DO YOU NEED TO TAKE A PLACEMENT TEST?

You do if your ACT scores are below these*:

          A 17 on the Reading test
          An 18 on the English test
          A 19 on the Math test

You may need one test, two tests, or all three tests.
These placement tests are COMPASS tests, designed by ACT.

These tests are taken on the computer and are multiple-choice.
They are not timed. You do not need any computer experience.

The math test is algebra-based. As you answer questions correctly, they advance in difficulty. As you answer questions incorrectly, the questions get more basic. The test will only give you enough questions until you test consistently across a certain level of difficulty.

This test determines if you must enroll in a non-college credit math class before you may enroll in your first college-credit math course. You may need up to three non-college credit review classes (General Math, Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra) first.

The English test is an editing test. You will look for errors in punctuation, sentence structure, grammar, etc., and choose from multiple-choice options to correct the sentences. You will also answer rhetorical questions about each essay. This test determines if you must enroll in one non-college credit English course first.

The reading test is a comprehension test. You will read several short articles and answer multiple-choice questions about each one. You will be allowed to refer to the articles when answering the questions. This test determines if you will be recommended for a College Reading/Study Skills course.

*SAT verbal score below 450; SAT quantitative score below 460

Visit www.act.org/compass to review sample test questions

Contact Nancy Parks, at (304) 367-4990 or nparks@fairmontstate.edu