• COMPASS is a comprehensive computerized adaptive testing system.
• The exam tests the basic skills needed to succeed at South and is used to place students properly in classes. This is not a "pass/ fail" test.
• Much more than a series of tests on a network of computers, COMPASS is a complete course placement and diagnostic assessment system.
• The test from ACT helps place students into appropriate courses and maximizes the information to ensure student success.
• Non-native English speakers should take the ESL/COMPASS placement test.

The Writing Skills is an untimed test based on 2 - 4 small articles. Questions include:
• Usage and Mechanics: punctuation, basic grammar and usage
• Rhetorical Skills: strategy, organization, style of standard written English
• Suggestion:
  Go to the ACT website and review two sections: C. Writing Skills and Writing Skills (7 page PDF file). Also, click here to see the screen layout of the actual writing test. This visual aid will be available to you during the test.
  
  
The Reading Skills is a 11 - 15 item, untimed test. It measures comprehension. Students determine the meaning from several paragraphs by referring to what is stated. The meaning of words is determined from the context. Students must draw conclusions and make comparisons and generalizations.

The Numerical Skills Test is a 11-15 item, untimed test. It measures basic numerical skills and basic problem solving skills. Questions include:


Operations with whole numbers, decimals and fractions Ratio and proportion Conversion of fractions and decimals Ratio and proportion Percentages Number theory Exponents

Order concepts with fractions and decimals Prime numbers and prime factorization Averages Absolute value of numbers Multiples and factors of integers Square roots


The Elementary Algebra Test is a 11-15 item, untimed test. It tests skills commonly learned in a first-year high school algebra course. Questions include:


Evaluation of algebraic expressions Setting up equations for given situations Linear equations in one variable Operations with polynomials

Integer exponents Formula manipulation and field oxims Factoring of polynomials Solutions of linear equations

The Intermediate Algebra Test is a 11-15 item, untimed test. It tests skills commonly learned in a second year high school algebra course. Questions include:



Simplification of radicals Polynomial equations Graphs of linear equations Solutions of the distance formula

Operations with radical and rational expressions Exponents Rational Expression Solution of linear inequalities

The College Algebra Test is a 11-15 item, untimed test. It will assess skills commonly acquired in a pre-calculus course. Questions include:



Exponential functions Factorials Operations with complex numbers Complex numbers

Composition of functions Roots of polynomials Functions Matrices

Trigonometry is a 11-15 item, untimed test. It will cover:



Right angle trigonometry Trigonometry equations and inequalities Special angles

Functions and identities Graphs of trigonometric functions

To take sample tests for the writing, reading and math components, go to ACT's Website - http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html.

Also, see a screen layout (PDF) of the actual writing test. This visual aid will be available to you during the test.

Preparation Resources for COMPASS

While we, at South Seattle Community College, do not assume any liability or responsibility for the content of these Web sites, students may find the practice tools helpful when preparing for this exam.

Online resources:

• Calculator Help: Microsoft Calculator Help or see Flash Video
• Math Help (Math.com)
• Grammar Help ( webster.commnet.edu)

Basic Mathematics, 7th Edition, by Bittiner and Keedy (Numerical Skills)
Introductory Algebra, 5th Edition, by Bittenger and Keedy (Elementary Algebra)
Intermediate Algebra, 5th Edition, by McKeague (Intermediate Algebra)
Precalculus, 4th Edition, by Sullivan (Precalculus)
Prewriting, Response, Revision, Copyright 1982 by Wilbert J. Levy (Composition)
An Expository Workbook, 3rd Edition, by Huizenga, Snellings, and Francis (Basic Composition for ESL)
Vocabulary Foundations for the College Student, Copyright 1981, by Levine and Levine
Grammar in Context, Book Two, by Sandra N. Elbaum
Ten Steps to Improving Reading Skills, 6th Edition, by John Langan