compass orientation national park community college the testing center room 217, campus center...
TRANSCRIPT
COMPASS Orientation
National Park Community CollegeThe Testing Center
Room 217, Campus Center501.760.4376
What is the COMPASS?
COMPASS (Computer-adaptive Placement
Assessment and Support Systems) is a
computerized testing program from ACT,
designed to find out your skill levels and
place you into the best courses that can
help you reach your academic goals.
Before I Test…
O Know Testing Center HoursO The Testing Center 501.760.4376
O Second Floor, Room 217, Gerald Fisher Campus Center
O Brush-up on SkillsO Online and face-to-face tutoring are available
O Contact NPCC Career Services at 501.760.4243
O Bring valid photo ID to take your test and know
your social security number.
Check-in ProcessO Greet the Testing Center staff person at
the front desk who will instruct you on the check-in process
O Have your photo ID available and make sure your cell phone is completely turned off.
O Scratch paper, pencil, and calculator will be provided
O You will be escorted to a testing computer
Important to Note!O The COMPASS test is available every day
the Testing Center is open.O No appointment is necessary.O You may take the entire exam at one time
or you may take one section at a time. For example, you may take the Math on one day, the Reading on another day, and the Writing at another time.
O The test is untimed, so you may take breaks at any time you need, in between each exam or even during the exam.
Starting the Test
COMPASS Introduction
Demographics
Things to Know:O COMPASS testing is on the computer
O The mouse is used to answer the
questions
O Be sure to read the BLUE, on-screen
directions carefully
O Use the HELP button on the top right, at
any time during the test, for additional
assistance
Testing Accommodations:
O Test is self-paced, work at your own
speed
O Scratch paper and pencil provided
O Multiple choice questions only
O Calculator available on the computer
Review Practice or Begin Testing
What will be on the Test?
1)Reading
2)Writing
3)Math
Reading PlacementO Answer multiple-choice questions
about a passage
O One side of the screen has the
passage and the other side has the
question with the answer choices
O Targets the areas of reading
comprehension and vocabulary
Reading Tutorial
Reading Sample
Writing Placement
O Find and correct errors in essays
O Answer questions about essay after
editing
O Apply knowledge of punctuation, basic
grammar, and sentence structure
O Apply skills in organization, style, and
strategy
Writing Message
Writing Tutorial
Writing Reminder
Writing Sample
Math PlacementOWork problems in areas from
basic operations and pre-algebra
to college algebra and geometry
OAnswer multiple-choice questions
OA calculator is available on the
computer
Math Tutorial
Math Sample
How Many Questions?The number of possible questions is
unlimited.
The COMPASS test is a progressive
computer-adaptive test.
The computer program will automatically
adjust the level of difficulty of the next
question based upon the answers given on
the current question until it is able to
determine a placement score.
How Much Time Is Allowed?
The COMPASS is not timed. Each test section usually takes about
30 to 45 minutes to complete.
Most people finish within 2 ½ to 3
hours. If you need to stop testing before
finishing, your test can be saved to
be finished at a later time.
Test Scores
A copy of your score report
will print automatically as
soon as you finish.
A Testing Center Staff member
will review these scores with
you.
Academic AdvisorsO Once you have completed your COMPASS
exam, you will need to schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor.
O The Advising office is located on the 2nd floor of the Fisher Campus Center Building down the hall from the Testing Center.
Understanding the Scores
O This is not a pass/fail test; however minimum
scores are required.
O Depending on your score, you may be required
to attend tutoring to brush up on your
reading/writing/math skills before retaking the
COMPASS test.
O Depending on your score, it may also be
necessary to take some Basic Studies courses
before you can enroll in college-level courses.
Basic Studies Courses
Foundations of Reading and
Writing
Composition1 + EE = Accelerated
Learning Program
Speed Reading
Foundations of College Math
Foundations of Technical Math
Scoring MinimumsCOMPASS Scores Courses Required
Writing:
48 or Below Alternative Placement
49-66 Foundations of Reading and Writing
67-77 Composition 1 + EE = Accelerated Learning Program
78-100 Composition 1
Reading:
69 or Below Alternative Placement
70-76 Foundations of Reading and Writing
77-82 Speed Reading
83-100 No Reading Required
Scoring Minimums COMPASS Scores
Courses Required
Math: Pre-Algebra: 28 or Below
And upFundamentals of College Math 1A
Algebra: 20 or Below Foundations of Technical Math
21 up Technical Math42 - 100 College Algebra or Math for General
EducationCollege Algebra:
0-100 College Algebra
Retaking the COMPASS
You may retake all sections or just
one particular section to improve
your scores after tutoring.
NPCC will always use the highest
test score of each section to
determine your course placement.
Want to Brush Up ? www.algebrahelp.com and www.math.com
are great for math!
www.chompchomp.com is good to review
writing skills!
www.testprepreview.com has lots of reading,
math, and writing practice problems!
To see more test samples:
www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html
Don’t Forget…!
O Your photo ID!
O Know your social security number!
O Get plenty of rest!
O Read all the directions and each
question carefully!
O Concentrate so you can do your best!
Questions?
If you have any questions,
ask our staff or please call
The Testing Center at 501.760.4376.
Thank you and Welcome to
National Park Community College!