COMPASS Testing

• What is COMPASS?

• Study Guides

• Scheduling your test

• Answers to frequently asked questions

• Test Schedules

What is COMPASS?

The un-timed COMPASS test is a series of basic skills assessments completed on a computer. Developed by American College Testing (ACT), COMPASS stands for COMputer-adapted Placement Assessments and Support Services. There is no “passing score”. Rather, COMPASS scores indicate academic areas where you are strong, areas where you may need help and which courses would be a starting point for your educational career.

Compass is user friendly and was designed for individuals with little or no computer experience.

Compass will focus on math, writing and reading skills. What makes COMPASS unique is that it adapts to your abilities….questions will increase in difficulty to determine your skill level.

A COMPASS test is not required if a student already has a bachelor’s degree or has taken a college level English or Math class and earned a grade of C or above. If you have met the above requirements and receive a letter to take the COMPASS test, please contact your Division Office for clarification.

Study Guides

Useful Websites for reviewing prior to COMPASS testing include:

• www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html
• www.math.com
• www.algebra.com
• http://matcmadison.edu/matc/getstarted/assessment/mathstudyguide.shtm
• http://matcmadison.edu/matc/getstarted/assessment/englishstudyguide.shtm

Scheduling your test

Students taking the COMPASS test at the Fort Atkinson, Portage, Reedsburg or Watertown campus must contact that regional campus to get the testing schedules.

Students taking the COMPASS test at the downtown MATC campus must call (608) 259-2979 to set up an appointment to take the test.

Appointments are not required at the Truax campus or the Commercial Avenue campus, as there are several scheduled testing times already established. (See below).

Answers to frequently asked questions

What is COMPASS: The COMPASS placement test is for students planning to take degree credit classes at MATC. It is a computerized, un-timed test and includes assessments in reading, writing and math. Most MATC programs require students to complete an essay.

Taking COMPASS for another school: Students who take the COMPASS test for a college other than MATC will be charged a proctoring fee of $10 per hour. Please notify the proctor prior to testing that the test will be for admission to another school. Credit cards will not be accepted as form of payment.

ACT/SAT scores: The ACT/SAT will not replace the COMPASS test for proper placement in English and Math Courses.

Testing Fees: There is no charge to take the COMPASS test

Testing materials: Scratch paper, pencils and calculators are provided. Students are allowed to bring their own scientific calculator.

Completion time and test results: The average completion time for the test is 2 ½ to 3 hours. The student is given a copy of the test results upon completion.

Math retesting: Students are allowed to re-test once in math, but need to wait a minimum of two weeks before taking the test again. It may be recommended that students study review packets, Websites or attend a math workshop. If, after retesting, a student is still not satisfied with the score, a Math advisor can be contacted to get assistance.

English retesting: Students are allowed to retest once in English. They are encouraged to review online study guides and/or take a reading workshop. The student will need to complete remediation prior to retesting again. If, after retesting, a student is still not satisfied with the score, an English advisor can be contacted to get assistance.

Testing Schedules

July 2008
No appointment is required for the times listed below
* While no appointment is required, during our busy testing times, testing will be done on a first come/first served basis.

August 2008
No appointment is required for the times listed below
* While no appointment is required, during our busy testing times, testing will be done on a first come/first served basis.

Contact us

The MATC Assessment Office is located at:

Room 215
Commercial Avenue Campus
2125 Commercial Avenue
Madison, WI 53704-4799 (next to Oscar Mayer)

Call: (608) 246-5220 Toll Free in Wisconsin 1-800-322-6282, extension 5220

Email: testingctr@matcmadison.edu