What is the purpose of the COMPASS?

The COMPASS Placement Test has two purposes. First, it checks whether students have the skills to succeed in college-level courses. Second, it helps to place students in whatever courses they are ready for, either college-level courses or courses to prepare them for college-level courses. 

There is a $18 charge for taking the COMPASS test.

To Register to take the ACT COMPASS:

1. Obtain an Assessment Permit from the Counseling Office, University Hall 107
2. Pay $18.00 fee at the Bursar's Office, University Hall 121
3. Bring your Assessment Permit, Payment receipt and Photo ID the the Assessment Center, University Hall Room 130. and pick up an Admission Ticket with the date/time of your test.
4.  

COMPASS assesses the kinds of skills needed for success in college. COMPASS tests your academic preparation in three areas: Writing, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics. You do not PASS or FAIL the COMPASS test; it only determines your current skill level in the area(s) tested so that you can be placed appropriately.

How much time does the COMPASS test require, and what must be brought to the test center?

You should allow approximately two hours for the entire COMPASS Test. COMPASS is a self-paced, computerized test, which allows you to proceed at your own rate, so you might require more or less time than this estimate would indicate.

You should bring the following information and supplies on the day of the test:

• Photo ID [driver's license with photo]
• $18.00 testing fee [for any or all parts of the test]
• The COMPASS Test is computerized, so you will not need to bring paper or pens. For the Writing Sample portion of the test, supplies will be furnished by the testing facility.

You may NOT bring books, dictionaries, calculators, notes, papers, or other aids into the testing center. Students who give or receive help during the COMPASS Placement Test, use notes or aid of any kind, or remove test materials from the testing center will not be admitted to the institution, and their test scores will be disallowed.

Under normal circumstances, you would not take the COMPASS Placement Test more than once. When you have taken the test, your scores will be kept on file for use when you enroll for classes.

How will the COMPASS Placement Test scores be used?

After your COMPASS Test has been scored, you will need to pick up the results at the front of the Testing Center. The computerized COMPASS Writing Test measures your editing skills. The essay measures your composition skills. The two will be used together to determine your Writing Placement, and your advisor will be notified of the placement.]. Your scores will be explained to you, and you will need to take a copy of these scores to you academic advisor to be used when choosing your courses for the term. Your advisor will help you to choose and register for the courses you take. Your scores will be used to place you in either college-level courses or Developmental courses that you need.

The purpose of  developmental courses is to help you succeed in college-level courses.

For more information about an individual portion of the test:

• ACT-COMPASS Sample Questions
• Reading
• Mathematics
• Writing
• Learning Strategies

Test Preparation Website: www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html