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DeVry is a globally recognized institution of higher learning that receives applications from over 25,235 U.S.-based and international students annually. Due to the high number of applicants, the university administers the DeVry entrance exam to determine the most eligible students for different programs. Prospective college students looking to gain admission into undergraduate programs can benefit from understanding the testable content in the exam. In this guide, our college exam experts break down the main sections and questions tested in the DeVry placement exam. We also offer DeVry entrance exam help service to students who require assistance.

Key Subject Areas and Potential Questions in the DeVry Entrance Test

The DeVry entrance exam examines students’ knowledge of math and native-level English. The exam questions center around four key sections: three have multiple choices, and an essay writing question. Here’s a breakdown of the sections tested on the DeVry entrance exam and the information contained in each subject area:

Arithmetic Functions

The arithmetic section of the DeVry math placement test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. Questions on arithmetic examine the rules of basic math operations such as addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. They’re divided into the following areas:

• Signed Numbers: Questions on signed numbers require students to identify the signs of various numbers on a number line. Some also ask students to add, subtract, divide or multiply numbers and fractions with positive and negative signs or a mix of both.
• Fractions and Decimals: These questions ask examiners to state the relationship between fractions and decimals in an equation. They also examine students’ ability to convert decimals into fractions or mixed fractions into decimals.
• Percent: Percentage questions involve converting fractions into whole or decimal percentages by multiplying them by 100. Students should also be able to determine percentage increases and decreases.
• Rational and Irrational Numbers: These questions ask examinees to identify properties of rational and irrational numbers. Some could also require converting whole numbers into ratios or simple fractions.
• Exponents: Exponents questions ask students to express numbers in terms of powers or how many times they can multiply by themselves.

Algebra Equations

The DeVry entrance exam algebra section has 25 questions testing students’ ability to manipulate variables in equations using different formulas. Examples of algebraic functions exam takers must be able to perform in this section include:

1. Construct, evaluate, and simplify expressions, inequalities, and equations – Students should be able to construct algebraic expressions and equations from word problems. They should break down a problem into easily understandable pieces.
2. Solve systems of equations – Examinees should know how to solve equations with two variables using the substitution method (substituting an equation with another) and the elimination method (subtracting or adding equations to remove a variable).
3. Identify features of the graph of an equation – Students must be conversant with how to trace the slope of a line in parallel or perpendicular lines. Some questions also ask examinees to locate the vertex of a parabola given two points and rewrite equations.
4. Perform different operations with polynomials – These questions require students to know how to use similar terms in algebra when adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying polynomials in an equation.

Reading Comprehension

The reading section of the DeVry entrance exam contains 30 multiple-choice questions. Students must answer these questions based on the context of the passages provided to excel. Some essential concepts examinees must be familiar with after carefully reading a text are:

• The meaning of specific words and phrases, including figurative language and connotative meanings in the context
• The rhetoric and reasoning behind arguments presented in the text and the evidence to support the notions discussed
• The inferred logic, ideas, events, relationships, and word choices from the text
• The thoughts, traits, and motivations of individuals in a passage
• The organizational structure, arguments, and tone of the text

Essay Writing

In the essay writing section of the DeVry entrance exam, applicants can choose from one of four topics to write about. All topics in this section are usually equal in difficulty and measure of success. Students are free to select a topic they’re most comfortable writing on. Marks or scores in this section are awarded based on a student’s ability to:

• Write a multi-paragraph response that clearly articulates the purpose of the essay.
• Describe story settings and characters using words that bring a visual image of the narrative
• Support arguments, reasoning, and ideas with factual information or meaningful examples
• Arrange points and the sequence of events in the text chronologically, from the intro, body, and conclusion
• Use native-level English and well-structured sentences that target audiences can understand
• Carefully edit an essay to remove repetition, redundancy, and non-conforming words or ideas

How to Excel in the DeVry Entrance Exam

Though the DeVry entrance exam may seem intimidating, students can best prepare by taking English and math prep courses. Having a calculator, reading the instructions, applying logical reasoning, and reviewing answers before submitting the paper can also help pass the exam. Our college exam experts can assist unprepared students in taking the DeVry placement test and ensure they get the score required for admission.