The Nelson Denny Reading Test (NDRT) is probably the most widely used test of reading comprehension at the college level in the nation. However, reviews of the test, as well as recent reports of its failure to adequately measure gain or lack of gain of college students enrolled in reading improvement courses, do not support the popularity it has enjoyed. Reviewers of the NDRT have criticized the test for its difficult passages, stringent time limitations, and poor normative data. The conclusions drawn by some reviewers of the NDRT are that the test may have value at the college level when used for screening purposes, but that care should be exercised in interpreting scores for purposes of individual diagnosis. Studies of other reviewers support these conclusions. In fact, some suggest that the use of the NDRT on anyone other than highly selected college students or adults would produce very questionable measurement results and provide a difficult, defeating, and frustrating experience to many students. Thus, a reexamination of the use of the NDRT as the instrument that determines whether or not college freshmen possess adequate reading skills is strongly needed. (HOD)