Compass Testing

The Office of Learning Assistance is responsible for the administration of the COMPASS placement testing required of all incoming first-year students and some transfer students.

The COMPASS system is designed by ACT Placement Programs to help students analyze their current abilities in order for them to successfully make course selections. The COMPASS test assesses the student's mathematics, reading and writing skills. The test requires about two hours for most students to complete. At a minimum, the Office of Learning Assistance recommends that students complete the practice test available for writing, mathematics, and reading. Please complete the practice tests before taking the test because the results determine placement. Practice tests and sample items can be accessed at the following links: Writing skills: www.act.org/compass/sample/pdf/writing.pdf Reading Skills: www.act.org/compass/sample/pdf/reading.pdf Mathematics Skill, Part 1: www.act.org/compass/sample/pdf/numerical.pdf Mathematics Skill, Part 2: www.act.org/compass/sample/pdf/geometry.pdf ESL (English as a Second Language) Skills: http://www.act.org/compass/tests/esl.html NOTE: The PDF above files require PDF Reader. Download free PDF Reader software from Adobe. Appointments to take the COMPASS test must be made by calling 513.785.3139 after the student has received an official notification of his or her acceptance to the University.