Testing Services
Each of the tests below are ones that Lipscomb administers. To learn more about a particular test, just click on the one you want to know more about:
CLEP
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Lipscomb is a "limited" CLEP testing center, which means that our CLEP scores cannot be sent to other universities. Therefore, only current and/or prospective Lipscomb students are eligible to take CLEP exams on the Lipscomb campus. However, there are “open” testing centers in many states and cities. This will allow students to take the CLEP test at an open testing center in their home state, and have their score sent to Lipscomb electronically. To see a list of open testing centers in your home state go to www.collegeboard.org/clep/.
The total fee for each CLEP test is $117. The preferred method of payment is to use a credit or debit card for CLEP's $87 portion which you will pay online when you register on College Board and cash for Lipscomb's $25 portion which you should bring with you on the day of your test. There is an additional charge of $70 to have it posted to the transcript.
CLEP Information
CLEP exams are two hours, on the computer, and can be scheduled Monday through Friday as early as 9:00 a.m. and no later than 2:30 p.m. (central time) by calling 615.966.6021 or andrea.davis@lipscomb.edu. Your score will appear on the computer screen as soon as the test is completed. Paper copies of all the practice tests are available through the Testing Center free of charge.
CLEP descriptions are also available at www.collegeboard.org/clep/
Other than incoming freshmen and graduate students, all students must get a permission form from the Registrar's office prior to taking any CLEP tests. The Registrar's office is located in Crisman, and may be reached at 615.966.1788 (800.333.4358, ext. 1788).
Students may CLEP/AP up to 30 hours total. CLEP tests accepted by Lipscomb University may be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Residual ACT
Lipscomb regularly offers prospective students the opportunity to take the Residual ACT on Lipscomb's campus. This is offered through the Office of Admissions.
There is a non-refundable fee to register for Lipscomb's Residual ACT.
If you have questions, please contact the admissions office.
The Residual ACT is no different from the National ACT in terms of content or test timing. However, Residual ACT scores are good only at the institution where the test is taken, and are not transferable to any other university or scholarship agency. Retakes are allowed; however, 60 days must pass between two Residual ACT tests, even in cases where the tests are taken at two different institutions. Students should bring a calculator, two #2 pencils, sharpened, and a photo ID.
MAT
Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
The computer-based MAT is given at Lipscomb University is offered every month. Test takers are to report at 4:15 p.m. and should be finished by 6:00 p.m. A photo ID is required; a driver's license is acceptable.
The test is given in McFarland 101, which is in the lower level of the building.
Seating is limited. You must make your reservation in advance by completing the MAT Registration Form below. After completing the information on this form, you will be required to pay the $70 testing fee ($20 non-refundable). Accepted forms of payment are Visa, MasterCard, and Discover cards.
Please note, if registration does not meet the minimum requirement, the date will be canceled. Registrants will be notified as soon as possible prior to the test date and will be moved to another test date.
For additional information, email or call Andrea Davis.
For more information about the MAT, and to download the Miller Analogies Test Candidate Information Booklet, visit www.milleranalogies.com.
ACT
Amercian College Testing (ACT) program
What is the ACT?
American College Testing program, a 215 multiple-choice question test, which tests your knowledge of what you learned in high school.
How often can I take the ACT?
You can take the test as many times as you want. The only requirement is that you wait 60 days between each test. Many students find that their scores on certain sections improve
When should I first take the ACT?
Many students first take the ACT during their junior year of high school. Some wait until their senior year to take it so that they’ve got more knowledge from high school to pull from.
What should I expect to see on the test?
The standard test is broken into four different sections.
- a 45-minute English section.
- a 60-minute mathematics section.
- a 35-minute science section.
- a 35-minute reading section.
(In some cases, there will be a fifth section that ACT uses to test out new questions. If you find that you are taking a test that has a fifth section, the scores on that part will NOT affect your overall test score.)
Can I use a calculator on the ACT?
Yes, you are permitted to use a calculator on math portion of the ACT, although it is not required. (The math section can be completed without the use of a calculator.)
What are the national test dates for ACT at Lipscomb's campus?
Check the ACT website by clicking here.
How do I register to take the test?
The easiest way to register for the test is online. If you’d like to register online, click here. You can also register for the test by picking up one of their information booklets. Usually your high school guidance counselor will have copies of these booklets in their offices.
Does Lipscomb give the ACT on campus? I live nearby. Can I take it on your campus?
Lipscomb administers the ACT on some of the national testing dates. If you do live in/around Nashville, you do have the option of listing Lipscomb University as one of your choices to take the test. You may want to first check to find out if your high school gives the test on their campus; if they do, you probably want to list it as your first choice on locations since it’s a familiar, more comfortable environment to you.
What is the “Residual ACT”?
To learn more about the Residual ACT, click here.
Which test should I take: the ACT or SAT?
There has been a lot of discussion and research done to try and determine which of the two is the better test. Quite honestly, each test has it’s own pros and cons. Depending on your own personal situation, you may want to consider taking each of the tests. Two things to keep in mind as you’re trying to decide:
- Find out which of the two tests is required at the colleges / universities at which you plan to apply. Typically this will be stated in the admission information that you receive in the mail. If not, look through their website or contact their admissions office. (Currently, Lipscomb accepts scores for either the ACT or SAT.)
- Find out if your high school requires one test over the other. If there is any doubt in your mind, check with your guidance counselor.
How much does the ACT cost?
The ACT is offered in two formats, with and without a writing component, which includes your scores being sent to four colleges of your choice. This page contains a full list of testing and other possible fees. Some of this same information can also be found on the official website for ACT. To learn more about the ACT, visit their website.
SAT
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
What is the SAT?
The SAT (Standardized Aptitude Test) is a nationally recognized test that is meant to help serve as a measure of your reasoning skills.
What should I expect to see on the test?
The standard test is broken into 2 broad sections:
- Verbal (includes analogies, sentence completion, using vocabulary in the proper context, literal comprehension, and extended reasoning). The Verbal section is made up of 3 parts:
- a 78 question section that takes 35 minutes
- two 30 minute sections
- one 15 minute section
- Mathematics (includes basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis/statistics/probability). The Mathematics section is made up of 2 parts:
- a 60-question section that takes 75 minutes
- two 30 minute sections
- one 15 minute section
There is also one 30 minute section on the test (Verbal or Math) that is used to help make sure scores on newer SAT tests are comparable with scores on earlier versions of the test, and it will also test questions that will be used on future versions of the tests. This section will NOT affect your overall scores on the SAT.
Can I use a calculator on the SAT?
Yes, you are permitted to use a calculator on math portion of the SAT, although it is not required. (All of the math sections can be completed without the use of a calculator.)
How often can I take the SAT?
The test can be taken as many times as you choose. There is, however, a day waiting period between each test.
When should I first take the SAT?
By the time you’re a junior, your high school has probably already had you take a P-SAT (Pre-SAT). Many students first take the SAT during their junior year of high school. Some wait until their senior year to take it so that they’ve got more knowledge from high school to pull from.
What are the national test dates for SAT at Lipscomb's campus?
If you need to see registration deadlines for a particular date, check the SAT website.
How do I register to take the test?
The easiest way is to register online through the SAT website.
Does Lipscomb give the SAT on campus? I live nearby. Can I take it on your campus?
Lipscomb administers the SAT on all of the national testing dates. If you do live in/around Nashville, you do have the option of listing Lipscomb University as one of your choices as to where to take the test. You may want to first check to find out if your high school gives the test on their campus; if they do, you probably want to list it as your first choice of locations since it's a familiar, more comfortable environment to you.
I know about the Residual ACT that Lipscomb gives to students who will be going there. Do you also give a Residual SAT?
Lipscomb does not offer a Residual SAT.
Which test should I take: the ACT or SAT?
There has been a lot of discussion and research done to try and determine which of the two is the better test. Quite honestly, each test has it’s own pros and cons. Depending on your own personal situation, you may want to consider taking each of the tests.
Two things to keep in mind as you’re trying to decide:
- Find out which of the two tests is required at the colleges / universities at which you plan to apply. Typically this will be stated in the admission information that you receive in the mail. If not, look through their website or contact their admissions office. (Currently, Lipscomb accepts scores for either the ACT or SAT.)
- Find out if your high school requires one test over the other. If there is any doubt in your mind, check with your guidance counselor.
How much does the SAT cost?
The basic cost includes the test itself and your scores being sent to four colleges / universities of your choice. The SAT site has complete information on testing costs and information if you’d like to see a list of other possible fees (including the cost of sending the scores to additional schools).
Much of the information found here is similar to what is on the official website for SAT. If you’d like to learn more, visit the Collegeboard site.