COMPASS is an adaptive, computer-based college placement exam which was developed by ACT. It is designed to help you and your counselor determine your academic level in math and English, so that you select courses that are neither too easy nor too difficult for you.
If your English and math skills are not yet at college-level, Harper offers developmental reading, writing, math and study skills courses to help you. These courses may not count toward degree and/or certificate graduation requirements, but they can help provide you with the foundational skills which can assist you in reaching your academic goals.
The test changes or “adapts” based on your performance. If you answer questions correctly, you will receive a question of greater difficulty and higher value; if you answer a question incorrectly, you will be presented with an easier question of lesser value.
The reading portion of the exam focuses on comprehension to assess whether you have the skills necessary to succeed in standard entry-level college courses.
You will be given a passage to read, and the reading is followed by questions. Each of the items have multiple choice response options. You will be able to read the passage on one side of the screen while the test questions and answer choices are displayed on the other half of the screen.
The writing portion of the exam focuses on finding and correcting errors in essays. Test items cover punctuation, basic grammar, sentence structure and rhetorical skills in strategy, organization and style.
Once you find and identify errors in the essay, you will be given multiple choices from which to choose the best option for re-writing that section. Important reminder: Be sure to select every sentence (with your mouse) to review the choices.
All students begin in the Algebra section of the exam. Depending on how you do in this area, you will be branched to another section. If you did well on the Algebra questions, you will be branched to the College Algebra section; if not, you will be branched to the Pre-Algebra section of the exam.
Personal calculators are not allowed. However, you may use a calculator provided by the test proctor. You will also have access to a “drop-down” calculator within the COMPASS program.
New full-time students are required to assess prior to registering for their first semester. A letter will be sent inviting students to test during the months preceding the start of the semester. After testing, the new full-time students will schedule their counselor meetings when they will select first semester courses and register.
Part-time students are required to assess prior to enrolling in an English and/or math course.
It is best if you not take COMPASS right away; instead, contact an advisor in the English as a Second Language Office, Building F, Room F340, 847.925.6226.
Find out more about the ESL Office here.
Appropriate ACT scores or previous college credit in English and /or math can make you eligible for a waiver. Details are provided below:
| To waive the COMPASS Reading and Writing tests | To waive the COMPASS Math test |
| English & Reading ACT Scores | Math ACT Score |
| 19 in English and 20 in Reading | 23-36 |
| English Course & Grade | Math Course(s) & Grade |
| Grade of C or better in the equivalent of Harper’s ENG 101 (Composition) | Grade of C or better in the equivalent of Harper’s MTH 101 (Quantitative Literacy), MTH 103 (College Algebra) or a higher level math course |
COMPASS is designed to be user-friendly and for individuals with little or no computer experience. You will need to use a computer keyboard and mouse; however, most of the test is “point and click” so you do not need to understand how to operate the system.
If you are still in high school, the best preparation for taking the placements tests is to take four years of English and four years of math as part of your high school curriculum.
All who need to take COMPASS are encouraged to review prior to testing. This review will allow you to see the types of questions you will be asked on the various tests. Sample test questions are available online from ACT (the test developer), and you are also encouraged to reference Harper’s Testing Center web site for additional resources.
There are no time limits. If you need to take all three subject tests—reading, writing and math—you should allow approximately 2 ½ hours.
A valid photo ID is required for placement testing. You will not be permitted to test without appropriate identification. Acceptable forms of identification include:
New full-time students participating in New Student Orientation:
Counselors will review your test results with you and assist you in making decisions regarding the best course options related to your placements as well as your choice of major or program. (New full-time students are required to meet with a counselor for this purpose during the mandatory Orientation programs.)
Continuing full-time, new part-time and continuing part-time students:
You can pick up a copy of your Compass score report as soon as you finish the Compass test. Discussing your test results and course selection with a counselor prior to registration is strongly encouraged for all students whether new or continuing—and part-time students as well as full-time students.
One re-test is allowed after the first test. The retest must be completed prior to or during the first week of a math, English, reading or ESL class.
Once you have started a math, English, reading or ESL sequence, you must continue with the sequence until course requirements have been satisfied.
No they are not.
Remember—once you enroll and start a course sequence, you must complete the entire sequence—regardless of your test score expiration date(s).