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UTBCOMPASS Pre-Assessment Activity

By law, the state of Texas (TSI) requires all persons entering into

college complete an assessment to determine their level of college

readiness in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. The COMPASS will measure your knowledge of these three areas and MUST BE TAKEN

SERIOUSLY.

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What is the COMPASS?

• The COMPASS is a state approved assessment that measures your skills in reading, writing, and math.

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You may be asking yourself “Why do I have to take the COMPASS?”

• As mentioned previously, it is a state legal requirement for the university.

• The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) mandates that incoming students must take a state assessment, such as COMPASS, before starting college.

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Meeting the TSI score criteria deems you as college ready according to the state of Texas.

While your ACT/SAT scores are used to determine admittance, your test scores (COMPASS) are used to

determine the level of coursework you are prepared for. A score under the COMPASS college ready scores means that you need to take developmental coursework in that

subject area. UTB does not offer developmental courses. Therefore, you must score above the following ranges in

all three subject areas before registering at UTB.

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These COMPASS Scores are your GOAL!

• Mathematics = 39+

• Reading = 81+

• Writing = 6+

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What happens if you don’t meet those COMPASS goals?

• Must take developmental coursework at a community college

• Developmental courses are an added cost to regular tuition

• Developmental courses are non-credit and can result in up to one additional year to graduation

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What does the COMPASS look like?

• All portions of the test are multiple choice, except for the essay.

• The COMPASS is a computerized adaptive test. That means that the difficulty of each question will depend on how you answered the previous question. The more questions that you answer correctly, the more challenging the questions will become. The more challenging questions that you get correct, the higher your score will be.

• Because the test is designed this way, for all multiple choice questions, you MUST submit an answer in order to move on to the next question. You cannot go back to previous questions.

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What test taking tips can help you be successful?

• Spend quality time reviewing practice resources. • Be well rested and eat properly.• Rest and Relax the night before the assessment.• Allow plenty of time to get ready and travel time to

the testing center.• Be sure to visit the restroom before beginning the

assessment test.

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Let’s review the Reading section first!

• The Reading assessment will assess your ability to understand and apply information that you read.

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• As you read the passage think about its content. Take your time to carefully read and understand the passage.

• Once you’ve read the passage review the question to determine what you are looking for.

• Now read the passage again and predict the answer to the question you were asked.

• Read all of your possible choices and refer back to the passage to support your answer.

• You may also use the process of elimination and finally select the best answer.

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Five types of reading comprehension passages are included:

• Practical Reading • Prose Fiction • Humanities• Social Sciences • Natural Sciences

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Now, you give it a try!

Sample Reading Test Questions

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Now, let’s review the writing multiple choice section!

• The skills assessed by the multiple choice section are: • Punctuation• Spelling• Capitalization• Usage• Verb formation/agreement• Relationships of clauses• Shifts in construction• Organization

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Now, you give it a try!

Sample Test Questions

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Now, let’s review the writing essay section!

• The ACT Compass e-Write test consists of one writing prompt that defines an issue or problem and describes two points of view on that issue. Students are asked to respond to a question about their position on the issue described in the prompt.

• Your COMPASS essay score will be within a 2-8 range. Please follow this link for a better understanding

• http://www.act.org/compass/tests/writingessay.html

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Finally, let’s review the math section!

• The Math Placement Test offers up to five subject areas:

• Pre-Algebra• Algebra• College Algebra• Geometry• Trigonometry

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Practice your math!

Sample Math Test Questions: Numerical Skills/Pre-Algebra and Algebra

Sample Math Test Questions: College Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry

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Be Prepared! Practice more!!• Studying ahead of time will likely ensure a better score.

• There are reviews available online. You may want to take a few moments to write down the following link/s:

• http://www.compasstestquestions.com/

• http://www.testpreppractice.net/COMPASS/Default.aspx

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Day of the Test TipsNow that you are familiar with the purpose and content of the COMPASS assessment. Let’s discuss some tips to ensure that you will BE PREPARED to take the test.

• You can bring your own calculator for the parts of the math section.

• Please bring a photo ID on the day of the test.• The place where you will take your exam is provided to you by

the Testing Office which is located in Tandy 216.

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Day of the Test Tips• First tip, don’t rush! Although it may be tempting to

rush and complete the exam to register for classes, it is in your best interest to take your time on each question.

• Next tip, make sure you have enough time to take it. Give yourself at least 5 hours.

• Last but not least. RELAX!

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• Like other tests you want to make sure that you are well rested and eat before the exam.

• If you are feeling overwhelmed while taking the exam stop, take a deep breath gather your thoughts and continue.

• Also, be aware that as the deadline to apply and register for courses approaches, the Testing Center will become busy. Please make plans to be at the Testing Center (Tandy 216) early in order to avoid long lines.

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If you want more help and practice…

• The Learning Enrichment Center (MRCN 109) has hard copies of COMPASS preparation materials and offers in person group overview workshops or individual tutoring to prepare you for the COMPASS assessment.

• For COMPASS workshop information, please follow this link:http://www.utb.edu/vpaa/le/Pages/default.aspx

With our help and your preparation you will do great!

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Not sure what career you wish to pursue?

• Meet with one of our fabulous career counselors to investigate possible future careers by appointment.

• Call 882-8292 to set up an appointment with Monica Hernandez or Herminia Noriega for career counseling.

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Additional UTB Resources to help you!

• TSI Assessment

• Admissions, registration, & financial aid

• Selecting courses and declaring majors

• Tutoring and TSI workshops

• Testing Office (Tandy 216)

• Enrollment Management (Tandy 201)

• Academic Advising Center (Camille Lightner Center)

• Learning Enrichment Center (MRCN 109)