How to Prepare for the COMPASS Test

Before you can start taking classes at most college's, you need to be able to show the school your skill level on reading, writing and math. In traditional schools, you usually do this with your ACT or SAT scores, or with previous college credit. Another way to determine you current skill level is to use some type of an Assessment or Placement test. One of those tests is a test developed by ACT called the COMPASS test. The test tells colleges if the student has college level skills. If they do not, it will also help them determine where the student needs some brushing up.

It is a computerized test, and that may be a deterrent. Not all students are computer literate. However, the software is set up to be user friendly. Most users will be able to navigate it without issue.

One of the best features of this test is that it is untimed. That means you can take your time. It is designed to let the test taker apply a variety of test taking strategies the typical paper/pencil timed tests doesn't permit. Another key thing that makes COMPASS different that many standard tests is that it is adaptive. For example, the math test is set up to adjust to your skill level. If you start at the pre algebra level, and you answer enough questions correctly it will bump you up to the algebra portion and so on.

There is a calculator built in to the software. Some schools will allow you to use this calculator on. Others will allow you to bring your own calculator. Still some sites will not allow you to use calculators at all. Check with your testing site for their rules and policies.

If your school uses the COMPASS test, you need to determine if you need to take the test. In most cases you Admissions department will be able to tell you if you are exempt. They will take a look at your ACT or SAST scores to see if you meet their preset cutoff scores. If you are a transfer student, they will look to see if you have taken classes that prove you are college level.

After you determine if you need to test, you will need to set up your testing appointment. Your college may have walk in testing hours, or they may require to you to make an appointment. Call the college to find this out. Also ask if there is a fee for the test, and write all this information down. Whether it is walk in testing or you are making an appointment, pick your testing time wisely. If you are taking the standard COMPASS package, (Math, Reading and Writing), you will want set aside at least 2 hours for the test. Also remember that cell phones are required to be off while you are in the testing area. That means you will not be available by phone (and that means texting too) while you are testing. Violating this rule could have your testing session ended. You may not be cheating, but you are violating the rules.

ACT does have sample questions on their website. It would be a good idea to take a look at those before you take the test. ACT only recommends their own sample questions, and they do not make a print study guide. However, there are other sites out there and books you can use to brush up before you test. A simple internet search should be able to help you.

Another one of the bonuses of COMPASS is that it scores automatically. Your college may give you your scores when you finish the test, or they may pass them along to your advisor. From there you need to determine what you next step is. You may need to see an advisor, but that could have many different manifestations. You may be testing as part of a new student orientation, they may have walk in advising, or you may need to make an additional appointment.

The most important part of the COMPASS test is to be prepared. Ask all the pertinent questions before you test. It is your responsibility to know what your next step is. It is also good to know if the college has a retest policy. Do they have a waiting period for retests? Do the charge for retest? Where do you go to test? What do you need to bring with you? Know what you are getting yourself into before you test, so that there are not any suprises.