Compass Test
The COMPASS ( Computerized Placement Assessment and Support System) test is a comprehensive computerized adaptive testing system designed to assist institutions and students in proper course placement (credit or preparatory). The three COMPASS placement measures are mathematics, reading and writing. Students are given the placement COMPASS because there is substantial reason to believe they are unprepared for college-level work whether from poor high school performance or time away from school. The test is given as an opportunity to show that—despite lack of necessary high school preparation, rusty skills, or low SAT’s—students may be prepared for college work and can thereby exit Learning Support requirements by passing the test. At Clayton State University students are required to take the COMPASS test for the following reasons:
- SAT scores are below 400 Math or 430 Verbal.
- Freshman Index (FI) score is below 2100.
- FI= SAT-V + SAT-M + (HSGPA [academic courses only] times 500).
- Out of high school or college (with less than 30 semester hours credit) for five years.
Clayton State University COMPASS required exit and placement scores and courses:
- Math – 40: Math 0099 = 30-39, Math 0097 < 30
- English – 72: English 0099
- Reading – 78: Reading 0099
Once students have completed and passed their required exit level course(s) (MATH 0099, ENGL 0099, READ 0099), they are then required to take the COMPASS exit test. If they score above the exit score(s) , they may then enroll in the appropriate credit course(s). If they do not pass the COMPASS exit test in the required area , they may retake the exit COMPASS test. If they do not pass the retake test, they must repeat the course(s).