after being notified of your chosen exam.

Accounting

The accounting competition will consist of an essay examination. The exam will be based on a reading about a contemporary accounting-related issue. The reading will be provided at the time of the exam. No bookkeeping skills will be required.

Time allowed: 90 min.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Art

Please complete the following and bring them with you to the examination.

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 email (there are neither right nor wrong answers; we are simply interested in learning about your taste and interests). A copy of the questionnaire is available for download.
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.

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

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.

Essay topic: 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.
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 your 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, three-minute speech about a public figure from history you find interesting or inspirational. You should craft a speech about this person that details how she or he contributed to the public good. You may use one 3”x5” note card during the speech.

Time allowed for Written Exam: 30 minutes
Time allowed for Oral Exam: 10–12 minutes

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. Students interested in politics, government, current affairs or law are encouraged to compete. An interest in these areas suffices for preparation. No formal coursework 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

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. Participants should bring pens.

Download the History Exam reading.

Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no (reading material only)

International Business

The international business competition will consist of an essay examination. The exam will be based on a reading about a contemporary international business issue. The reading will be provided at the time of the exam.

Time allowed: 90 min.
Notes allowed in exam: no

International Relations

Sponsored by the Department of Political Science and the International Relations Major, this competition involves an essay examination. Students interested in international affairs, foreign policy, or law are espcially encouraged to compete. An interest in these areas suffices for preparation. No formal coursework in politics is required.

Management

The management competition will consist of an essay examination. The exam will be based on a reading about a contemporary management issue. The reading will be provided at the time of the exam.

Time allowed: 90 min.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Marketing

The marketing competition will consist of an essay examination. The exam will be based on a reading about a contemporary marketing issue.

Download a copy of the reading.

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.

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

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

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.

Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed during exam: no

Modern Languages-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 compositions. 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 the 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 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. The Department of Music may nominate three competitive scholarship winners in music.

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

Philosophy

This exam is for students interested in philosophy. Because philosophy is rarely, if ever, taught in secondary schools, students who major in philosophy typically develop an interest in the field after their arrival at college. The Linfield Department of Philosophy welcomes students who are generally interested in exploring fundamental issues about the world and cultures in which we live, especially as relevant to human nature, knowledge, value, and reasoning.

Students who sign up for this exam will be expected to write essay responses for two or three essay prompts similar to the five examples provided below. Up to three scholarships will be awarded--the awards going to the overall best three exams. Essays will be evaluated in terms of their insight, thoughtfulness, clarity, coherence, and creativity.

Essay prompt examples:

1. How would you define “critical thinking?” Explain and defend your answer. Then illustrate your answer by applying good critical thinking to a current moral, social, and/or political issue of your choice.

2. What do you see as the role of the Internet in U.S. society? Is the use of the Internet a help or a hindrance to American democratic ideals? Explain and defend your answer.

3. Is grading in school fair? What do grades tell us about a student? Should so much of one’s success in school and career be based on grades? Relate, explain, and defend your answers.

4. What is the role and nature of sports in contemporary U.S. culture? Given your answer, what ideal future course would you plot for the role of sports (assuming you had the power to control such things)? Explain and defend your answer, describing why and how we ought to aim for your ideal.

5. Describe the nature of and relationship between science and art in U.S. culture. How should these fields be defined and what role do you think each ought to play in current and future U.S. life? Explain and defend your answer.

Time allowed: 90 min.
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:

State Newton’s three laws of motion as carefully as you can, and briefly explain the meaning of each.
A vehicle passes a certain intersection with a velocity of 10 m/s and then accelerates with an acceleration of 4 m/s2. What is its velocity 10 seconds after passing the intersection?
A piano mover uses a frictionless pulley system (pictured) to lift a 100 kg piano at a constant speed. With how much force is he pulling on the rope? Ignore friction and assume g=10m/s².

Time allowed: 2 hrs.
Notes allowed in exam: no

Psychology

The Psychology Competitive Scholarship Exam will consist of two essay questions. To prepare for the questions students should focus on the chapters on research in psychology (chapter two in most introductory psychology texts), biopsychology, and abnormal, personality, social, cognitive, and developmental psychology.

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

Sociology & Anthropology

Students participating in the Sociology & Anthropology examination will be asked to answer one of the following questions. Students should be prepared to answer either exam topic, which will be selected by the department on exam day.

1. Globalization is a topic about which there has been significant discussion in recent years. How may anthropology, with its emphasis on cultural issues, and sociology, with its emphasis on society and social relations, contribute to discussions on globalization.

2. The topic of immigration in the United States has implications for how resources are distributed, and it also highlights cultural and diversity issues in our country. Discuss how sociology OR anthropology provide insight into immigration issues in the United States.

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 process, 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