Elliott School Online Economics Assessment

IIEP offers free (microeconomics and macroeconomics) online self-assessments for Elliott School masters students looking to gauge their current knowledge of introductory economics. The results of these assessments will NOT affect a student’s admission status.

These assessments are intended for incoming Elliott School students who already have completed an introductory micro- and/or  macroeconomics course. These assessments are particularly appropriate for those students who will take either Econ 6280 (Survey of International Economics) or Econ 6250 (Survey of Development Economics). Please click here for frequently asked questions about the assessment.

Following the assessment, participants will receive a recommendation for further study, including possible participation in IIEP’s online economics programs. Participants are encouraged to complete the assessments before mid-May to allow for time to study and review economics principles (if necessary) before graduate coursework begins in the fall.

When you are ready to take the assessment:

This assessment is run through Blackboard. Students will be able to access either the micro- or macroeconomics assessment after creating a user name and password by clicking here.

• Note that each assessment is multiple-choice and lasts one hour.
• Each assessment must be completed once started.
• Be sure that you will not be interrupted once you begin.

Access the Blackboard assessment

Preparation for the assessment

We suggest that students review basic micro- and macroeconomics subjects before taking the respective assessment, especially if it has been some time since relevant courses were completed. Topics covered in the assessments evaluation for microeconomics principles can be found here. The analog for macroeconomics is available here. Reviewing beforehand will provide a more reliable outcome of student knowledge.

Am I required to take the economics assessment?

All students who have an economics requirement in their Elliott School masters program must complete the relevant assessments by June 1 but only if they have completed economics coursework in the past. You will take the assessment even if you have completed the formal economics prerequisites for the Elliott School.

The idea is to assess your current knowledge of introductory economics before you take your required economics courses. This will help us advise you about how to review over the summer.

Do I need to complete both the micro- and macroeconomics assessments?

You should complete the microeconomics assessment only if you have successfully completed an introductory microeconomics course. If you haven’t completed an introductory microeconomics course, you instead should complete your required prerequisite micro course.  You can use IIEP’s online program to satisfy the prerequisite and can register here.

You should complete the macroeconomics assessment only if you have successfully completed an introductory macroeconomics course. If you haven’t completed an introductory macroeconomics course, you instead should complete your required prerequisite macro course. You can use IIEP’s online program to satisfy the prerequisite and can register here.

How much does it cost?

The economics assessments are free.

How do I prepare for the assessments?

Review your old class notes.  Review an introductory textbook like Greg Mankiw’s Principles of Economics.  A list of topics for microeconomics review can be found here.  A list of macroeconomics topics can be found here.  But however you do it, be sure to review your principles work before you take the diagnostic to ensure an accurate assessment.

What happens if I fail the exam?

It is impossible to fail. You will simply get a score and a recommendation for a study plan.  Your assessment results will NOT affect your status as an admitted student.  The Admissions Office will only know whether you have completed the assessment and will not have access to the score.

How do I take the assessment?

The assessment can be accessed through Blackboard here.

When can I take it?

The first round of availability will extend between March 8 and April 30.  The second version is available between May 1 and June 1.

How long does it take?

You will have 60 minutes for each of the assessments.  Please be aware that you must complete the assessment once you start.  Be sure to have sufficient time to finish without interruption.

What do I do once I complete the assessment?

The assessment website on courses.com has recommendations for Elliott School students based on the assessment results.  

• You may be ready to take economics courses based on your current knowledge.
• You may simply need to review some material on your own
• You might also participate in IIEP’s online economics review programs that are described here. Many students find it challenging to review technical material on their own. These programs can be very helpful for such students.