What is a placement test?

A placement test is required before beginning classes. The COMPASS placement test is a comprehensive, computer-adaptive test that will assess your ability in reading, writing and math. This test is designed to help place students into appropriate courses needed to ensure student success.

Who must take the test?

The test is required of all new students who plan to:

• seek a degree or certificate,
• students who plan to receive financial aid,
• high school students who plan to take dual credit courses while in high school,
• and students who are entering the first semester of courses that have mathematics or English as a pre-requisite (this may include transfer students from other colleges or universities who do not have documented credit in either college level mathematics or English. A college counselor will talk to you about your college transcripts.)

What if I have been to another college or university?

If you have been to another college or university then you must provide other college transcripts or test information as documentation for a waiver of the placement test requirement.

How will placement testing help me?

The college placement test will help you to identify your skill levels in English and Math. This information will assist you in the selection of courses in which you are likely to succeed.

How can I prepare for this test?

You can prepare for the placement test by visiting the following website (American College Testing Service). You will find sample questions for the COMPASS on this site.

http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html

What should I bring?

Bring a pencil or pen and any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, EXCEPT as specified below:

The following types of calculators are NOT PERMITTED:

• pocket organizers
• handheld or laptop computers
• electronic writing pads or pen-input devices
• models with a QWERTY (typewriter) keypad (although calculators with letters on the keys are permitted as long as the keys are not arranged in QWERTY format)
• models with built-in capability to simplify algebraic expressions, multiply polynomials, or factor polynomials (often called Computer Algebra Systems), for example, CFX-9970G, TI-89, and TI-92

How long does the test take?

THE TEST IS NOT TIMED. On the average, the test takes approximately 1½ hours (but it may take a little longer).

Do I have to make an appointment?

Yes, you may call the Counseling Center on either campus to make an appointment.

• Glenns Campus call 804-758-6730 or toll-free 800-836-9381
• Warsaw Campus call 804-333-6730 or toll-free 800-836-9379
• King George Site call 540-775-0087

What does it cost?

The placement test costs $5.00.

How long does it take to find out how I did on the test?

This is a computerized test and the results are instant. Upon completion of the test you will be given a copy of the test and will meet with a counselor to discuss the test results and course placement.

RETEST POLICY:

An alternative test may be given one time and one time only for $5.00, IF --

• There were mitigating circumstances that prevented the student from appropriately completing the test (this circumstance must be discussed witht he college counselor).

The student also has the option of requesting to take a diagnostic test prepared by a course instructor in the testing lab, or --

• attend the indicated developmental class and take the diagnostic test prepared by the instructor of the course the first week of class--at that time, the student will be required to follow the recommendation of the instructor.

NOTE:  Students who test and do not enroll within three years must retest unless there is documentation that the student has attended another college or university.