COMPASS Placement Test Information Guide

Who takes the COMPASS placement test?

Students who have not satisfied the SAU general education requirements for Mathematics and English or who have not taken COMPASS tests within two years take the COMPASS tests. If you have satisfied either SAU’s Math or English requirement, you will be tested only in the area you have not completed. Please keep in mind that different degrees have specific requirements for Math. The Director of Admissions will let you know which test(s) you will need.

What is the purpose of the COMPASS tests?

Please note: students do not pass or fail the COMPASS tests. The test scores help identify courses that match your skills to certain course prerequisites. This will increase your opportunity for success as you begin ACCEL. The COMPASS tests include assessments in Math, Writing Skills, and essay writing. ACCEL will help you determine which tests you will be required to complete. You will receive a printout of your scores right after you complete the tests. Take the printout with you when you meet with your advisor to discuss which courses you will need to take.

How can I prepare for the tests?

Sample test questions are available on the COMPASS website, www.act.org/compass/sample. Other sites that might be beneficial in brushing up on math skills are: http://www.visualmathlearning.com/pre_algebra/lessons.html and http://www.purplemath.com/. This site is one of many that you might find helpful in reviewing writing skills: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/. Here is a pdf of what the COMPASS tests covers.

When and where are the tests given?

Placement tests will be administered in small groups on specified dates. To see a schedule of dates and times COMPASS will be given, go to the dates and registration page. The COMPASS tests are given at the College for Professional Studies, 1950 E. 54^th Street, Davenport. A map to this location can be found by clicking here. The phone number of the building is 563-441-9500.

How do I register for the COMPASS tests at ACCEL?

Only six seats are available for each test date, so register early. You must register for COMPASS by going to the COMPASS dates and registration page. You will need to include your name, preferred phone, preferred email address, and designate your 1^st and 2^nd choice of test dates. Every effort will be made to accommodate your first choice. The cut-off date for registration is two business days prior to each test date. Note: Registration for the placement tests is required; no walk-ins will be accommodated.

Once you are registered, you will receive a confirmation from the ACCEL office. The confirmation will indicate the date of your COMPASS testing.

If you cannot come to the test session for which you have registered, please provide as much advance notice of your cancellation as possible. Call 563-441-9500 to let us know you will need to reschedule; then, please go to the COMPASS dates and registration page to register for another date.

What is the charge for taking the COMPASS tests?

Students new to ACCEL may take the COMPASS with no charge. Students who would like to re-take all or a portion of the test will pay $15, payable at the time of the retest (cash or check only).

What do I need to do on the day of my test?

Arrive 15 minutes before the test will begin to allow for processing IDs and assigning seats. If you arrive after the test has begun, you will need to reschedule
Bring a picture ID
You're welcome to bring a general or scientific calculator.
Cell phone or PDAs are not permitted in the testing area.

How long do the tests take to complete?

Please allow approximately 3 hours for the tests.

What will be covered in the tests?

In the Writing Skills test, you will be presented with a passage on the computer screen and asked to read it to find errors in grammar, usage, and style. Upon finding the mistakes, you can correct them by selecting the appropriate text segment from among five alternatives. After editing the passage, you will be asked 1-3 questions about the passage.

The e-Write component evaluates your ability to write in a timed, first-draft situation. You will be given a hypothetical situation and audience. You must take a stand on the issue and explain to the audience why the position you have taken is the better or best alternative. Please remember to follow the instructions and develop your position in a coherent and logical manner, using clear ideas and effective language.

What happens after I finish the tests?

You will receive a printout with your scores after the tests are finished. Please have this when you contact your advisor about your next steps.

What do I do if I cannot come to my scheduled placement test session?

Students who arrive after the test has begun will need to re-schedule. If you need to reschedule your COMPASS placement tests, please provide as much advance notice as possible and contact ACCEL at 563-441-9500. Other students may be on a waiting list to take the tests.