COTC |Academics Advising Placement Tests

 What is COMPASS
 FAQ'S About COMPASS
 COTC Placement Policy
Test Sections

• Math

• Writing

• Reading

 Prerequisites
 COTC Remedial Courses
 COTC High School Equivalent Courses
 Test Hours
 Compass Course Requirements Based On Placement Scores
 Required Minimum Passing Scores For ATB Eligibility

WHAT IS COMPASS

COMPASS (Computer Adaptive Placement Assessment and Support System) is designed and supported by the American College testing Program (ACT). The term adaptive used in the title of this test is the significant difference between COMPASS and other placement tests. This means that as you answer questions correctly the computer program has the ability to evaluate this and ask more difficult or higher order questions, thus assessing your academic skill level. This will give your academic advisor a more accurate picture of where you need to begin in the math and English sequences and to measure you reading level for more advanced courses that require a good deal of critical reading ability. For more information concerning the COMPASS test click here for a FAQ of commonly asked questions about COMPASS.

There are four sections to the COMPASS test. Demographics: these are a series of questions to identify you as a COTC student and to give pertinent information to your Academic Advisor, the college, and ACT to better improve the services offered to help you to become a successful student and to achieve your goals.   A sample Compass Test can be viewed online at http://www.act.org/compass/sample.

COTC has a mandatory placement policy in effect. This policy requires a student who places into any of our pre-technical studies courses to complete these courses within the first 30 credit hours of enrollment. Additionally, these pre-technical studies courses are also prerequisite to other college level and high school equivalent courses that may be required for your degree or for admission into a particular program. For descriptions of these pre-technical studies courses please click on them: 1200 Basic math, 1400 Basic Writing, 1423 Reading Skills, 1413 & 1030 Reasoning Skills. For a listing of minimum placement scores and levels click here.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COMPASS

COMPASS is a user-friendly computer placement evaluation program that is part of our entry procedure. The following questions and answers may help you understand this process.

1. What is COMPASS?
COMPASS is a placement testing, advising, and orientation program designed to identify your basic skills in math, reading, and writing. The goal of this process is to gather information about your skills, needs, and plans. This information is then used to help develop and implement a sound program of study that leads to your goals. COMPASS is not used to determine your admission to the college.

2. What does this program do for me?
Placement evaluation establishes the proper starting point for your math, English composition and reading, classes. In the advising portion you will learn how to register and find answers to questions about COTC programs. Orientation shares information about the college resources and services available to our students.

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3. Do I pass or fail the COMPASS placement tests?
No. Whatever your results are, there is a starting point for you.

4. Why do I have to take the COMPASS placement test?
You will want to be at the right level of classes to be as successful as possible. Being in the wrong level could be uncomfortable for you and might waste your time. Research shows when you enter the proper sequence of math and/or English composition, it is not only helpful with those courses, but it has a positive effect on all classes you take.

5. Do I need computer skills to take the COMPASS placement test?
No, the computer provides instructions and tutorials on what to do next.

6. Do, I have to take all three parts of the COMPASS placement test?
Yes, most entering students are required to take all three parts of the COMPASS placement evaluation. However, if you are transferring colleges credits in math or English, or have taken the ACT or SAT, be sure to check with your Academic Advisor to determine if all parts are necessary.

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7. May I test separately in any or all three parts?
Yes. While you are encouraged to complete all three parts in one visit to our campus, you may test at separate times in math, writing, and reading.

8. May I take parts of the COMPASS placement test over if I don't do well?
Yes. If you wish to re-take any parts of the COMPASS placement test please contact an Academic Advisor.

9. Why can't I take any course I want to?
Everyone comes to college with different abilities and skills in reading, math, and English. Proper placement helps insure your success at COTC. To read a copy of COTC's mandatory placement policy click here.

10. How much time will I have to take the test?
There is no time limit on the COMPASS placement test. However, you may want to allow 3½ hours for the whole process of testing and advising.

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11. Can I use a calculator on the math portion of the test?
Yes, a calculator is permitted.  You may also use pencil and paper to do your work.

12. When can I take my COMPASS test?
You need to call the COTC Academic Advisement Office at (740) 366-9422 (292-4094, EXT. 422 in Columbus; 1-800-963-9275 from elsewhere in Ohio), located in Hopewell Mall to schedule a testing appointment at your convenience. For testing hours click here.

13. May I take the COMPASS test at Mount Vernon and Coshocton sites? 
COMPASS is not available in Mount Vernon (1-740-392-2526) and Coshocton (1-740-622-1408); however, alternate ASSET placement tests (by pencil and paper) are available at these sites.

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14. What if I need special assistance or accommodations?
IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY AND NEED SPECIAL ASSISTANCE WITH TESTING, call the Learning Assistance Center at 1-740-366-9246 (from Columbus 292-4094 EXT. 246; from elsewhere in Ohio 1-800-963-9275). Note: Compass is not a timed test.

15. If I do not have a high school diploma or GED do these scores effect financial aid?
Yes, to receive federal financial aid students with out a high school diploma or GED must achieve or exceed minimum scores on each portion of the COMPASS in a single testing experience.

16. What can I study to prepare for the COMPASS test?
The test covers basic academic skills and we prefer that you take the test without much study in order to assess your present academic levels. 

COTC Placement Policy

COTC has a Mandatory Placement Policy required for all COTC students who have declared the intent of seeking an associate degree from COTC. Non-degree students are exempt; however, once a non-degree student declares degree seeking status or takes the placement exams they must enroll in the appropriate Pre-Technical courses before enrolling in any courses for which there are prerequisites. This policy is designed to help ensure that all students will experience success in their college courses. The COTC Faculty Council, the Academic Program Directors, and the Academic Coordinators support this policy.

Mandatory Placement Policy 

1. All students testing within the prescribed placement exam ranges are required to take the Pre-College Studies courses identified to meet the students developmental needs. 

2. All required Pre-College Studies courses must be completed by the end of the first four quarters of enrollment or the first 30 hours of transcript course work. 

3. No student who is required to enroll in more then one Pre-College Studies course may enroll in more than 16 credit hours per quarter until the Pre-College requirements are successfully met. 

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Math

There are three different math sub-tests: Pre-Algebra/Numerical Skills, Elementary Algebra, and Trigonometry. You will take only those sub-tests that are appropriate for your skill level and your technology requirements.

At the beginning of each sub-test you will be given several sample test problems. They are for PRACTICE ONLY. Your answers on these sample problems will not count toward your test score.

You are allowed to use a calculator, or you may use pencil and scrap paper to do your work. The computer will not return to pervious questions in order to change your answers, so answer each problem carefully before proceeding to the next problem.

At any time during the test you may type the "h" key for help. This will give you instructions about how to proceed from where you are in the test.

The math tests will result in placement into Basic Math 1200, Business Math 1204, Introduction to Algebra 1205, College Algebra 1210, Basic Chemistry 1223, Trigonometry 1226, or Calculus 1231 depending on your technology.

The Pre-Algebra/ Numerical Skills test covers items from the following content areas. Basic operations with integers, basic operations with fractions, basic operations with decimals, exponents, ratios and proportions, percentages, conversions between fractions and decimals, multiples and factors of integers, absolute values of numbers, averages, order concepts (greater then; less than) estimation skills, number theory, counting problems and simple probability.

The Algebra test covers items from three major content areas. Elementary Algebra: substituting values in algebraic equations, setting up equations for given situations, basic operations with polynomials, factoring polynomials, solving polynomial equations by factoring, formula manipulation and field axioms, linear equations in one variable, exponents, linear inequalities in one variable. Intermediate Algebra covers rational expressions, exponents, systems of linear equations two variables, quadratic formulas, absolute value equations and inequalities.

Coordinate Geometry: linear equations in two variables, distance formulas in the plane, graphing conics (circle, parabola, etc.), graphing relations in the plane, graphing systems of equations and functions, midpoint formulas. 

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Writing

Before starting the writing test you will be given a computer tutorial on how to take the test and properly answer the questions. Directions for taking the writing portion of the COMPASS test will be located in a green message box at the bottom of the screen. To take the COMPASS Writing Skills you need to know the following keys on the keyboard: "ENTER, ARROW KEYS, SPACE BAR, ESC, F, S, BACK SPACE". At any time during the test you may press the "h" key to provide help. Be sure you understand all the instructions before proceeding to the test.

During the test, you will be shown an essay that contains errors in PUNCTUATION, GRAMMAR, WRITING STYLE, AND ORGANIZATION. You will be asked to read the essay, find the mistakes, and correct them. When you are shown an essay, a little pointer will appear under the first letter of the first word in the essay. As you take the test you will use the ARROW KEYS to move the pointer to sections of the essay that you think are INCORRECT. When you press ENTER, it will highlight that segment and present you with options for correction.

Remember while you are highlighting segments for correction, you can change any part of the essay as many times as you like. The test will allow you to even change correct segments. When you have made all your corrections in the essay. Press the "F" key. Once you have pressed the "F" key you will no longer be able to go back and change your answers. 

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Reading

The reading portion of COMPASS will contain three separate passages. Directions for taking the test are located in blue message boxes found at the bottom of the screen. To take the COMPASS Reading Tests you will need to know the following keys on the keyboard: ENTER, ARROW KEYS, SPACE BAR, ESC, S, BACK SPACE, PAGE UP, PAGE DOWN. the computer will provide tutorial instruction on how to use these keys prior to starting the Reading test. At any point during the test you may press the "h" key to provide help.

During the test you will be asked to read each of the three passages and answer questions that follow. After you answer all the questions about a passage, you will be able to go back and changes your answers. You must answer all the questions about a passage before you can go back and make changes. Once you leave a passage to go on to another passage, however, you will not be able to return to the previous passage to make changes. It is very important to check your work carefully before proceeding to the next passage.

There are four types of passages you may encounter, they are fiction, humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences. Reading skills that will be tested include: finding main ideas of paragraphs and passages, relationships, (sequential, cause and effect, and comparative), critical thinking, inferences, and word meanings. 

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Prerequisites

Course descriptions may indicate that another course or group of courses is required for admission to that course. Prerequisites have been established in order to insure that the student has sufficient background to successfully complete the course.

Each student is responsible for the completion of prerequisites. In certain cases, the prerequisite may be waived. The student is responsible for obtaining the appropriate signatures and the approval of the Academic Program Director prior to registration into the course.

The waiving of a course prerequisite does not reduce the credit hours necessary for graduation nor does it waive that course from the curriculum requirement. No credit will be given for a course unless the prerequisites have been met successfully or officially waived. Forms are available in the student records office and the Academic Program Offices.  

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Testing Hours

Compass testing lab hours for Autumn - Spring are Monday-Thursday 8 AM to 7:30 PM. Friday 8 AM to 4 PM.  Summer hours are closed by 4:15 -4:30 an additional 2 evenings per week.  For a testing appointment call the Office of Academic Advising 1-740-366-9422 Columbus 292-4094 EXT. 422 Ohio only 1-800-963 9275  EXT. 422

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COMPASS Course requirements based on Placement Scores

Retesting is available (one time only) for all or individual portions of the COMPASS test. Study materials are available from http://www.act.org/compass/sample or http://www.testprepreview.com.  Individual consultation is available by appointment through the following offices:

Math: Cindy Ravitsky, Math Specialist COTC Math Lab - Founders 196 - 1 -740-366-9421 From Columbus 292-4094 EXT. 421 Ohio only 1-800-963-9275 EXT. 421.  email: ravitsky@cotc.tec.oh.us

Reading/Writing: Newark Campus Learning Assistance Center Hopewell 53
1-740-366-9246 From Columbus 292-4094 EXT. 246 Ohio only 1-800-963-9275 EXT. 246.

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Required Minimum Passing Scores for ATB Eligibility

To be eligible for Ability To Benefit (ATB) status, a student must who does not have a high school diploma or GED certificate must achieve the minimum scores on each subtest of COMPASS in a single testing experience. If the student does not achieve or exceed all three required scores on a single administration, to be eligible for ATB status, the student must retake the complete test and pass all three subareas on that administration. Passing scores from one administration cannot be combined with passing scores from another administration. Under ATB rules, students may attend COTC and receive financial aid for one quarter without a GED. MINIMUM COMPASS ATB PASSING SCORES Subtest COMPASS Scores Writing Skills 32 Reading Skills 62 Pre-Algebra/Numerical Skills 25

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