Learning Assistance Center
Academic Skills Services & Assessment
Assessing Your Skills
How Does This Work?
We view assessment as a tool for helping you become a successful college student. Our computer-based and written assessments are short, low-pressure, and confidential.
How Long Will It Take?
Most students complete the assessments over two separate sessions (if you are taking all of them). You are welcome to select assessments based on your specific needs and academic interests. We believe that the time you spend completing these assessments will give you a better understanding of your needs and will help us to provide effective assistance.
What Are The Specific Assessments?
After completing the assessments that best address your needs (listed below), you will meet with one of the professional staff to discuss your results. Together, you will develop a plan of action that is right for you and tailored to fit your needs.
- E-LASSI (Electronic Learning and Study Strategies Inventory)
- Nelson-Denny Reading Test
- Learning Styles Inventory
- ORA (Online Reading Assessment)
E-LASSI
This inventory is taken on the computer and gives you an idea of your study skills strengths as a student in addition to pinpointing areas for improvement. The E-LASSI covers topics such as concentration, time management, study habits, motivation, information processing, and test-taking skills. Most students complete this assessment in 5-15 minutes.
Improving E-LASSI scores
Once you have completed the E-LASSI and discussed your results with the academic skills specialist, you will have the chance to work on a number of different skill-building activities. Many of these are available online. The skills specialist will provide you with the webpage and password in order to access these online activities. For additional improvement, you will need to meet with the staff.
Nelson-Denny Reading Test
A thoroughly studied and well-respected assessment tool, the Nelson-Denny provides important information regarding your vocabulary level and reading comprehension skills. The test is in two parts, one taking 15 minutes and the other lasting for 20 minutes.
Learning Styles Inventory
The LSI helps clarify a student's preferred method of receiving and expressing information. It goes beyond simple visual, auditory, and kinesthetic information to include cognitive style (your preferred mode of taking in information), social style (your preference for working alone or in a group), and expressive style (your preferred method for giving information). This assessment also provides feedback on the types of activities that help you improve in each area. Overall test time is approximately 15 minutes.