GSP Program & Test

What is the GSP?

  • The GSP test covers basic grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word usage and is a prerequisite for JOUR 2310: Introduction to Media Writing. This is to ensure students who enter JOUR 2310 are familiar with those basic concepts before moving on to higher-level writing techniques and rules.
  • The GSP is a mandatory requirement for all undergraduate journalism students.
  • All undergraduate journalism students must pass all four sections of the GSP before they can enroll in JOUR 2310, a class that is required of all journalism majors. Students only have three attempts to pass this test, or they will need to change their major from journalism.

Meet with Your Advisor

  • Talk with your advisor about when you need to take JOUR 2310. The GSP is a prerequisite for this class, so this information will help you plan when you need to take the GSP.

Read the Registration Email

  • Effective July 8, 2019, all students are automatically registered for the GSP. Please check your UNT email address to look for the confirmation email to find instructions for completing the workshop materials and the semester's test schedule. If you have not received the email and are not in the Journalism GSP Canvas group, please contact GSP@unt.edu.

Complete the Workshop Materials

  • There are mandatory materials on Canvas you are required to complete before you can take the GSP test. There are two portions: the presentation and practice test. Both portions include grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word usage sections. You must complete all of the materials by noon on the day before your desired test date.
  • You can schedule your test session before you finish the workshop materials, but you must complete the materials by the deadline. The deadline to complete the workshop materials is always at noon on the day before your desired test date.
  • If you are still not confident, you can schedule a tutoring session with the GSP Coordinator by emailing GSP@unt.edu.

Schedule Your Test

  • Email GSP@unt.edu with your desired test date and time from the semester schedule. You can only take the test during set test sessions, which are on Fridays at varying times. We cannot accommodate individual testing sessions.
  • The deadline to get on the schedule for any test session is always at noon on the day before your desired test date.
  • You should have received an information email from GSP@unt.edu with instructions and a test schedule for the semester upon your addition to the Canvas group. If not, just email GSP@unt.edu.
  • If you need any accommodations for the test, please visit the Office of Disability Access to get started.

Taking the Test

  • You will receive an email from GSP@unt.edu the day before your test with instructions for the next day.
  • You will need to leave all belongings in a cubby outside of the testing room.
    • You cannot bring any electronics, paper, or writing utensils into the testing room.
    • You cannot wear any hats during the test and will need to leave them with the rest of your belongings.
    • You can bring drinks into the room, but you must leave them on the ground next to you.
  • You need to show up on time to your test. If you are late, you will not be allowed to test during that session and will be considered a no-show. No-shows will not be able to schedule their next test for the following week.
  • You will need to bring a UNT ID with you to check in for the test. If you do not have a student ID yet, you can find out how to get one here.
  • The test is in the university's Testing Center in Sage C330.
  • You will have two full hours to complete the test. You can leave when you are finished.
  • You will receive your test results in an email from GSP@unt.edu by the end of the day.
    • If you pass the test, the GSP Coordinator will add you to requisite group allowing you to register for JOUR 2310. If you have any issues with registration after passing the GSP, please contact our advising office.
    • If you do not pass the test, you will need to retake whichever section(s) you did not pass. You will need to meet with the GSP Manager before you can schedule your third test attempt. You are welcome to set up a tutoring session to go over any questions you may have.
  • You only have three attempts to pass the GSP, so please take your time in preparing for and taking the test. If you do not pass by your third attempt, you will need to change your major from journalism.

Any Questions? Email GSP@unt.edu.