VGCC Testing Center


COMPASS Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS COMPASS?

COMPASS is an untimed computerized placement test administered by Vance-Granville Community College to evaluate your current skill levels in reading, writing, and mathematics. Placement testing guarantees that students are placed in appropriate courses. It will also offer the resources needed to accomplish academic success.

WHY DO I NEED TO TAKE THE PLACEMENT TEST?

Placement testing is required for curriculum students that do not meet one of the following criteria:
  1. Transfer students who have successfully completed transferrable college or university-level courses in English and/or mathematics from an accredited post-secondary institution.
  2. Applicants who scored 500 or better, on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) on the critical reading, writing, and mathematics sections, or 19 on the American College Test (ACT) with neither English, reading, or mathematics below a 19. Only scores less than five (5) years old at the time of application will be accepted.
  3. Applicants who have taken placement tests within five (5) years at another NC Community College may transfer those scores to VGCC.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE COMPASS PLACEMENT TEST?

The COMPASS placement tests are not timed. Most students take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete each section. Questions are adjusted based on aptitude level. Students who do not complete testing in one session may return and finish at another session.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY COMPASS TEST RESULTS?

Test results are available immediately for discussion with a counselor or advisor.


WHAT IS ON THE COMPASS PLACEMENT TEST?

The COMPASS Placement Tests consist of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.

The Reading portion of the test contains both placement and diagnostic testing components. It is designed to determine if the examinee has the necessary reading skills to succeed in an entry-level college course or if they may benefit from a developmental or remedial reading course. Test takers will be given a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of five (5) passages to complete. The questions are multiple choice.

The Writing portion of the test requires the examinee to edit essays for errors in grammar, punctuation, usage, and style. Once an error is located, test takers can replace portions of the text with one of five alternatives. Passages are displayed as an unbroken whole, and there is no suggestion of where the errors are located. In order to edit the passage, it is divided up into a series of segments within the software leaving the test taker with the ability to edit any portion of the essay. Test takers will be given a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of five (5) essays to edit. Each essay also contains multiple choice questions.

The Mathematics portion of the test requires the examinee to self-select the area in math that they would wish to start testing in. The three (3) areas are Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and College Algebra. If the examinee has never completed Algebra, it would be advisable to begin in Pre-Algebra. This will consist of operations with integers, fractions, percentages, decimals, exponents, square roots, scientific notations, ratios and proportions, and averages (mean, median, and mode). If the examinee has completed Algebra I, Algebra II or Intermediate Algebra, they should begin in the Algebra area. If the examinee has completed at least one (1) year of Algebra, they should begin in the Algebra area. This could include operations with substituting values, setting up equations, polynomials, factoring, linear equations with one (1) or two (2) variables, and radicals. Students that have completed College Algebra, Calculus or Trigonometry should begin with the College Algebra area. The computer will adapt to your level, even if you have chosen a section that is too easy or too difficult.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE PLACEMENT TEST?

There are numerous web sites available to assist you with preparing for the placement test. For a list of recommended sites, please click on the following link:

Study Guides

DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE THE PLACEMENT TEST?

Yes, please contact the nearest Vance-Granville Community College Testing Center. Students may choose to take their test at the Main Campus, South Campus, Franklin Campus, or Warren Campus. Click on the link below to find a location.

VGCC Testing Centers

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME ON TEST DAY?

You must bring with you an official picture ID. (Examples: driver's license, passport, or high school picture ID) The Testing Center will provide paper and pencils. Students may choose to bring their own calculator. Please view the list of acceptable calculators at the following link: http://www.act.org/compass/student/calculator.html. An on-line calculator is provided within the mathematics test.

No food, drinks, tobacco products, cell phones, beepers, pagers, or children are allowed in the Testing Center.

HOW MANY TIMES MAY I TAKE THE PLACEMENT TEST?

Students may test and retest once prior to the semester in which they are enrolling. Retesting must be scheduled prior to the first day of the semester. The higher score will be used for placement. There is a minimum wait of ten days between the first and second administration of the test to ensure time for review.

Students who have not enrolled in a developmental English, Reading, or Math class for twelve months after testing may test and retest prior to the semester in which they are enrolling. The most recent scores (or higher of the most recent test-retest scores) will be used for placement. Once a student has enrolled in developmental classes, retesting is not allowed to place out of those courses. Any additional testing beyond the initial test-retest will require special approval through the Dean of Arts & Sciences and/or the VP of Instruction. Placement test scores are valid for five (5) years.

WHAT IF I NEED SPECIAL TESTING ACCOMODATIONS?

Students that need special testing accommodations may contact the Special Needs Counselor/Advisor (Tieren Evans) in the Student Learning & Success Center located in Building 1 at the Main Campus in Henderson, North Carolina. (Examples: extended time, a reader, or interpreter) Counseling Services will determine the best accommodations to meet your testing needs

WHAT IF I EXPERIENCE TEST ANXIETY?

Anxiety is common for most test takers. Stress can make the body more alert, consequently improving your performance. For some individuals, stress can be a hindrance and can result in a decrease in concentration. In order to minimize stress while taking a test, please consider the following things:

  • Get plenty of rest the night before taking a test.
  • Eat a well-balanced breakfast or lunch.
  • Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to testing in order to collect your thoughts.
  • Don't drink too much caffeine. Caffeine can increase your excitability.
  • Think positive! Do not begin testing with negative thoughts. You will do well.
  • Relax!