Prospective COMPASS Students

What is COMPASS like??

· The writing segment of the test consists of reading an essay and then correcting or editing it for the correct grammar and punctuation. The correct answer is suggested along with other choices. Once you have made your choices, go back through and read the entire essay to see that all elements fit together. In the second portion of the test, you look at the essay in its entirety and answer questions. Be sure you answer all questions before you “go on” because you cannot go back.

· Probably the best method for the reading segment is to read the entire essay, then go back and read the question and then re-read the paragraph that applies. Try to eliminate those you know are not correct and narrow your choices. Read it once more and make a choice.

· The math segment is both word problems and computations. Read each question all the way through. Pick out the numbers and try to decide which ones are used (not all are used) and how you will do the calculation. Just because you come up with one of the choices does not necessarily mean it is the correct answer. Review your math skills, especially how to work with fractions. You are supplied a simple calculator.

Review Websites

This one has reviews for various tests (some parts are free, some not):

http://www.testprepreview.com/compass_practice.htm

This one is a good review for math:

www.mhhe.com/math/devmath/aleks

These are a good review for English:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/grammar/index.html
http://depts.gallaudet.edu/englishworks/

Plato:  http://www.platoweb.com/pathways/pway_iis.dll/login.plato?datacenterid=40025

I have many others that may work better for you. If you want any additional help, please email or call me.

Susan Schmidt – Northwest Iowa Community College – 1-800-352-4907 ext 112 – sschmidt@nwicc.edu