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ACT/Compass Placement Testing
Program Placement Testing Scope and Guidelines
Placement tests are used to assist instructors and
students in determining academic skills levels. Results are
used to guide students in making appropriate program choices, to screen
students for particular programs, and to determine which students need
to improve basic academic skills through Developmental Education.
An applicant may repeat the placement test within 15
calendar days (prior to enrollment); however, there is a 30-calendar day
waiting period for the ASSET if only one form is administered.
Additionally, applicants may be limited by the number of times a
placement test may be retaken prior to program admission/enrollment.
Transfer applicants whose official transcripts prove
the successful completion (minimum of “C”) in required college level
transferable general education courses are exempt from taking the
placement exam, unless otherwise required for program entry by an
accrediting agency; i.e., Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse
Examiners.
Who Must Placement Test
All applicants who are pursuing a credential, i.e.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Technical Diploma (TD), or
Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS), are required to take a placement
test unless otherwise exempt due to transfer. Placement scores
accepted by Louisiana Technical College are: ACT, SAT, ASSET, and
COMPASS taken within the last 3 years.
Non-degree seeking students pursing general education
courses that require specific academic competencies are required to take
a placement exam, have appropriate scores, or have approved transfer
credit.
Entrance Placement Score Requirements
The recommended and required placement scores are
included in the Program Description section of the Catalog.
Students who do not meet the required placement score for AAS, TD, or
CTS programs must enroll in Developmental (English, Math and and/or
Reading) Education.
All students enrolling in an AAS Degree program must
achieve the required score levels for the associate degree on the
placement exam and/or successfully complete all developmental studies
courses in order to take the general education courses for the AAS
Degree. Should the student not be able to attain these skill
levels, he/she can exit with a Technical Diploma.
Some programs require placement scores prior to
program entry. These include Aviation Maintenance Technology,
Clinical Lab Technician, and Surgical Lab Technology. Applicants
to the Practical Nursing Program with deficient scores are placed in
either Developmental Education or Pre-Allied Health, depending upon the
score levels achieved.
Coursework for students enrolling in Louisiana
Technical College with transfer credit from other higher educational
institutions will be evaluated to determine placement in LTC courses.
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAXIMIZING YOUR TEST TAKING PERFORMANCE
WHAT IS COMPASS?
COMPASS
is a comprehensive, computerized skills survey system that measures
your:
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*Reading Skills
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*Writing Skills
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*Mathematics Skills
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COMPASS is not a pass/fail test
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COMPASS tests are given on a computer. The system
is very user friendly and computer skills are not required.
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COMPASS is not timed, you have as much time as
you need to complete the Placement Tests. Total time varies
for each student, but you should allow approximately one hour
for each scheduled exam.
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COMPASS is adaptive, most students will see test
questions become more or less difficult based on previously
answered questions.
WHAT ARE COMPASS
SCORES USED FOR?
COMPASS
scores determine your placement in:
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*Developmental Courses
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*College Level Courses
WHY IS COMPASS
IMPORTANT?
COMPASS will not only give you an opportunity to
demonstrate your knowledge level and academic skills, but your performance
on the test could determine your placement in either developmental
or college level courses.
WHEN CAN I TAKE
THE COMPASS?
The test is usually administered at least weekly
but you should call for an appointment. For more information or
to make an appointment, contact the
your local campus.
SCHEDULING THE
TEST
The test takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. You should
not rush. You will score higher on the test when you do not rush.
WHAT SHOULD I
BRING?
Students must bring a paid receipt and current identification
with picture (Drivers License, State I.D., or Social Security Card)
CAN I STUDY FOR
THE COMPASS?
ABSOLUTELY, practice tests are available on
the internet at
www.act.org/compass You may also study for the test on campus
if space is available.
IS THE COMPASS
TEST TIMED?
NO, the COMPASS test is not timed.
IMPORTANT FACTS
TO REMEMBER
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Take
your time!
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Read
all directions carefully and completely!
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Ask
the proctor if you have any questions!
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Paying
close attention to details is essential!
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It
may take the computer a moment to process your data, wait for
the computer to respond!
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Do
not click or press enter multiple times!
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Please
do not trash the computer!
YOU MUST PAY THE
TESTING AND APPLICATION FEE PRIOR TO THE TESTING DATE
Cost:
Testing Fee =
$15 (or $5 per part)
Application
Fee = $5
TOTAL = $20
FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE!
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PLEASE PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS
After signing onto the COMPASS program, you will
be asked several demographic questions. Answer these to the best
of your knowledge. These questions WILL NOT alter
the results of the exam.
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Read all the questions first, then the
passage.
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Follow the instructions on the
screen to start the test.
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Carefully read all instructions prior to starting
a test.
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The writing part of the test is multiple choice.
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The COMPASS Mathematics section uses "adaptive
technology." The better you do, the more difficult the problems
become.
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There is no reason to RUSH, there is no time
limit.
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GO SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY!
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Follow the instructions exactly as written,
you will not be able to go on to the next question until you
have answered the one you are working on.
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For COMPASS Mathematics, a button appears at
the top of the screen to allow you to access a simple calculator.
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Graphic calculators are not allowed.
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