COMPASS Placement Testing

What is the COMPASS test, and what does it do for me?

COMPASS is an adaptive, computer-based college placement exam which was developed by ACT.  It is designed to help you and your counselor determine your academic level in math and English, so that you select courses that are neither too easy nor too difficult for you.

If your English and math skills are not yet at college-level, Harper offers developmental reading, writing, math and study skills courses to help you.  These courses may not count toward degree and/or certificate graduation requirements, but they can help provide you with the foundational skills which can assist you in reaching your academic goals.

Why is COMPASS called an "adaptive" test?

The test changes or “adapts” based on your performance. If you answer questions correctly, you will receive a question of greater difficulty and higher value; if you answer a question incorrectly, you will be presented with an easier question of lesser value.

What is the Reading portion of the exam like?

The reading portion of the exam focuses on comprehension to assess whether you have the skills necessary to succeed in standard entry-level college courses. 

You will be given a passage to read, and the reading is followed by questions.  Each of the items have multiple choice response options.  You will be able to read the passage on one side of the screen while the test questions and answer choices are displayed on the other half of the screen.

What is the Writing portion of the exam like?

The writing portion of the exam focuses on finding and correcting errors in essays.  Test items cover punctuation, basic grammar, sentence structure and rhetorical skills in strategy, organization and style. 

Once you find and identify errors in the essay, you will be given multiple choices from which to choose the best option for re-writing that section.  Important reminder:  Be sure to select every sentence (with your mouse) to review the choices.

What is the Math portion of the exam like?

All students begin in the Algebra section of the exam.  Depending on how you do in this area, you will be branched to another section.  If you did well on the Algebra questions, you will be branched to the College Algebra section; if not, you will be branched to the Pre-Algebra section of the exam.

Personal calculators are not allowed.  However, you may use a calculator provided by the test proctor.  You will also have access to a “drop-down” calculator within the COMPASS program.

Who needs to test?

New full-time students are required to assess prior to registering for their first semester.  A letter will be sent inviting students to test during the months preceding the start of the semester.  After testing, the new full-time students will schedule their counselor meetings when they will select first semester courses and register.

Part-time students are required to assess prior to enrolling in an English and/or math course.

Do I need to take COMPASS if I want to take English as a Second Language (ESL) classes?

It is best if you not take COMPASS right away; instead, contact an advisor in the English as a Second Language Office, Building F, Room F340, 847.925.6226. 

Are there options to "waive" placement testing?

Appropriate ACT scores or previous college credit in English and /or math can make you eligible for a waiver.  Details are provided below:

1. The following minimum ACT scores (taken within the last five years):

   To waive the COMPASS Reading and Writing tests		To waive the COMPASS Math test
   English & Reading ACT Scores		Math ACT Score
   19 in English and 20 in Reading		23-36

2. A transcript or grade report from another college showing the following:

   English Course & Grade		Math Course(s) & Grade
   Grade of C or better in the equivalent of Harper’s ENG 101 (Composition)		Grade of C or better in the equivalent of Harper’s MTH 101 (Quantitative Literacy), MTH 103 (College Algebra) or a higher level math course

Do I need computer skills to take the COMPASS test?

COMPASS is designed to be user-friendly and for individuals with little or no computer experience.  You will need to use a computer keyboard and mouse; however, most of the test is “point and click” so you do not need to understand how to operate the system.

How can I prepare to take the COMPASS placement test?

If you are still in high school, the best preparation for taking the placements tests is to take four years of English and four years of math as part of your high school curriculum.

How long do I have to complete the COMPASS placement exams?

There are no time limits.  If you need to take all three subject tests—reading, writing and math—you should allow approximately 2 ½ hours.

Do I need to bring anything with me for the COMPASS test?

A valid photo ID is required for placement testing.  You will not be permitted to test without appropriate identification.  Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Driver’s license
• State/Government ID
• School Photo ID
• Passport
• Other ID card which includes both your name and photo

Are there any test-taking tips you could suggest?

• Relax→ The COMPASS test is designed to help so that you can enroll in courses that are best suited for you. It is not pass/fail, and it is not timed.
• Concentrate on the test→ Focus on test questions and tune out distractions. You want to make the most out of your testing opportunity.
• Strategize→ Because it’s an adaptive test, you should answer every question when it is first given to you. You can change your answer before you move on to the next question, but you cannot leave a question and come back to it later. If you do not know the answer, try to eliminate one or more of the choices and then select from the remaining options.
• Make sure you understand the directions→ Information is provided before you begin each section of the test, so make sure you read all directions. If you have questions, ask a member of the Testing Center staff.
• Move at your own pace→ Other students may finish at different times from you. Remember, each student has a different test based on their responses, so some will have shorter tests than others. Others may only be taking a single portion of the test.
• Do your best→ Use your knowledge, logic and common sense to work through the question, and have confidence in your ability to determine the best answer.

When will I know my scores after testing?

New full-time students participating in New Student Orientation:

Counselors will review your test results with you and assist you in making decisions regarding the best course options related to your placements as well as your choice of major or program.  (New full-time students are required to meet with a counselor for this purpose during the mandatory Orientation programs.)

Continuing full-time, new part-time and continuing part-time students:

You can pick up a copy of your Compass score report as soon as you finish the Compass test.  Discussing your test results and course selection with a counselor prior to registration is strongly encouraged for all students whether new or continuing—and part-time students as well as full-time students.

How many times am I allowed to retest?

One re-test is allowed after the first test.  The retest must be completed prior to or during the first week of a math, English, reading or ESL class.

Once you have started a math, English, reading or ESL sequence, you must continue with the sequence until course requirements have been satisfied.

Are these scores good forever?

No they are not.

• Math test scores are valid for 1 year following your initial testing.
• English test scores are valid for 5 consecutive years following your initial testing.
  

Remember—once you enroll and start a course sequence, you must complete the entire sequence—regardless of your test score expiration date(s).