Compass

What is COMPASS?

COMPASS is a comprehensive new computer-based adaptive testing program that assess students in the areas of English, reading, and prealgebra. COMPASS will allow students to test in an untimed environment. COMPASS will also provide immediate feedback that will give students, advisors and counselors a comprehensive and diagnostic assessment for advisement and placement. There is no charge for taking COMPASS; however, it is necessary to bring a photo ID before taking the placement test. If you have taken COMPASS at another college, you may be able to have the scores transferred to MCC. Consult with your advisor, the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for clarification of testing section(s) prior to taking COMPASS. NOTE: MCC will accept ASSET, COMPASS, SAT, and ACT test scores from other schools if taken within a five year period prior to your enrollment date.

Who Takes COMPASS?

Tests Required:

• All Degree-seeking students: Writing, Reading, and Pre-Algebra/Algebra
• Special Credit students: Dependent upon course selection
• Practical Nursing applicants: Writing, Reading, and Pre-Algebra
• College Transfer/General Education students: Writing, Reading, and Pre-Algebra
• Taxidermy certificate students: Reading, and Pre-Algebra
• BLET: ASSET Writing and Reading

When Do You Need to Take COMPASS?

You must take COMPASS before you register for your first semester at MCC. You will not be allowed to register for an English or mathematics class for credit until you have taken COMPASS.

Students may retest on COMPASS based upon recommendation of the testing coordinator. Applicants for Allied Health programs should discuss retesting with the Director of Counseling Services. (Allied Health programs include: Emergency Medical Science, Medical Assisting, and Practical Nursing.)

Who is Exempt from Taking COMPASS?

a. Transfer students who have earned a “C” or better in credit courses from an accredited post-secondary institution for:

• Entry level English composition (exempt from Writing Skills)
• Reading (exempt from Reading Skills)
• Math (exempt from Pre-Algebra Skills) or
• College algebra (exempt from Pre-Algebra, Elementary, & Intermediate Algebra).

b. Students who have taken the SAT will be placed into appropriate college level English and mathematics course if their scores are:

• 490 or above on the verbal portion (exempt Writing and Reading Skills)
• 500 or above on the math portion (exempt Pre-Algebra Skills, Elementary & Intermediate Algebra)

c. Medical Assisting and Practical Nursing applicants are not exempt from COMPASS.

More on COMPASS

Testing accommodations for students with special needs may be available upon request and with appropriate documentation. Please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , located in the Career Center, for further information (910-576-6222 Ext. 210). Students who are taking classes via Distance Learning may also receive assessment counseling by contacting the Counselor by E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

COMPASS Advising Guide

To ensure your success at MCC, refer to the following COMPASS ADVISING GUIDE to make certain that you are placed into the correct courses.

*Students who score below minimum cut-off scores must enroll in transitional study courses in order to ensure academic success once enrolled in the college level English, and mathematics courses.

Minimum COMPASS score recommendations for Practical Nursing applicants are comparable to COMPASS College Transfer course recommendations:

Writing Skills: 70
Reading Skills: 81
Numerical Skills: 47

Attention! Medical Assisting and Practical Nursing applicants:

• Must take either COMPASS or ASSET
• Scores may be transferred from other schools
• Practical Nursing applicants may test twice each academic year. Deadline for all information to be considered for admission in the PN Program is October 15 of each year.
• Polish your skills in grammar, basic math, pre-algebra, and algebra functions prior to testing or retesting. (Contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your options.)