Compass Exam
The COMPASS placement test consists of three parts; reading, writing, and math and is administered on a computer. Students can choose to take one, two, or all three of these parts, either separately or all at once. The tests are not timed and take at least an hour and a half to complete all three tests. Scores are available immediately after students finish heir test. This test should be taken before meeting with an academic advisor. This is an adaptive test that generates questions upon the individual responses of the students taking the tests. The number of questions given during a testing session is dependent upon the responses of the student taking the test.
Basic Components of the COMPASS Exam
With the math portion of the exam, the following skills are covered: basic operations with integers, fraction and decimals; exponents, square roots, and scientific notation; multiples and factors of integers; ratios and proportions, percentages, conversion between fractions and decimals; absolute values of numbers, averages, ranges, order concepts, estimation skills, counting problems, number theory, and simple probability.
The COMPASS writing skills test is used to determine whether the student has writing skills and knowledge to succeed in entry level college composition course or if the student needs remedial teaching. The test stimulates the editing process by presenting an essay and requiring the student to locate and use correct grammar. The test offers several essays that are relatively short at 200 words each. Essays are presented without any indication as to where the errors are. The student selects the segment to be edited, and the test presents the student with five possible corrections. Choice A is the same as the uncorrected segment and is selected when no error is found. The test presents one or two multiple choice questions at the end of the process that give a global questions related to the passage.
The COMPASS reading skills test is used to determine a student’s reading ability and to see if it’s at the necessary levels to be successful in college level courses. The focus of this test is basically on reading comprehension. The COMPASS usually has passages ranging from 190 to 300 words and on a reading level that is not as difficult as entry level college work.
COMPASS Practice is advised.
Self-Assessment Practice Tests:
Since this is a relatively easy test most colleges and universities offer it only once. It is important to study and take the test very seriously – a good score ensures correct placement in college coursework.
