COMPASS Placement Test

Preparing
Frequently Asked Questions
Internet Resources
Tips
 

The COMPASS placement test, which covers the areas of mathematics, reading and writing, is designed to assist Martin Community College in placing students into the English and math courses commensurate with their achievement levels in those areas.  It is to your advantage to prepare for this test as much as possible since strong placement test scores can eliminate or reduce the number of developmental classes students need to fulfill program requirements.  Below is information on each area of the test, internet resources, and tips to help you prepare for the COMPASS placement test.  If you feel you need additional assistance or accommodation, please contact our Testing Center, at (252) 792-1521 extension 273.
 

COMPASS Mathematics

Multiple-choice items in each of the five mathematics placement areas test the following:

basic skills—performing a sequence of basic operations
application—applying sequences of basic operations to novel settings or in complex ways
analysis—demonstrating conceptual understanding of principles and relationships in mathematical operations

Students are permitted to use approved calculators when completing the COMPASS™ mathematics placement or diagnostic tests. An online calculator is available for those students who wish to access it via Microsoft Windows; students also may use their own calculators as long as they meet the calculator-use guidelines specified by ACT.

COMPASS Reading

The Reading Placement Test can help determine if students have the skills to succeed in standard entry-level college courses or if they need developmental reading courses or other instructional support.

Five types of reading comprehension passages are included:

Items have multiple-choice response options. The new format in COMPASS™ for Windows makes it possible for students to see and read a passage on one side of the screen while the test questions and answer choices are displayed on the other half of the screen.
 

COMPASS Writing Skills

The Writing Skills Placement Test helps institutions determine whether students are ready for entry-level college writing courses or other courses with significant writing loads, or whether students require developmental writing instruction prior to entry into those courses.

This test asks students to find and correct errors in essays presented on the computer screen. The test items include the following content categories:

Question:  How long will the test take?
Answer: COMPASS is not timed; however, the average testing time is 1.5 to 2 hours. It is best to allow approximately 2.5 hours on campus to test and receive your results.

Question:  What if I am not very familiar with computers?
Answer:  COMPASS is a multiple choice test and no computer knowledge is required. Appropriate instructions are given for those unfamiliar with a computer, and a proctor will be available to help you at all times during testing in case you need assistance.

Question:  When will I receive my test results?
Answer:  You will receive your test scores immediately after you have completed your test. A counselor will go over your scores with you to see how they relate to the specific courses/programs you may be considering.

Question:  How can I study for the test?
Answer:  You might also find it helpful to see the types of questions that can be found on the COMPASS tests. See page 2 of this information sheet for internet resources and.

Question:  What if I have a disability?
Answer:  If you have a disability that will require special arrangements, you must present documentation of the disability and needed accommodation to the Testing Center or call (252) 792-1521, Ext 273. After approval of the documentation, testing will be scheduled.

Question:  Can I fail the test?
Answer:  No. COMPASS is designed to place you in the math and or English for your program, and other college transferable courses.  If you do not place into the math or English for you program you will be scheduled to take developmental courses work in math, reading, or English, and academic success skills. Should you need assistance in meeting academic requirements once you are enrolled, free tutoring is available for those who request it through our Academic Skills Center.

Question:  May I retest?
Answer: Applicants can test two times in one year as long as they are not enrolled in a course.

Question: How long are my test scores good for?
Answer: Placement test scores are valid for three years (effective August 1, 2007). Applicants can test without charge three times in one calendar year. After the 3rd testing, there will be a $5 charge. Students who have not applied to Martin CC will be charged $5 per test session.

Question:  Can I use a calculator?
Answer:  Yes. A calculator may be used on the math portion of COMPASS. You may use any four-function, scientific or graphing calculator. The following calculators are prohibited Texas Instruments  models  TI-89 or TI-92, Hewlett-Packard 48GII and all model numbers that begin with hp 40G or hp 49G,  Casio Algebra FX 2.0, Class Pad 300, Casio model numbers that begin with CFX-9970G, and calculators with built-in computer algebra systems.  For a complete list of prohibited calculators see the Counselor. Calculators are provided should you need one.

Question: May placement testing be waived?
Answer: Yes, see policy on placement test waivers.

The Internet has many web sites devoted to helping individuals develop math, reading and writing skills. Below is a listing of the best COMPASS test preparation sites online.

www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html is the test developer’s (ACT) site that has printable practice tests with answer keys.

www.math.com is a very good free site for math prep. Go to the Pre-Algebra and Algebra links to review and take practice tests)

www.waynecc.edu/studserv/counsel_services.htm is a community college site that has some great printable study guides for pre-algebra, algebra, reading, and writing. These guides are reviews of the subject tested, for example, the Writing Guide provides an overview of the parts of speech.

1.   Plan to review before testing. Math and the Parts of Speech are areas that particularly need review. Use the web sites listed above.

2.   Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled testing time. If you arrive after testing  begins, you will not be admitted, and you will be required to reschedule.

3.   You must know or have your social security number to test.

4.   No children or visitors are allowed during the testing session.

5.   Notify the Counselor if you have previously taken a placement test.