Do I need to take skills assessment before registering for classes?
You do need to take skills assessment
- if you plan to take your first college composition or mathematics course at Cecil College.
- if you have an Associate or Baccalaureate degree. Documentation Required
- If you have a math SAT score of 550 or better, or 21 or higher on the ACT, or have passed a college-level math course. Documentation Required
- if you have a critical reading and writing SAT score of 550 or better, or 21 or higher on the ACT, or have passed an English Composition course. Documentation Required
What is COMPASS?
COMPASS, a comprehensive, computerized, adaptive assessment system from ACT, places students in appropriate courses. Students are assessed in English, reading, and mathematics. Assessment results suggest appropriate placement in courses: English: COM 091, EGL 100 or EGL 101; Reading: COM 091, REA 100, REA 101, or reading requirement met; Mathematics: MAT 091, MAT 092, MAT 093, MAT 121,127, 123, or MAT 201. Any combination of these courses is possible depending on the skill level of the individual student.
COMPASS is different from other assessments because it is adaptive. If you answer questions correctly, it will then give you more challenging ones. The answers you give will determine the number of questions. Since there is no time limit, you can complete the test at your own pace, and your test will be different from your classmates. The length of time that it will take to complete the entire assessment will vary (approximately 2 ½ hours).
What types of questions are on the skills assessment?
COMPASS assesses English, reading, and mathematics skills for the purpose of placing you in the appropriate courses. The assessment has three sections and in the following order: English, mathematics, and reading.
ENGLISH (WRITING SKILLS)- This section will be based on editing three to five essays.
- You will be assessed on punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure.
- Paper and pencil will not be necessary.
- See sample questions.
- You will be assessed on pre-algebra/numerical skills, algebra, and college algebra.
- You are allowed to use a calculator.
- All of the questions are multiple choice.
- You may not skip any questions.
- You may not go back and change an answer.
- See sample questions.
- You will be given approximately three to five passages or essays to read.
- For each passage you must answer questions that will assess comprehension, changing sentence structure, and prior knowledge.
- You may revise your answers in each section. However, once a section is complete, you may not return to it.
- Paper and pencil is not needed.
- See sample questions.
When and where can I take the skills assessment?
The skills assessment can be taken in the math lab. Students do not need to schedule an appointment (testing os offered on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis). Refer to the college's website for math lab hours or call 410-287-1015 for more information.
NOTE: Students who require special assistance are requiested to contact the math lab before arriving to take the skills assessment.
NOTE: Students who require special assistance are requiested to contact the math lab before arriving to take the skills assessment.
When will I receive the results of the skills assessment?
Skills assessment results for the computerized assessment (COMPASS) are available immediately.
Can I retake any or all parts of the skills assesssment?
- Yes, if you are not satisfied with your skills assessment results, you may retake any or all sections.
- You can reassess any section one time only. Assessment results expire in 2 years.
What if I have more questions?
Please call 410-287-1015