Frequently Asked Questions

 

• What is the COMPASS Placement Test?

A test for students who have submitted their application for admission and paid their application fee.

• What is the purpose of the COMPASS Placement Test?

Determines whether students are ready for college-level academic classes (exemption) or whether they need Learning Support classes (placement) in order to succeed in future academic classes.

• Is everyone required to test?

Some students are not required to take the COMPASS Placement Test depending upon their ACT scores, SAT scores, AP credit, and other factors.  The Office of Admissions is the final arbiter of who takes the test.

• What subject areas does the COMPASS Placement Test measure?

The test has three areas: Reading, English/Writing (proofreading an essay that includes grammar errors), and algebra.

• When do I take the COMPASS Placement Test?

Testing sessions are held routinely throughout every term.  Most sessions are on Wednesdays; however, there are a few sessions on other days of the week.  In addition, the times vary from morning, afternoon, and early evening in an attempt to accommodate prospective students’ schedules. 

• How do I register for the COMPASS Placement Test?

Please call 478-471-2050, after the Office of Admissions has contacted you and they have informed you that you need the test to reserve a seat.

• How long is the COMPASS Placement Test?

The test is not timed and students probably do not see the same number of test items.  You should plan on at least three (3) hours to complete all three subject areas of the test. 

• Where do I take the COMPASS Placement Test?

The tests are administered in the Student Life Center Room 229 on the Macon campus and in the Administrative Services Building Room WRC2-223 on the Warner Robins campus.  Click the links to view maps of these two locations.

• Can I use my COMPASS Placement Test scores from another University of Georgia institution instead of retaking the test?

If the scores are less than two (2) years old, then they may be transferred to Macon State College directly from the other institution.

• Can I use my COMPASS Placement Test scores from a Georgia Technical College instead of retaking the test?

Test scores from any Georgia Technical College may be used if:

1. they are less than two (2) years old and,
2. the math score was administered at the algebra level. 

You should have the technical college send your scores to the Office of Admissions as soon as possible so they can be reviewed and a determination made.

• Can I use my COMPASS Placement Test scores from another institution outside of Georgia?

No, other states may not use the same testing items required by the University System of Georgia.

• What do I need to bring for admission to the COMPASS Placement Test session?

You will need to bring only a valid photo ID for admission into the testing session.  This ID card can be a driver’s license, high school ID, government ID, or military ID to name a few.  You will not be admitted without a photo ID.

• Do I need to bring a calculator, pencils, or scratch paper to the COMPASS Placement Test session?

No, the Academic Testing Center will provide a calculator, pencils, and scratch paper to you.  There is also a calculator built into the Algebra section of test.

• Why can’t I use my personal calculator for the math section of the COMPASS Placement Test?

Primarily, the main reason is test-security.  Because the algebra problems can be stored in the personal calculator’s memory and removed from the controlled testing environment.

• Are there COMPASS Placement Test sample questions available for practicing?
  

Yes, visit http://www.act.org/COMPASS/sample/index.html to see sample reading passages, writing essays, and math questions.

• Can I retest if I do not pass the COMPASS Placement Test?

That depends on when you test.  This information will be provided to you upon request after the testing session.

• What if I don’t know how to use a computer?

The basic computer skills necessary to complete the COMPASS Placement session are using the keyboard to enter you personal and demographic information and using the mouse to select your answers.  However, the Academic Testing Center staff will assist and guide you through the session.

• Can I just skip the math test and enroll in Learning Support classes? I have a math phobia!

No, unfortunately you cannot skip the math section.  The COMPASS Placement testing determines the class in which you will begin your math learning – Math 0097 Introductory Algebra or Math 0099 Intermediate Algebra.

• Is there anything else I should know?
• Test instructions can be previewed at ACT: COMPASS/ESL Practice Instructions.
• At check-in you will receive a temporary parking permit. Please place it in the rear window of your vehicle to avoid a costly ticket. R
• Read the Macon State College catalog. Be informed.

• If Learning Support classes are required, can I take college credit classes also?

The limitation of what other academic classes you may take while in Learning Support classes depends upon the Learning Support class/classes you are required to take.  You may be able to take some college credit classes along with your Learning Support classes. At registration for classes, an advisor will work with you on your class schedule during registration. 

• Can I take Learning Support classes online?

Some Learning Support classes are offered in an online format. Your academic advisor will have specific information when you meet with him/her to register for classes.

• Can I register immediately after taking the placement test?

After the Office of Admissions has received all of your records and test results, they can then complete the processing of your folder. This process may take days or weeks. Then, when early registration begins, you will be contacted for an advising appointment.