COMPASS Placement InformationStudents, who have not yet completed the pre-requisites or requirements for SAU's general education courses in Mathematics and/or English, will need to take the COMPASS tests. An Admissions Representative or your Academic Advisor will let you know which test(s) you need. If you completed a COMPASS placement test within the last two years, we will accept the scores from the previously tested institution.
The test scores match your skill level to certain courses, and assist in identifying if remedial coursework is needed in math or English. Please note: Students do not pass or fail the COMPASS tests. It is simply meant to increase your opportunity for success as you begin in the ACCEL Program.
Only six seats are available for each test date, so register early. You can register by simply completing the form at the bottom of this Web page. Please include your name, preferred phone, and email address. You will have the opportunity to designate your 1st and 2nd choice of testing dates. Every effort will be made to accommodate your first choice. The cut-off date for registration is two days prior to each testing date. Note: Registration for the placement tests is required; no walk-ins can be accommodated.
Once you are registered, you will receive a confirmation from the ACCEL office. The confirmation will indicate the assigned date of your COMPASS test.
Placement tests will be administered in small groups at the ACCEL Campus, 1950 E. 54th Street, Davenport. A map and directions can be found online, or you may phone the office should you have any trouble finding the building: 563/333-5700.
Students taking the COMPASS test for the first time may do so at no charge. Those who would like to re-test on any portion of the test, will be charged $15.00, payable by check or cash at the time of the retest.
Yes, you may test at the St. Ambrose ACCEL location and then request that your scores be transferred to another school. There is a $15.00 fee for this service, and it's payable by check or cash at the time of the test. Please register using the form at the bottom of this Web page. On the day of the test, we ask that you please bring a written request to have your scores mailed/faxed to the school of choice. It should include your name, the institution name, and contact information.
- Arrive at the testing site 15 minutes before the test begins. If you arrive after the test has begun, you will need to reschedule.
- Bring a picture ID.
- Bring general or scientific calculator, if you wish.
- Cell phones and electronic devices are not permitted.
Each student tests at a different pace. ACCEL Staff allow up to three hours for all tests to be completed. Should you finish prior to that time, you will be able to leave.
The COMPASS math test may cover topics of Pre-Algebra, Algebra, College Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry.
Pre-Algebra whole numbers, fractions, absolute value, squared roots, decimals, ratios & proportions, and order of operations
Algebra calculating distance using distance formula and the slope of a line, graphing solutions to linear equations, simplifying polynomials and rational expressions, solving algebraic equations and polynomial equations by factoring
College Algebra finding the value of factorials, graphing of polynomial functions, solving problems with exponential functions, problems using standard complex forms, problems with inverse functions, problems with composition of functions.
A regular and scientific calculator is included in the testing program; however, students may bring their own calculator.
In the Writing Skills test, you will be presented with passages on the computer screen and asked to read them to find errors in punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure. Upon finding the mistakes, you can correct them by selecting the appropriate text segment from among the alternatives given. After editing each passage, you will be asked 1-3 questions about the passage. This reading comprehension will evaluate your ability to: refer to explicit statements in the reading passage, determine meaning using context, draw conclusions, make comparisons and generalizations.
The e-Write component evaluates your ability to write in a timed, first-draft situation. You will be given a hypothetical situation and audience. You must take a stand on the issue and explain to the audience why the position you have taken is the better or best alternative. Please remember to follow the instructions and develop your position in a coherent and logical manner, using clear ideas and effective language. It is wise to write a minimum of 3-4 paragraphs in order to receive a successfully graded score on the areas of strategy, organization, and style.
The COMPASS Web site provides in-depth resources for preparing for the test.
Tips for test-taking can be found at: www.act.org/compass/student/tips.html.
Sample test questions are available at: www.act.org/compass/sample.
Additionally, there are other sites that may assist you in brushing up on math or writing skills:
Math http://www.visualmathlearning.com/pre_algebra/lessons.html
http://www.purplemath.com/
English http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
Once you complete the required placement tests, you will be allowed to leave. Your Admissions Representative or Academic Advisor will be in contact you within two business days to explain your scores and suggest necessary math or English course sequences.
Student who are unable to attend their schedule testing session, or arrive after the test has begun, will need to reschedule. Please provide as much advance notice as possible, as other students may be on a waiting list to take the tests.
