Writing Placement Composition Test  FAQs
LOGIN QUESTIONS COURSE REGISTRATION QUESTIONS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TEST AND READINGS

LOGIN QUESTIONS


Which internet browser should I use?
We recommend that you use Internet Explorer to access the site; however, any browser will work


My Drew user name does not work as a login on the site?
Correct. Your Login name is your Drew student ID number


My email / Drew login password does not work on this site?
Correct. Your temporary password is your Drew student ID number


I can't find my Drew ID number, is this my social security number?

No, your Drew ID number is a seven digit number probably beginning 10***** or 11*****. If you can't find it, use your uLogin information to log in to CampusWeb and you will see it right below your name.


Why do you use Drew ID numbers as login names instead of my Drew Login and Drew password?
The placement test is actually housed on a server at MIT (Drew is part of a consortium of schools that use this site to handle placement testing instead of using SAT scores--that is why it is called iMOAT). We set up the site before students are assigned a Drew Login, but if we waited until they have been assigned we would we would have to reset everyone's password in order to use their Drew Login as ID for this test -- and students tell us that would be more annoying than using ID numbers.


I keep getting email messages about this test to my old account, which I hardly ever check. How do I change the address you have for me?
Just log on to the test site (http://drew.imoat.net) and select "Edit Biographical Information" and you can update your email address. While you are there, register for a test date if you haven't already done so!


I changed my password, but now it doesn't work?
Passwords are case sensitive. If it still doesn't work, please contact Joanne McCann at exam@drew.edu and she will create a new password for you

When I try to log in the system keeps sending me back to the login screen?
This could be one of two problems (try #1 first, that fixes most problems):
 
1) make sure you type or paste the URL into your browser--don't follow the link in the emails we've been sending;
2) this could be a time-out issue with your browser. Try quitting your browser and then reopening it and trying again.
 
One or both of these fixes seem to take care of this problem for most people (if you have the option, try using Internet Explorer).
If you still have problems, email Joanne McCann at exam@drew.edu 


How does this process work? 

You can learn more at  http://depts.drew.edu/composition/placement2009/


I'm still having problems. What do I do now?
Contact Joanne McCann or Sandra Jamieson at  exam@drew.edu


COURSE REGISTRATION QUESTIONS


Where is the checklist, this process seems very confusing!
You can find the checklist online at http://depts.drew.edu/composition/Placement2009/checklist.html. It is easier to print this out, which you can do from the webpage or as a .pdf file from http://depts.drew.edu/composition/Placement2009/Checklist.pdf )


So where is the description of the courses?
You can see course descriptions at: http://depts.drew.edu/composition/Placement2009/CollegeWriting.html. 
(If you would rather print them out, go to http://depts.drew.edu/composition/Placement2009/courses.pdf )


And where is the course list?
You can see all of the section sof college writing and the times they will be offered at: http://depts.drew.edu/regist/cl/cla09fa.html#*COLLEGE%20WRITING*

 
If I have already selected my College Writing course for my first semester, do I still need to complete a placement test?

ALL entering students must take the test regardless of where they placed themselves because the test is a placement CONFIRMATION test. We review your essays to confirm that you made the wisest decision and to provide your academic advisor and College Writing teacher with a sense of your writing skills within the context of other Drew students.


I still have questions. What do I do now
Contact Joanne McCann or Sandra Jamieson at  exam@drew.edu


QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TEST AND READINGS


Does it matter when I sign up to submit the test?
You should sign up right away, but you may select any of the three submission dates (July 15, July 29, August 5); however, you are more likely to get a place in the section of your choice if you complete the test early.  We will open more sections if necessary, but places will be assigned as they become available.


How do I change my essay submission date?
You cannot change it yourself. Please write to Joanne McCann at exam@drew.edu and tell her why you need to change the date and she will make the change for you. Please remember that the later you take the test, the less likely you are to get a confirmed seat in the the section of your choice.


I need a couple more days to complete the last essay, can I extend the deadline?
You may. Contact Professor Jamieson at sjamieso@drew.edu before the deadline and explain why you need the extension and she will make the change for you. If you try to submit an essay after the deadline without an extension the system will not accept the essay.

Can I take the test on paper when I get to Drew?
You may. But to to be considered for this option, you must contact the Director of Composition, Professor Jamieson, and explain why we should make this accommodation. She can be reached at sjamieso@drew.edu


Do I really need to read this whole book Three Cups of Tea?
Well, you could probably write a B paper without reading all of the book, but it will be hard to do a better job than that. In addition to needing to read the book in order to demonstrate your writing skills on your Placement Confirmation Test, here are four more reasons to read it this summer: (1) You will meet in a small group with a professor to discuss Three Cups of Tea during Orientation and it will be very obvious if you have not read the book, (2) you will also write about it in your College Writing Class,  (3) the author, Greg Mortenson, will come to Drew and talk about his work in the first Common Hour lecture, and (4) it is a really interesting book!  But really, this is COLLEGE. Why are you asking this question?


Where do I find out more about the Common Reading Program?
You can learn more, read a copy of the Dean's letter, and find links to relevant websites at  http://depts.drew.edu/composition/Three_Cups_of_Tea/


Where do I get printable versions of the readings?
You will receive a copy of the book Three Cups of Tea from Drew sometime before the end of June, and you can find a link to downloadable and printable version (in .pdf format) of the other readings you will need for the test at http://depts.drew.edu/composition/Placement2009/readings.html


Where do I get more information about the test?   
          
http://depts.drew.edu/composition/placement2009/


I still have questions. What do I do now
Contact Joanne McCann or Sandra Jamieson at  exam@drew.edu