What is the Criterion Test?
Criterion is a web-based service that provides evaluation of students’ writing skills and is used by NLU as an entrance examination for graduate programs in the College of Management and Business and some programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. The assessment consists of two writing samples: 1) an issue topic 2) an argument topic Each essay is scored on a six-point scale, and applicants need a 3.5 (average on both essays) or higher to pass the test. Test-takers should note that this is a timed assessment. You are allowed 45 minutes to write the issue essay and 30 minutes to write the argument essay. This is an online writing assessment, and students will be using a computer to compose and submit their work. During the test, there will not be access to a dictionary, thesaurus or spell checker.
