COMPASS is a series of computer-adaptive assessment tests that will help decide which courses you should enroll in. These are not admission tests; they are PLACEMENT tests. There are no "failing" grades. Whatever your score, we have a course that is appropriate for the level of knowledge you have at this time. It is important that you do your best on the assessment because you will be placed in English and math courses based on these test scores.

There are three sections of this assessment: a writing section, a reading section, and a mathematics section. If you already have some college credits, have taken the ACT assessment, or you do not intend to be a degree student, you may not need to complete all the sections. If you are exempt from one or more sections, you will be able to test in just the sections required for your enrollment. Tests are not timed, but students generally spend 30-45 minutes on each test. Expect to spend about 2 hours if you are taking all three sections.

You will need your social security number to begin the test and you will be asked information regarding your educational background, plans, and goals. If you have previously taken the ASSET test or COMPASS at Kellogg Community College and are a returning student, Academic Advising will determine if you need further testing.

You may bring a calculator for the math portion of the assessment. No special preparation is needed for this test, but it may help you place higher if you review math problems first, especially if you have been away from school for a while.

The COMPASS assessment is administered daily at the Battle Creek site on a walk-in basis. Testing begins at 9 AM. The last time you can start a test if you need the complete assessment is 5:30 PM on Monday; 4 PM on Tuesday-Thursday; and 3 PM on Friday. To see some sample questions, visit www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html.