Transcript Introduction

COMPASS Placement Exam
Review
Background Information
and
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you have to take these tests anyway?
1. We just like to make you suffer.
2. The state Board of Regents requires that all
incoming students must be placed in the
appropriate course according to ACT
scores or the COMPASS exam.
3. We don’t want you to fail by enrolling in a
course for which you aren’t prepared.
Do you have to take the COMPASS exam?
You must take the math portion of the exam if
you fall into either of the 2 categories below.
1. You haven’t taken the ACT test within the past
5 years, and you haven’t passed a College
Algebra course.
2. Your ACT math score was 25 or higher.
(if your ACT score was 24 or less, that score will be used
to place you in the appropriate course)
What math subjects are covered in the test?
1. Analysis of complex variables
1. Basic Algebra through College Algebra
2. Trigonometry
So, what kind of test is it, true-false,
multiple choice, essay?
•The test is computerized and multiple choice.
•You have unlimited time to take the test.
•Calculators are allowed, but if you don’t bring
one, a calculator is available on the
computer.
•You must answer each question before you can
go on to the next one.
Testing Procedures
•The test is currently given at all state colleges.
•You can take the COMPASS exam during
orientation, or you can take it individually at
other times during the year by request.
•Starting in fall 2003 testing will also be available at
some other testing sites via the web.
•Contact Academic Services at SDSM&T for more information about
testing via the web. (605) 394-2400 or 1-800-544-8162 Ext. 2400
What should you bring to the exam?
•Your social security number
•A calculator
•A pencil for working out problems
How will you find out your results?
A form will be printed out as soon as you’re
done taking the test. This form will tell you
which course you should enroll in based on
your test results.
If the COMPASS is your first placement exam
and you’re not satisfied with your results, you
may retake the COMPASS exam, but only once
more and you will be charged a fee for the
retake.
If you took the ACT exams, these scores are
used to place you into Math or English. If you
wish to challenge this placement, you may retest
one time using the COMPASS exam and will be
charged a retest fee.
Mathematics Placement at SDSM&T
ACT Score
COMPASS Score (%)
Mathematics Course Placement
1 to 17
Pre-Algebra: 0 to 100 OR
Algebra: 0 to 32
MATH 021 Basic Algebra
18 to 19
Algebra: 33 to 44
MATH 101 Intermediate Algebra
20 to 24
Algebra: 45 to 100 OR
College Algebra: 0 to 52
MATH 102/102L
College Algebra/Lab
> 24: must take COMPASS
College Algebra: 53 to 100
OR
Trigonometry: 0 to 39
MATH 120/120L
Trigonometry/Lab
> 24: must take COMPASS
Trigonometry: 40 to 64
Enroll in MATH 120/120L
Trigonometry/Lab, may enroll in
MATH 123 Calculus I concurrently
> 24: must take COMPASS
Trigonometry: 65 to 69
May enroll in MATH 123 Calculus I (
It is strongly recommended to also
enroll in MATH 120/120L
Trigonometry/Lab)
> 24: must take COMPASS
Trigonometry: 70 to 100
MATH 123 Calculus I
As you can see from the chart, at Tech, in order to
enroll in Calculus I,
•You must receive a satisfactory score on the COMPASS
exam in both Algebra and Trigonometry
or
•receive a satisfactory score on the COMPASS exam
in Algebra and enroll in Trigonometry before
enrolling in Calculus I
or
•receive a satisfactory score on the COMPASS exam in
Algebra and enroll in Trigonometry concurrently
with Calculus I.
How should you prepare for the exam?
•Use this CD to brush up on your algebra and/or
trigonometry skills.
•Spend more time on your own covering any trouble spots.
•Check out the following web page for some sample
questions and links to the official COMPASS web
site
http://www.act.org/compass/sample/math.html
•Another web page with links to more sample problems is
the ACT site
http://www.act.org/news/student/
How should you use this CD to prepare?
•Look at the list of topics to find subjects of concern
and go to that location.
•Each section contains a brief review of the material
and one or more sample problems with
solutions.
•A copy of all the problems covered in the review is
also included on the CD as a separate
document for you to print out.
Disclaimer
This review is intended to represent a sample of the types of problems and subjects which
you might expect to see on the placement exam.
We do not claim to give you a total representation of the placement exam. The actual exam
may contain material not presented here, and we will not be held responsible if you receive a
poor score on the exam.
The material presented in this review may produce side effects in some participants,
including sleepiness, boredom, yawning, frustration, confusion/agitation, and in some rare
cases, constipation. Do not operate a moving vehicle while using this CD.