Placement Testing

FAQ

Do I need to take the placement test?
UAS-K policy states that new students who are degree seeking or planning to enroll in six or more credits should complete placement assessments before enrolling in any UAS courses. Testing requirements will be waived for transfer students who provide transcripts for college work in math and/or English. Placement results will indicate the starting level for students, and may require specific courses as pre-requisites to college-level courses. Tests may not be used to skip courses in a sequence.

What is the placement test and what is it used for?
A placement test is designed to measure a person's ability in specific subject areas and to determine the most appropriate course(s) to take. At UAS, we use COMPASS, a computer program, to determine placement in English and Math courses.

How long will the test take?
Allow at least three hours to complete the tests.

COMPASS administers several groups of tests: one for math and three for English (reading, editing, and essay writing). The program is adaptive, which means the kinds of problems you will see and how many problems you will work on depend on how you respond.

The math, reading, and editing sections of the test are not timed. In general, the more knowledgeable you are, the more items will be presented and the longer the test will take. The time for each section--reading, editing, math--averages around 45 minutes, but can take more or less time. The essay portion of the assessment is timed (90 minutes).

Computer skills are assessed with a program called SAM 2003. The computer skills test consists of a number of hands-on activities to complete. The test is not timed, but should take most users 15-30 minutes to complete. A demo version of the software is available for review in the Learning Center.

Must I be tested on every section?
No. If all you require is a Math or an English placement, then inform the test proctor.

Do I have to take all sections in one day?
No. It is not necessary to take all sections in one day. If your schedule does not permit you the suggested time needed, then inform the testing center that you are taking only one of the sections and plan to return on another day to take the remainder of the test.

Where does testing take place?
The Learning Center is located at the main UAS-K campus, in the Ziegler Building on the 2nd floor (next to the campus library).

Do I have to bring anything?
Know or bring your social security number. We will provide all materials.

Is there a fee?
As of August 1, 2005, there is a fee for placement testing.

Can I fail the placement exam?
No. This is an assessment tool that helps UAS advisors place you in appropriate courses so you can succeed. It will not determine whether or not you can take classes, only which ones are appropriate for you to begin with.

How will I receive my test results? Can I receive my results over the phone?
Test results are usually available immediately. Occasionally essay results are delayed up to 48 hours. To ensure confidentiality, testing results are not released over the phone.

How do I schedule my testing?
Appointments are requested. Contact the Learning Center to schedule a time: 228-4560.

Do I need to study? How can I review?
Familiarizing yourself with the information that will be covered in the placement tests is always helpful. Sample questions for the Math, Reading, and Writing Skills tests can be found at www.act.org/compass/sample. An overview of the testing software and pre-algebra review modules are also available on the UAS-K Learning Center website.

I took tests at another school. Can I use those scores?
This decision is made on a case-by-case basis. Generally, scores from COMPASS or ASSET can be evaluated for placement at UAS-K. Often, however, additional testing is required. Contact the Learning Center or the Student Resource Center for more information.

I have taken SATs. Must I still take the UAS Placement Test?
In most cases, yes. Students who score 620 or higher on the SAT verbal should contact the Student Resource Center for exemption guidelines.