Admissions
Exam Procedures
Lesson Exams
Lesson exams provided in accompanying lesson plans are taken "open-book" and are sent to the Institute for scoring. When completing the lesson exams, you may use your textbook, notes, and other available reference materials for assistance. If you have any questions while completing your lesson exams you may contact your instructor at (800) 354-1254, by e-mail at info@theparalegalinstitute.edu, or by fax at (602) 212-0502.
It is important that you put forth your best effort when you take lesson exams that are submitted to The Paralegal Institute since they are used as a tool to evaluate standards of progress. You should not send your electronic scoring form until you are confident you have answered all test items to the best of your knowledge and double-checked your answers. The Paralegal Institute staff will not make any changes on your behalf.
The first attempt score you receive will be used in calculating your course grade. You will not be given an opportunity to improve your grade. If you fail a lesson exam you will be given one opportunity to retake it. However, consistent failure to maintain the standard of progress with instructor assistance may result in academic dismissal.
Written Assignments
You will be required to complete essay questions and/or prepare research papers as directed in your lesson plans or as part of your comprehensive final exams. Since thousands of written assignments are received by The Paralegal Institute each year there is a possibility of loss or unaccountable delay. Please make certain that you follow the following instructions for submission of essay questions and/or research papers.
- Type or neatly handwritten on standard, white 8 1/2 x 11 paper.
- Include your name, student number, course name, and lesson number in upper right hand corner.
- Make copy of assignment and submit it with the corresponding exam. Do not staple or attach to the electronic scoring form.
Writing is an important part of your academic development. Skills developed as a result of this learning experience are directly transferable to your discipline area. Therefore, failure to remit required written assignments will result in a significant loss of points.
Written assignments will be graded based on the following criteria:
- Substance: Assignment addresses the issue, has a focus and central idea, and develops upon major aspects of the central idea.
- Organization: Assignment shows awareness of importance of main ideas, structure or pattern is clear with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section is coherent, and transitions from one idea to another in logical sequence. Assignment is prepared in appropriate format.
- Mechanics: Assignment shows control of grammar and syntax, and has minimum of misspellings and punctuation error.
- Evidence: Statements in the assignment are accurate and opinions adequately supported. Sources of information are identified and documented appropriately.
- Clarity: Length of paper or response to essay question is not as important as clarity of ideas. If there is a lack of information go back and review the text to get a better sense of the subject. Read current research and periodicals to support your interviews and practical experience.
- Editing: Editing is always an important part of writing. Do not expect your paper to be perfect the first time.
Writing and rewriting is all part of perfecting your own thoughts. Ernest Hemingway rewrote the last page of Farewell to Arms 39 times. Sometimes the best writers are tireless rewriters.
Comprehensive Final Exams
These exams are forwarded upon successful completion of all lesson examinations providing a cumulative grade of a least 73.7% has been achieved.
You are encouraged to use the Comprehensive Final Exam as a tool to test your overall comprehension of the course you completed and are permitted to use the resources available to you. Again, it is important that you put forth your best effort since the score you receive will be used in calculating your overall course grade. Comprehensive Final Exam scores are final. Regardless of the grade earned you will not be permitted to retake this exam.
Proctored Exams
Proctored exams are a requirement of Associate Degree students only and are taken without the assistance of text, material, notes, or other individuals. Proctored exams must be administered by a The Paralegal Institute verified and approved proctor. A proctor should be a disinterested party who has no direct personal or professional involvement with you. An eligible proctor could be an Administrator, Director of Education, librarian, counselor, school official, or Director of Human Resources/Personnel.
It is the responsibility of you and your proctor to arrange a mutually convenient time and place for the exam. The proctored exams are sent directly to the proctor who then administers the exam and returns all contents thereof to The Paralegal Institute for scoring and verification. Falsifying proctor information will result in invalidation of an exam and academic dismissal.
If you are an Associate Degree student you will receive notice and instruction on how to complete the Proctored Examination Requirement Information will include: selection of an appropriate individual to proctor your exams, your anticipated schedule for administration, and applicable administrative fees.
