What is COMPASS?
The COMPASS is a series of basic skills assessments completed on a computer. The assessment allows you and NCMC to work together to help you succeed in your courses. There is no "passing score"; the scores indicate which NCMC courses
are the starting points for your educational career.

• COMPASS is user friendly and designed for individuals with little or no computer experience
• COMPASS is untimed so you can work at your own pace
• Results print-out at the completion of the assessment and provide appropriate NCMC course placement

COMPASS is required of all entering students except the following:
• Students who have ACT, ASSET, or COMPASS scores on file at North Central
• Guest students from other colleges
• Students who have already earned an associate degree or higher
• Students who have on file at NCMC proof of 15 or more transfer credit hours, which include appropriate English and mathematics credits, & a 2.0 or higher GPA
• Students only interested in pursuing "personal interest" PE 116 or 216, not taking math or English.

Tips for taking COMPASS
1. PACE YOURSELF! Remember that the assessment questions increase in difficulty.
2. Read each question carefully until you understand what the question is asking.
3. Try to respond to all the items presented to you.
4. Allow yourself approximately two hours to complete the assessment.
5. Ask questions if you do not understand the process for COMPASS. Learning Support Services staff are available to assist you!

Should you require assistance in meeting academic challenges, NCMC offers courses in math, writing and study skills as well as free tutoring.

COMPASS is offered on demand in the Learning Support Services Lab, Room 533 in SCRC, Monday through Saturday; please call 348-6682 to verify LSS hours or to arrange for accomodations.

For further information
Liz Otto,
231-348-6693

Kathryn Flewelling
231-348-6817

For sample questions, and info on COMPASS www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html