COMPASS FAQs

What are the COMPASS and ASSET Tests?

COMPASS (COMputer-Adapted Placement Assessment & Support Services) is a computerized assessment tool that is used to identify students' present academic abilities in reading, writing, and mathematics. The COMPASS is user-friendly and is designed for individuals with little or no computer experience.

ASSET (Assessment of Student Skills for Entry Transfer) is a timed, paper-based assessment tool that is also used to identify students' present academic abilities in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Who is required to take the COMPASS or ASSET test? After submitting an application to Alamance Community College, students entering most of the College's programs are required to take the placement tests. Testing waivers can be granted to students who meet either of the following two criteria:

(1) SAT Math score equal to or greater than 440 and SAT Critical Reading and Writing score equal to or greater than 480, or a composite score of 21 on the ACT.

(2) College-level English and math coursework, with a grade of "C" or better, on an official college transcript. * Pre-nursing students must take the placement tests regardless of their SAT or ACT scores. However, college-level English and math coursework meeting the above criteria will be accepted in lieu of placement testing.

When and how do I schedule a placement test? Placement tests are administered weekly at the Graham campus in Room G119 on the following days:

• Monday-Wednesday 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. OPEN TESTING (NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY)
• Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. APPOINTMENT ONLY

To schedule a placement test contact:

How do I prepare for the placement test? As the placement test determines your placement in math and English courses as well as those with math and English prerequisites, preparation is critical. Visit the following Websites for practice tests:

COMPASS

ASSET:

http://www.act.org/asset/pdf/StudentGuide.pdf

There are additional English and mathematics resources available in the Academic Skills Lab. Contact Bill Fonville at (336)506-4167 for lab hours or to schedule an appointment.

What should I bring to the placement test? Students are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled testing time. At check-in, a valid picture identification must be presented to the test administrator. Calculators, pencils, and scratch paper will be provided during the testing session. Some personal calculators are approved for use during the mathematics placement test. Graphing calculators may not be used. Please check with the placement testing coordinator to see if your personal calculator is acceptable for testing.

When will I receive my placement test scores & what do they mean? Both COMPASS and ASSET scores will be available immediately after testing. Counselors in the Student Development office will review your test results with you and advise you on course selections. ACC offers developmental courses in math and English to students who do not place into college level courses.

What is the retesting policy at ACC?

If you have taken the ACC Placement Test once in a calendar year and would like to re-test, you must complete one of the following activities beforehand:

A. Take one of the developmental course(s) you were placed into.

B. Take the BSP2000 Refresher course given through Continuing Education (Contact Betty Justice at (336)506-4377 for BSP2000 times and dates).

C. Complete 10 hrs. in the Academic Skills Lab (B264-Graham Campus).

If you choose to complete the 10 hours in the Academic Skills Lab you must document your time by completing the information below and having an Academic Skills representative certify the hours are accurate. Once you have completed the 10 hours, bring the form back to the Placement Testing Center (G121-Graham campus) and you will be able to re-test. Retest forms are located in the Student Development office. For additional placement testing questions, please contact Daysha Lawrence in the Student Development office or call (336)506-4361.

Thank you for choosing ACC.