GSP Program & Test

All information reflects our current processes during COVID-19. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact GSP@unt.edu.

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

  • Journalism majors are added to the "Journalism GSP" Canvas group when they are admitted to UNT. Please check your UNT email address for the GSP confirmation email to find the current semester's schedule along with further instructions for taking the test.
  • If you have not received the email and/or 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 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.
  • 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

  • The test is currently administered remotely, but it is not an open-book test in any way. You cannot have any scratch paper, writing utensils, other electronics (smart watches, phones, etc), headphones, etc. with you during the test. This is just like the test in the Testing Center.
  • The test is currently given remotely via Respondus Lockdown Browser. You can find out more about getting this through UNT here. You will also need a webcam.
    • If you are having issues with getting this program, please reach out to GSP@unt.edu.
  • You will receive an email from GSP@unt.edu the day before your test with instructions for the next day.
  • You need to start your test at the beginning of the test session.
    • If you schedule your test at 10 AM, the test will be open until noon to accommodate the two-hour test session. This does not mean you can begin your test at any time between 10 AM and noon.
  • You will need to have a student ID to show during the Respondus check-in process.
    • If you haven't been able to get a student ID yet, you can use your driver's license or other ID.
  • 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.