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General
Information | Dates and Times | Challenge | Schedule Test
General Information
Beginning fall, 1999, the Developmental Studies Program implemented the COMPASS test to assess students for college level readiness. COMPASS is a computer adaptive testing system which assesses students to determine their academic readiness in reading, writing, and mathematics. The test experience is conducted on a computerized format using interactive response software specially designed to determine academic readiness and to record student results in institutional records for appropriate placement. The reading skills portion of the COMPASS is designed to measure the student's reading comprehension. This component assesses the student's ability to recognize appropriate vocabulary, to isolate main ideas, locate explicit textual information, and to draw inferences. This test also provides a reader profile to assist instructional programming. The writing skills component assesses the student's knowledge of mechanics, language, and rhetorical skills. The mathematics portion measures the student's ability to solve problems in pre-algebra/numeric skills, elementary algebra, and intermediate algebra.
The COMPASS is not a pass/fail test. Test results do not determine whether or not a student is admitted to the college. Instead, test results determine which courses are best suited to the student's level of readiness. Each test component has a separate score which determines student placement.
Except for extenuating circumstances, the COMPASS test may not be taken more than once. Students may not retake the test or any portion of the test if they have enrolled in basic or developmental courses to remove prerequisite requirements. Students who transfer to other Tennessee Board of Regents institutions may have their test results forwarded. Additionally, test results are included in student transcript information sent to other TBR institutions. COMPASS testing is provided free of charge; challenges or retests cost $10.00 per portion; not to exceed $20.00.
The COMPASS is given regularly on Motlow's campuses in Moore County, Fayetteville, McMinnville, and Smyrna.
COMPASS is given regularly throughout the year at Motlow's main campus, at the teaching centers at McMinnville and Fayetteville, and at other teaching sites as the need arises. In circumstances where local computer support is not available and the COMPASS test cannot be used , the ASSET test will be administered. The ASSET is a traditional, booklet and answer sheet, multiple choice test whose results are correlated to the same placement values as the COMPASS.
Special test accommodations are available for students who require other than standard conditions for taking the test. There is no fee for the COMPASS. The Testing Center should be contacted for information about the test and test dates at 931-654-4877 or 1-800-454-4877 ext 1718.
COMPASS Sample Questions from ACT.org
Student Type and Assessment Criteria
NEW STUDENTS
All new applicants who are 20 years of age or younger, MUST take the American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) before they can be admitted to Motlow College; ACT or SAT scores are valid for three years. Students who have VALID ACT scores are placed into or, exempted from DSP courses according to their ACT sub-scores in English, mathematics and reading. Students whose ACT sub-scores in English, mathematics and reading are 19 or greater can enroll in college level courses. Students whose ACT sub-scores are 18 or lower in English, math or reading are PLACED into basic or developmental level courses according to chart below:
| ACT SUB-SCORES AREA |
ACT SUBSCORE |
PLACEMENT |
| Writing |
1-14
15-18
19-36
|
DSPW 0700
DSPW 0800
ENGLISH 1010
|
| Math |
1-14
15-16
17-18
19-36
|
DSPM 0700
DSPM 0800
DSPM 0850
COLLEGE MATH
|
| Reading |
1-11
12-18
19-36 |
DSPR 0700
DSPR 0800
NONE REQUIRED |
COMPASS test scores supplant ACT placements and may place students into a higher level course, a lower level course, or they may remain in the same course indicated by ACT sub-score.
Students who are 21 years of age or older must take all three portions (reading, writing, and math) of the COMPASS test unless they have valid ACT scores on file. Those who present valid ACT scores will be PLACED according to the same provisions as students who are under 21 years of age.
COMPASS Placement/Cut-off Scores.
Listed below are the times and dates for the next scheduled COMPASS tests. Choose the test session which BEST fits your schedule. There is no charge for the initial test and all materials will be furnished. Students may use calculators on the math portion of the COMPASS test: Calculators ARE furnished. The assessment consists of three (3) academic areas: writing skills, reading comprehension, and mathematics. The test is not timed, so students may leave when they complete the test.
Students who plan to enroll during the upcoming semester are encouraged to take their test as early as possible so that placement scores will be available to advisors. Tests on main campus will be given in room CL200. (Use Library entrance then proceed to the second floor; follow the COMPASS signs to CL200.)
Main Campus:
Call 931-393-1762, 931-393-1763 or 931-393-1718 for more information.
McMinnville Center
Call 931-668-7010 for more information.
Fayetteville Center
Call 931-438-0028 for more information.
Smyrna Teaching Site
Call 615-220-7803 for more information.
Main Campus Test Dates
Tests are given at 9AM, 1AM and 5PM unless indicated.
Spring 2008
January 7 (no 5:00 PM test)
Summer 2008
May 12
May 19 (no 5:00 PM test)
Fall 2008
June 23 (no 5:00 PM test)
June 30 (no 5:00 PM test)
July 21 (no 5:00 PM test)
July 28
August 4 (no 5:00 PM test)
August 11
August 18 (no 5:00 PM test)
As needed though late registration.
Tests will be given on Mondays; three times a day unless indicated:
9:00am-11:00am, 1:00pm-3:00pm, and 5:00pm-7:00pm.
Assessments will begin promptly at the times indicated. Students taking only the math or English portions will be dismissed from the test center when they are finished.
IN ADDITION TO THE SCHEDULED SESSIONS LISTED ABOVE, STUDENTS MAY TAKE THE TEST INDIVIDUALLY BY CALLING TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT AT THE CAMPUS OF THEIR CHOICE.
If you need special testing accommodations, please call 931.393-1762 or 393-1763 or 393-1718.
To schedule a test click here.
The COMPASS test is provided free of charge to all students who require assessment. Students who take the COMPASS test and feel their test results have placed them incorrectly may challenge their initial placement score and retake the test or portions of the test. The college charges a $10 test challenge fee for each portion of the test or $20 to challenge the entire test. Challenge fees should be paid when the challenge test is taken. Challenge test scores replace original or most recent test scores; students must comply with placement scores from the most recent test. Students may not challenge the test or any portion of the test once they have enrolled in a DSP course or earned a letter grade in the course. Exceptions to these guidelines must be approved through the DSP coordinator and appropriate division dean.
Testing Center Links
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