OVERVIEW & PRE-TEST INFORMATION

COMPASS tests are now part of Macon State College’s admissions process.

COMPASS tests are untimed, multiple-choice tests that cover reading, writing, and mathematics (algebra).

The COMPASS software is adaptive - that means it delivers problems/questions to your screen in response to your answers.

The COMPASS adaptive software may give you additional problems/questions to confirm your skill level before leaving a subject.

Because Compass is adaptive, not everyone will receive the same number of problems/questions to answer.

READING

The Reading exam assesses your current reading-skill level.  Before starting the test, you will have a screen that will prompt you with commands to learn how to take the test. The right side of the screen has the current question and the possible responses. You can click anywhere on the correct answer, or you may type the letter of the correct response. Numbers in boxes below the question indicate the question number. The left side of the screen has the passage. You click on the "More" button to scroll through the passage.

1. You will see a Focus Question before each passage.
2. You should read all the questions before reading the passage.
3. To answer a question, click anywhere on the correct response OR type the letter of your response.

You can change an answer to a question for the current passage by clicking on the numbered box for the question you want to see again; click on the response you want.  You should be satisfied with all your answers for the completed passage before you click on "Go On" because you cannot revisit the passage.

WRITING

The Writing Skills exam requires students to find and correct errors in an essay.  These errors may be in the areas of usage and mechanics, including basic grammar, punctuation and sentence structure, and rhetorical skills, including strategy, organization and style.

CAREFULLY read and follow the directions before entering this section.

1. You will have a practice screen to learn how to take this test.
2. BE SURE TO EDIT (click on to see options for) EVERY SENTENCE OF THE ENTIRE ESSAY; do not just scan for errors! IF YOU FAIL TO DO THIS, A LOW SCORE WILL RESULT!
3. When you click on any sentence or phrase in the essay, those words will be highlighted and you will see an area on the right side of the screen with options for change. Option "A" will always be the same as in the essay (meaning no change is needed). The “A” answer is the default answer for skipped errors.
4. BE SURE you have made all the corrections for an essay before you click on the "Finished editing essay" button. ONCE YOU HAVE FINISHED EDITING AN ESSAY, you cannot go back to it later.
5. You will then have two questions referring to the essay; choose the best option from the choices given. After answering both questions, click on the "Go On" button to continue with the test.

MATHEMATICS (Algebra)

The mathematics (Algebra) test evaluates your ability in terms of basic algebraic skills.  The COMPASS algebra examination includes mathematics items of three general levels of cognitive complexity:  basic skills, application, and analysis.  Below are areas that you may encounter during the algebra test:

• Substituting Values into Algebraic Expressions
• Setting Up Equations for Given Situations
• Basic Operations with Polynomials
• Factoring Polynomials
• Linear Equations in One Variable
• Exponents
• Rational Expressions
• Linear Equations in Two Variables

1. There is an online calculator and you switch between standard and scientific view by clicking View on the calculator menu.
2. Answer a question by clicking anywhere on the correct response, or type the letter.
3. You must answer a question before going to the next question and you cannot return to a question after clicking “Go On”.
4. We provide pencils and scratch paper for the test.  Scratch paper will be shredded after the test.