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Preparing for the COMPASS Test

What is the COMPASS?

COMPASS is a computerized placement

testing program from ACT. The test is

designed to assess your skill levels in Math,

Reading, and English and place you into

courses which will help you be successful

and achieve your academic goals.

Should I take the COMPASS test?

If you have ever been enrolled at BRTC, you may not need

to COMPASS test

If you have more than 30 college credit hours, you do not

need to COMPASS test

If you are unsure, meet with an Academic

Advisor.

What to expect…

Test not timed

Work at own pace

No “passing” or “failing” scores

Scores determine course placement

Why is doing well on the COMPASS important?

Developmental courses do not earn college credit

Additional tuition and fees costs associated with unnecessary placement

Shorter time to completion

Computerized COMPASS Do not have to be computer savvy! Little typing Click mouse to answer Mouse practice is available

How can I do well on the COMPASS test?

Read and understand the directions

Read each question carefully

Answer every question

Don’t stress over questions you don’t know

Go with first instinct

Once you click “Go On” you can’t go back

Stay focused on test

Don’t stress

What you will see when taking the COMPASS

Demographics/Personal Info

Review Practice or Begin

Math Test

Multiple-choice questions

Pre-algebra to college algebra and beyond

Calculator

Calculator available on the computer screen in the math section

Reading Test Answer multiple-

choice questions about a passage

Passage on one side, questions with the answer choices on the other

Targets the areas of reading comprehension and vocabulary

Writing Test Find and correct

errors in essays

Answer questions about essay after editing

Apply knowledge of punctuation, basic grammar, and sentence structure

Apply skills in organization, style, and strategy

Test Scores A copy of your score report will print

as soon as you finish.

An Academic Advisor will review these scores with you.

If you test into developmental coursework, you will be given instructions on how to brush up and information on re-testing.

Understanding the Scores

BRTC is an open admissions college

Three placement areas

Developmental coursework

Course Sequence

MATH: Pre-Algebra, Introductory Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, and College Algebra

ENGLISH: Writing Fundamentals, and Freshman English I

Reading: College Literacy or Exempt

Retaking the COMPASS Retake the COMPASS as many times

as you wish until you begin the first day of class

Ten (10) hours in online tutorial software, Plato, or in the Adult Education department is recommended before re-testing

Highest test score of each section will determine your course placement

Questions?

Pocahontas: 870-248-4000

Paragould: 870-239-0969

Thank you for choosing

BRTC!

Time for the test! Please be sure

your cell phone is turned off now

At this screen, enter your last name in the first field

Your social security number is your Student ID