It depends. When you take the MVCC Placement Test, your writing sample will be read by English faculty. If they determine that you need to take ESL Composition, you will also need to take an ESL test to find out what level is best.

The COMPASS test is an adaptive computerized testing program. This means that the test is taken on a computer and "adapts" to the student′s ability to answer the questions. Most students will take 1.5-2 hours to complete the test. We recommend that you allow 3 hours when you schedule a testing appointment. However, the test is un-timed.

The test is always proctored in a secure and quiet testing environment, usually on campus, not on a home computer. If you live a distance from campus, our Placement Testing office can help you make special arrangements to take the test at a licensed test center closer to your home city.

All students who are admitted into a degree or certificate program must take the COMPASS test. The test scores help you and your advisors determine the best courses for you to take during your first semester.

If you are transferring from another college, you may receive notification from the MVCC admissions office that you have been exempted from the reading, writing, and/or math tests depending upon your credit evaluation.

You will be taking three sections of the COMPASS placement test: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. The reading test measures comprehension. The writing section measures your skills in grammar and punctuation. The mathematics test includes basic arithmetic through algebra and more advanced mathematics.

Most students apply to MVCC and are accepted into a program before taking the placement test. This will ensure your smooth transition to the next steps of advising and scheduling your courses. However, we do not require that you have applied before you take the COMPASS test. If you take the COMPASS placement test first, your very next step is an application for admission. You will not be able to schedule classes until you are accepted by Admissions.

MVCC also offers COMPASS placement testing to students who are not applying to an MVCC program, but wish only to take a Math or English course at MVCC.

There is a tutorial at the start of the test that shows you how to navigate using a computer mouse. If you find that the use of the mouse is too intimidating or unfamiliar, even after the tutorial, let your test proctor know, and we will discuss alternatives with you.

You are encouraged to look over a sample test so you know what to expect: However, you are not expected to learn anything new for the COMPASS placement test. It is designed to give your advisor a current assessment of your basic skills.

It is not necessary for you to come to MVCC′s Utica or Rome campus to take the COMPASS test. If you are unable to travel to campus, call us at 315-731-5802 to possibly arrange testing at a licensed test center closer to your home. Some sites may charge a fee for COMPASS testing.

1. Photo identification
2. Your Social Security card

Students must make an appointment for placement testing. Schedule via the web or call 731-5802 to schedule your testing session.

Since COMPASS is an untimed test and the use of a calculator is allowed, many students with disabilities are able to take COMPASS under the standard conditions. Those with more extensive accommodation needs should call (315) 731-5702 or (315) 792-5413.

Your math and reading results will be ready immediately. It may take a few more days for us to evaluate your writing sample.

In most cases, you will schedule an advising appointment for the week following the test. At that meeting, an academic advisor will discuss with you your plans and course placement. You will schedule your classes at that time.

Students are permitted to use an online calculator when completing the COMPASS mathematics placement test. Because of the difficulty of verifying whether calculators meet Compass guidelines, students may NOT bring their own calculators into the test.