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This is a continuation of the information and instructions for placement tests at North Seattle Community College. Please begin by reading over the Placement Tests page. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is on the placement tests? A: The math test is on the computer, using the COMPASS placement test. It has multiple-choice questions ranging from basic math to trigonometry. The test is "adaptive," which means it adapts the next question to the answer you just gave. If you get a question right, it will ask a harder one; if you miss a question, it asks an easier one, until it has found your specific course placement. When you begin the math test, it will ask you what level of math you want to start with (Pre-Algebra, Algebra, or College Algebra). Picking a level close to where your math skills are will save you time and help your placement. If you know higher levels of math, it is better to start at the higher level rather than the beginning level. Wherever you start, you will move up and down between levels, depending on your answers. Your test may take 10 minutes or over an hour. Either way is completely normal. We'll have a handout to help you choose which level you want to start with when you come for the test. There is a calculator built into the program for you to use (you are not allowed to use your own calculator). It is the same as the standard Microsoft Window's calculator. You may choose to use either the standard or the scientific version of the calculator. View examples of the Windows calculators. If you'd like to see what the test looks like, visit the websites listed under 'Study Guides' below.
The English test has two parts: reading comprehension and writing skills. The reading comprehension and writing skills are done on the computer using the COMPASS placement test. The test has no time limit and is adaptive, like the math test. Reading Comprehension: You begin on the computer, with the reading comprehension test. You will read essays and answer multiple-choice questions about them. As you answer correctly, you will get more difficult essays; if you are having difficulty, you will get easier essays. You may be asked to read only one essay or up to six essays. The number of essays you get has nothing to do with how well you are doing on the test. If you get more essays, it just means that more test information is needed before a decision can be reached on your placement level. Writing Skills: On the writing skills test, you will read an essay and edit it for errors in punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, strategy, organization and style. There are many errors in every essay. By highlighting a line, you are given five multiple-choice options for changing the line. (The "A" option is always to leave the line the same.) As you edit correctly, you will get more difficult essays; if you are having difficulty, you will get easier essays. You may get one essay to edit or up to six. As with the reading comprehension test, the number of essays you get does not tell you that you are doing well or having difficulty on the test. See review material for the COMPASS math, COMPASS English, and English appeal tests under 'Study Guides' below.
Q: What is the difference between the COMPASS English test and the ESL test? A: The COMPASS English Placement Test is not appropriate for students in ESL classes or for non-native speakers with beginning or intermediate English language skills. We do have an ESL placement test if you are interested in placement into ESL classes. If you place high on the ESL test, you will be recommended to take the COMPASS English test. Currently, if you score below 25 points on the writing portion of the English Compass test, you will automatically receive a placement to take the ESL test. There is no fee for the ESL placement test. Visit the ESL Test web page. Q: Is there a study guide? A: There's no official study guide; however, the Testing Center has gathered some resources for a student taking the math and English placement tests. The links here are just a brief selection of possible study guides intended to provide help. It is up to you to look at different sources and find what works for you. Q: How long do the tests take? A: There's no definite answer, since the tests are not timed and are adaptive. Most students should allow:
Q: What if I can't finish in one session? A: If you can't finish a placement test before you need to leave or before the office closes, we can pause your exam on the computer. It is best to pause after completing at least one full section (such as math or reading). You do not lose the work you've already done. You can return to complete your exam at any drop-in session within the next two weeks. There is no charge if you bring back the "incomplete" score report from your previous testing session. Whether you complete this test or not, it will be counted as a test session. After the two-week period is over, the same retake policies will apply as for any completed test. For example, if you took an English test, you must wait three months each time before you can take the English test again (a testing fee is required). If it was your first math test, you may take the math test again at any time - but after your second math test, you must wait three months each time you test (a testing fee is required for each retake). Q: When will my scores be ready? How do I get my scores? A: Your placement will be ready immediately, as you exit the test. We cannot give out scores over the phone. You must come pick them up in person during office hours and show valid photo ID (for example: Driver's License, State ID, school ID or passport). You may also get a mailed copy of your scores for a fee of $3.00. We need a signed score release form to send your scores out. We do not fax scores. Q: What do I do if I have (or think I may have) a disability and require an academic adjustment or accommodation? A: If you have a disability and require an academic adjustment or accommodation for the test (for example, a reader or a private room), contact the Disability Services office for information. They can also help you make arrangements for academic adjustments or accommodations that will support your success in your quarterly classes. Q: Does North accept placement tests or completed classes from other schools? A: English: Students with recent COMPASS test scores will receive a placement. (see our interactive form). Students who have already completed English placement testing or college-level English courses at another institution may not need to test. These students should bring unofficial transcripts or placement test results to the Advising Center or a New Student Orientation for review. Students must re-test if their placement test scores are more than one year old. See Health/Medical Division regarding program entrance and testing policies.) Students who meet the criteria below are eligible for placement into English&101 (English Composition I):
ESL: North does not accept ESL test placements or courses from other schools. All students wanting to enroll in ESL courses at North must take North's ESL placement test. Math: We accept recent math results from most placement tests given by accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. For math, we place the student based on the other school's course placement, except for COMPASS test results. With COMPASS results from other schools, we place the student based on the math scores and we give a placement according to North's score matrix.
We accept math course placements (rather than test scores) from most placement tests given by accredited colleges or universities in the U.S. Advisors will compare the course placement to equivalent course levels at North. Q: I have taken the placement test, and received my results. What is the next step? A: The next step will depend on whether you are enrolled in a special program, or are pursuing a degree or certificate. Special Programs
Q: May I choose not to take the math test and just start at the first level math course? A: If you choose to start from the first math level (MATH081: Basic Math Skills) without taking the math placement test, you will need to contact the math instructor teaching the course you are interested in taking. The instructor will issue an Entry Code once approved to begin at the first math level. Please contact the Veterans Affairs Office or the Health/Medical Division if you have additional questions about requirements. Q: Can I appeal my test placement? A: Yes, you can appeal a test placement. An appeal may be made within one month of taking the placement test. One appeal only, per test. For math appeals: Contact the Math, Science, Social Sciences Division Office For English appeals: The appeal must be done within one month
of taking the English placement test; only one appeal is permitted. See the
Appeal Policy for details. |
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206-527-3746 to schedule an appointment with a math instructor or the division dean. Bring your math placement results and picture ID with you to this appointment. You may bring a recent math textbook if you feel this will strengthen your appeal for placement in a higher level.