Admission Test FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the Admission Tests
Q: Who needs to take an admission test?
A: All new applicants for the AI Program starting with Winter Semester 2023/24 need to take the admissions test. If you have applied before and have been admitted (i.e. have an acceptance letter for M.Sc. AI) you do not need to take the test. If your previous application was unsuccessful, you do have to take the test.
Q: I have already taken this test once this semester, do I need to take it again?
A: No. In fact, you’re not allowed to. Every applicant (with exceptions, see above) has to take this test once and once only.
Q: I have not taken the test at an early opportunity this semester, what now?
A: There will be at least two opportunities to take the test each semester, including one after the application period has ended. So you will be given another chance to take the test.
Q: I have not taken the test at any of the opportunities this semester, including the last one. What now?
A: Without a test score, your application cannot move forward and will be discarded. You are free to apply again in a later semester.
Q: I have an acceptance letter for a different Master’s Program at FAU, does that help?
A: No. Acceptance to other, even related programs (such as Data Science or Computational Engineering) is independent of acceptance to MSc. AI. It has different requirements and is handled by different people. It will not grant you automatic acceptance and it will not let you skip the test.
Q: When is the test?
A: There are multiple dates throughout the application period that you can take a test on. There will be at least one after the application period has ended. Please refer to the test dates listed here. On any given test date, you have one hour only (time zone is Erlangen local time) to complete the test.
Q: I am not available during the test period. Can I take it a few hours/days/weeks late/early?
A: No.
Q: I find these parameters inconvenient. Why is it organised like this?
A: In the past, we’ve had issues with various forms of cheating. Hence, we needed to redesign the test in a more restrictive fashion.
Q: Where is the test?
A: Entirely online. You will have to register for the test platform with your email address and a special code you will receive by email. You will also be asked for your applicant number from Campo. Please find detailed instructions on how to sign up here.
Q: What language or languages will the test be in?
A: The test will be English only.
Q: What do I need for completing the test?
A: The most important thing (other than an awake mind) is a stable internet connection, preferably wired, and an up-to-date browser. You do not need webcams, IDEs, compilers, calculators or any special technology, software or hardware.
Q: What are common mistakes in taking the test?
A: To make sure you can complete the test, remember that the test is available for one hour only, and the given times are in Erlangen local time, which may be in a different time zone than you are in. Also, when you are asked for your applicant number when signing up for the test, please be sure to actually give your applicant number from the Campo platform. Do not leave the field empty and do not input your matriculation number, phone number or email address. We need your applicant number or your test results will be discarded.
Q: Can I retake the test later this semester?
A: No! Every applicant only gets one shot at the test. Once you start the test, you have only that chance to complete it. It is not possible to cancel the test and retry later. Similarly, it is not possible to take the test again on a later date to improve your result.
Q: What if I fail the test? Or don’t take it at all?
A: Insufficient or non-existent performance on the test will result in your application being rejected.
Q: What subjects will be on the test?
A: The test is designed to assess your general literacy and competency within the broader subjects of mathematics and computer science. Any topic that you can reasonably expect to be in a qualifying degree for this program might have one or more questions in this test, especially the following:
- Programming and algorithms
- Theoretical computer science and logic
- Databases and conceptual modeling
- Mathematics in computer science (calculus, linear algebra, stochastics)
- Software engineering
Q: I’m not familiar with the testing platform. Is there a way that I can practice?
A: Yes! Please follow the link in the email you received and you will be taken to the signup page for the testing platform where you can find a sample test that you can take whenever you want and as often as you want. Please refer to the how-to guides on signing up and completing tests.
Q: I took the test and my time ran out before I could hit “Submit”. Were my other answers saved?
A: Yes, probably excluding the question you were currently working on when time ran out.
Q: I submitted my test and got the message “You have reached the maximum number of passes for this test.”. What does this mean?
A: It means that you cannot try the test again (every applicant only gets one attempt). Do not worry, your previous answers were saved.
Q: I finished the test. When can I expect my results?
A: You will not get any direct scores or feedback on how well you did in the test. The results will be made available to the admissions committee, and they will take it into account. Once they have reached their decision, your status in the application portal (Campo) will be updated accordingly. There is no concrete timeline for this.
Q: I have a question that isn’t answered here!
A: Please make double sure it really isn’t answered either in this FAQ, in the email inviting you to the test, here, here or here. We would like to spend as little time as possible answering emails with information that we have already communicated. If it really is not answered anywhere else, please address it to the study advisor AI.