How to Prepare for the COMPASS Test
What is the COMPASS
Placement Test?
The ACT is the required
initial test used to place students who attend a South Dakota university into
their English and mathematics courses. A student can be placed in classes via
the ACT subject sub-scores or via the ACT COMPASS test, which is administered at
all South Dakota universities, including the South Dakota School of Mines and
Technology.
The COMPASS test is administered on a computer and takes
approximately 30 to 40 minutes for each section (math, writing and reading).
Students who need to take the COMPASS test should register for a COMPASS Day on campus. If the student is unable to attend a COMPASS Day, the COMPASS test may be taken at any of the summer orientation sessions, or by appointment at the School of Mines, or by appointment at many other colleges across the country. For more information, contact Dr. Pat Beu, Director of Retention and Testing, by phone at (605) 394-2400 or via e-mail at Pat.Beu@sdsmt.edu
COMPASS results are designed to assist the institution in placing students into
appropriate courses, or, if necessary, into developmental or preparatory
courses.
The three COMPASS scores
produce up to seven possible placement measures (one each in writing skills and
reading and up to five in mathematics):
Mathematics Placement Measures
Numerical Skills/Pre-Algebra
Algebra
College Algebra
Geometry
Trigonometry
Reading Placement Measure
Writing Skills Placement Measure
(Usage/Mechanics and Rhetorical Skills )
Students are prepared for
the COMPASS if they:
- have recently reviewed the
subjects to be tested
- are unhurried and calm
- are familiar with and
comfortable taking tests
- have slept well the night
before the test
The math portion of the test does not require a
calculator, but you may bring your own (except TI or HP 89 and TI or HP 92). If you do not bring a calculator, one is embedded in the test
program.
The math test is a continuum
of tests, beginning with pre-algebra and going thru algebra, college algebra,
trigonometry to pre-calculus. If it has been a couple of years since you took
algebra, or if you are rusty in trigonometry, a review of these subjects can help you
perform better on the test.
The COMPASS test is not timed, so
students have an unlimited amount of time to take each section. The test is
intended to adjust the level of difficulty based on student performance and
ability. Testing time may be rather brief or it might run for an extended amount
of time, depending on preparation and knowledge.
The ACT/COMPASS website has
Sample Questions to view sample test items. Additional information regarding
the COMPASS test is also available on the website for placement and diagnostic
purposes.
What happens if I
don’t think the results of the COMPASS are an accurate reflection of my
abilities?
You can challenge your
COMPASS score by retaking the test. There is an administrative cost of $17.00 to
retake the test. If you score poorer than anticipated on the math section of the COMPASS, it may be that it has been a couple of years since you’ve had algebra or
because you need a ‘brush-up’ in trigonometry. Either way, before you retake the
test, it is best to spend time reviewing material for each section you are required to take.
Contact: SDSM&T Registrar and Academic Services
This page has been visited 10,744 times since 03/06/2007
| http://sdmines.sdsmt.edu/compass/preparation |
Last Modified: 12/19/2011 |
