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2. This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the US Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the US Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, expressed or implied, with respect to such information, including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timelines, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership.

3. Preparing for the COMPASS Test

4. What is the COMPASS? COMPASS is a computerized placement testing program from ACT. The test is designed to assess your skill levels in Math, Reading, and English and place you into courses which will help you be successful and achieve your academic goals.

5. Should I take the COMPASS test?  If you have ever been enrolled at BRTC, you may not need to COMPASS test  If you have more than 30 college credit hours, you do not need to COMPASS test If you are unsure, meet with an Academic Advisor.

6. What to expect…  Test not timed  Work at own pace  No “passing” or “failing” scores  Scores determine course placement

7. Why is doing well on the COMPASS important?  Developmental courses do not earn college credit  Additional tuition and fees costs associated with unnecessary placement  Shorter time to completion

8. Computerized COMPASS  Do not have to be computer savvy!  Little typing  Click mouse to answer  Mouse practice is available

9. How can I do well on the COMPASS test?  Read and understand the directions  Read each question carefully  Answer every question  Don’t stress over questions you don’t know  Go with first instinct  Once you click “Go On” you can’t go back  Stay focused on test  Don’t stress

10. What you will see when taking the COMPASS

11. Demographics/Personal Info

12. Review Practice or Begin

13. Math Test  Multiple-choice questions  Pre-algebra to college algebra and beyond

14. Calculator  Calculator available on the computer screen in the math section

15. Reading Test  Answer multiple- choice questions about a passage  Passage on one side, questions with the answer choices on the other  Targets the areas of reading comprehension and vocabulary

16. Writing Test  Find and correct errors in essays  Answer questions about essay after editing  Apply knowledge of punctuation, basic grammar, and sentence structure  Apply skills in organization, style, and strategy

17. Test Scores  A copy of your score report will print as soon as you finish.  An Academic Advisor will review these scores with you.  If you test into developmental coursework, you will be given instructions on how to brush up and information on re-testing.

18. Understanding the Scores  BRTC is an open admissions college  Three placement areas  Developmental coursework

19. Course Sequence  MATH: Pre-Algebra, Introductory Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, and College Algebra  ENGLISH: Writing Fundamentals, and Freshman English I  Reading: College Literacy or Exempt

20. Retaking the COMPASS  Retake the COMPASS as many times as you wish until you begin the first day of class  Ten (10) hours in online tutorial software, Plato, or in the Adult Education department is recommended before re-testing  Highest test score of each section will determine your course placement

21. Questions? Pocahontas: 870-248-4000 Paragould: 870-239-0969 Thank you for choosing BRTC!

22. Time for the test!  Please be sure your cell phone is turned off now  At this screen, enter your last name in the first field  Your social security number is your Student ID