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It's a test designed to tell a University whether or not it's succeeding in its mission to teach students the basic of reading, critical thinking, writing, math, and science.
Introduced to N.C. Central University last year, and is now required of all sophomores. It cost $13,000 for 1,000 tests, $13 per test.
The CAAP test, which stands for Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency is a standardized test given to the students by their colleges and universities to evaluate the quality of the job the school itself is doing.
It is designed by ACT, the same company that designs the high school ACT test. The results of the CAAP test help universities evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of how well they educate and prepare the students.
Three CAAP tests were given during March and April. To date, about 900 sophomores have taken the test, which is divided into five 50 minute sections .
There's only one catch: There are no repercussions to students for performing poorly and as a consequence, quite a few students report that they didn't take the standardized test as seriously as they should have. Many students reported that they didn't review the lengthy study guide.
"A lot of people just bubbled in answers because they didn't feel like taking it," said YahRock Bates, sports management sophomore.
According to nursing sophomore Keyera Griffin, who said she did take the test seriously, a lot of students didn't. She said students were distracting other students and that made it harder for other students to focus and take the test seriously. "I felt like it was pointless," said Griffin.
Some students said the testing situation was unorganized, saying that students were turned away because there weren't enough seats or test booklets, and that the test started 30 minutes late.
Other students complained that the test was scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., and they couldn't eat breakfast at Pearson Cafeteria because it opens at that time.
According to Bernice Johnson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Advising, students who fail to take the CAAP will not be allowed to transition out of University College. Johnson said that students can expect to receive their test scores within six weeks of taking the test.
She was adamant that students need to put forth their best effort when taking the CAAP.
"Whenever students are asked to participate in any type of test they need to try their best," said Johnson. "Students should not allow their peers to pull them down."
NCCU'S CAAP is one of four requirements used to measure student preparation to advance into their major. Other requirements include a vocabulary test, a speaking evaluation, and an etiquette training session organized around a dinner.
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