COMPASS Placement Test
Note: Students who do not have a recognized high school diploma or a GED can qualify for federal financial assistance by taking the COMPASS placement test and either meeting or exceeding the minimum required scores established by the U.S. Department of Education. Click here for further information.
What is COMPASS?
COMPASS, York Technical College's computer-adaptive placement test, measures skills in reading, writing,
and mathematics. COMPASS helps determine your placement in York Technical College courses. There is no
time limit for the tests. The computer selects questions for you based on your answers to previous questions.
NO experience with computers is needed.
The Assessment Center staff will assist you in beginning COMPASS and will be available if you need additional
help. The computer will explain how to record your answers as you take the tests. After you have completed
the test, you will meet with an admissions counselor to discuss your next steps.
How can I Pass the COMPASS?
Preparing for COMPASS will help you find success. COMPASS is NOT a pass-fail test. It is a college
placement test. You cannot fail. The test is simply designed to help you and the college determine
whether you are ready to immediately start the program you have chosen or need some additional preparation first.
The three COMPASS placement measures (Mathematics, Reading, and Writing) are designed to assist
York Tech in placing students into appropriate courses. There are potentially six possible placement
scores -- one each in writing and reading and up to four in mathematics
When is the COMPASS Test Offered?
COMPASS is offered without an appointment regularly throughout the year in the Assessment Center.
The hours for the Assessment Center are:
Monday - Thursday 8AM-9PM
Friday-Saturday 8AM-2PM
When Should I Apply to the College?
Right away. We accept admissions applications year-round. Programs and classes fill up quickly, so early application is recommended.
What should I do next?
1. Submit Application to Admissions
a. Pay $10 non-refundable testing fee at the Business Office -- hours Monday-Friday ONLY!
b. Submit your SAT or ACT scores, if available.
2. Take COMPASS test
a. Bring a photo ID.
b. Bring paid receipt for the testing fee.
c. Bring two pencils
Results and Program Admission
Admissions counselors will go over the results of the test with you. Your academic advisor will show you how your skills correspond to the requirements of the first courses in your program of study. If any areas of weakness are identified, York Technical College has the resources to help you improve.
Placement Test with Accommodations:
If you have a documented disability and would like to request special accommodations for the
placement test, you need to speak with someone in the Special Resources Office (SRO) BEFORE YOU
TAKE THE TEST. The SRO is located in the Student Services Building. (803)325-2896
If you request accommodations AFTER you take the placement test, you will be required to pay the re-test fee.
Click here for Retest Procedures
COMPASS SAMPLE ITEMS
These sample items are designed to illustrate the form of the items in the COMPASS battery. They have not been pre-tested and have not been subjected to the content and fairness reviews required for all operational items. © 1995 by The American College Testing Program. All rights reserved. Used by permission of ACT.
Extra items
A. Mathematics Placement Measure Sample Items
B. Reading Skills Placement Measure Sample Items
C. Writing Skills Placement Measure Sample Items
Practice tests for COMPASS
http://fsweb.bainbridge.edu/tstrickland/compass_testing.htm
http://www.testpreppractice.net/COMPASS/Free-Online-COMPASS-Practice-Tests.aspx
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https://web.gsc.edu/fs/mhorton/LSEnglish
http://www.highlands.edu/wcotter/COMPASS/math_practice.htm
The sites below can be printed, viewed
online, or have just helpful test practices:
http://www.testprepreview.com/compass_practice.htm
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http://www.act.org/compass/sample/
http://www.compass-test-practice.com/