Compass
Placement
Test
The purpose of the placement test is to determine if a new student is prepared to start in college level courses or needs learning support course work before attempting college level courses. The Compass placement test is a computerized assessment test. The test is not timed and is adaptive to the individual.
No appointment is necessary to take placement test (on a scheduled testing date/time) at Rome campus.
Those wishing to take placement test on a scheduled testing date/time in Cartersville should contact jdoster@highlands.edu to set up a testing appointment.
FEE: GHC charges a flat $20 non-refundable testing fee for the placement test. The $20 fee must be paid at accounting services office in Rome or business office in Cartersville before student checks in at testing room. Those testing should arrive early enough to make payment, or pick up receipt from phone payment, before the accounting services or business office closes for the day. Plan to arrive on campus at least 45 minutes before test is to start.
PARTS OF TEST: Once admitted to GHC students should receive a flyer, "Steps to Enrollment" that has GHC student ID number and indicates which part(s) of test should be taken. The three parts of the Compass placement test are English (Writing), Math and Reading.
CHECK IN AT TESTING ROOM: Students should check in at the testing room 30 minutes before test is scheduled to begin. To check in at testing room students must provide a valid picture ID and a receipt showing payment of the $20 placement test fee. Students should also bring Steps to Enrollment flyer so they know which part(s) of test to take.
Because the test is un-timed, computerized and adaptive, those taking only one part of usually finish within 45 minutes. Those taking all three parts usually finish in 2 to 3 hours.
Students will be given a copy of placement test results before leaving the testing center.
RETESTING: Starting with new admits for Summer Term, 2008 placement retesting will be permitted, at no additional charge, for those meeting the following conditions:
1) Makes first attempt at placement by retest deadline AND 2) Scores within 5 points of minimum score to exempt learning support AND 3) Retests at original testing site on the retest date specified by testing coordinator (no more than 2 weeks from initial test).
Retest is permitted for only those part(s) of test meeting the 5 point minimum. Example: a new GHC admit takes all 3 parts of placement test, scores at or above minimum score to exempt learning support math, scores 5 points below minimum score to exempt learning support English, and scores 6 points below the minimum score to exempt learning support Reading. The student may retest in English (Writing) but student is not eligible to retest in reading.
RETEST DEADLINES: April 15 for summer admits; July 15 for fall admits; November 15 for spring admits.
NOTE: Students admitted to other institutions (Non-GHC students) who wish to take placement test at GHC testing center must request permission not only from their admitting institution but also from GHC testing coordinator. GHC will not provide retests for non-GHC students-- regardless of admitting institution's retest policy.
Students with scores placing them into learning support classes should visit the Academic Support web site to become familiar with rules and regulations governing learning support requirements. http://www.highlands.edu/academics/support/rules-and-regulations.htm .
TEST OVERVIEW & PREPARATION: The GHC tutorial center offers many resources and services at no charge. In addition to many online resources, you may also visit the tutorial centers to review a printed study guide Chart Your Success on the COMPASS.
Feel free to visit ACT/Compass sample test web site at http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html or visit the Assessment Center Links to Practice Tests.
©2005 Georgia Highlands College 1-800-332-2406
Last modified: February 11, 2008