COMPASS
Admissions Testing for Non-Traditional Applicants
Online registration for COMPASS on this site is for non-traditional applicants to GSU, only. You will need to use your Panther ID number, not your SSN, for registration. If you cannot locate your Panther ID number, you may retrieve it by going to https://www.gosolar.gsu.eduwebforstudent.htm. Click on the Admissions Status link, and fill in the request information. If your application submission is very recent, your number may not be available. Please call Admissions at 404-413-2500 for assistance.
If you wish to take COMPASS for another institution, you may take it as an individually proctored exam, by appointment. The proctor fee is $15.00 per hour. Appointments may be arranged by calling 404-413-1738. Please see information located at this site: http://www.gsu.edu/counseling/correspondence_independent_study.html
COMPASS assessments include reading, Writing, and Mathematics. The number of sections an applicant is required to take is determined by the Admissions Office upon review of application and transcript material.
On Test Day: Candidates are to bring one valid, government-issued, photo-bearing form of identification such as a driver's license, passport, or military identification card.
To Register for the Test
Applicants must register online for a testing appointment. A Panther ID number issued from GSU is required for online registration. The testing fee of $28.00 is payable at the time of registration. The testing fee is non-refundable and also is non-transferable (i.e., if you cannot attend on the date for which you registered, your fee will not be refunded; nor can your registration date cannot be transferred once the appointment is confirmed). Carefully read the information below before registering for the test. If you are not an applicant to GSU, and register at this online site, your fee will not be refunded.
The next scheduled test dates are:
Friday, October 2, 2009 9:00 AM
Friday, October 2, 2009 1:00 PM
Friday, October 9, 2009 9:00 AM
Friday, October 9, 2009 1:00 PM
Friday, November 6, 2009 9:00 AM
Friday, November 6, 2009 1:00 PM
Friday, November 20, 2009 9:00 AM
Friday, November 20, 2009 1:00 PM
Registration is available at the following site: www.registerblast.com/gsu. When registering, remember to use your Panther ID number assigned by Georgia State, not a social security number.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the tests like?
The test questions are multiple choice and will be administered by a computer. You answer one question at a time and you cannot return to a previous question. Sections typically contain 12-15 questions. Preceding each section the computer will provide a set of instructions describing the test format and information on how to navigate through the test.
Question: How long will the test take?
The tests are NOT timed. The time will vary from person to person based on the number of sections a person takes, the number of questions per section, and how long a person takes to responds to the questions. Most students will finish in about 30-45 minutes per area. Sessions beginning at 9:00 AM will be terminated no later than 12:45 PM; sessions beginning at 1:00 PM will be terminated no later than 4:45 PM. Appointments for completion may be made, if necessary.
Question: How soon will I get my results?
The Admissions Office will require some time to merge the scores with the other application data and evaluate the files. Applicants are notified of the admission decision in writing within 2-3 weeks following the test.
Question: Should I bring a calculator? How about pencil and paper?
NO. You will be provided with pencil/paper and the test screen allows you access to an on-screen calculator for the mathematics section.
Question: What level of Mathematics is included on the test?
The questions will start at the Algebra level. If most questions are answered correctly, the test may continue with additional questions in the College Algebra and Geometry level. If the applicant is admitted, the score from the Mathematics section will also be used for placement purposes.
Question: How do I prepare for the test?
Go to the following website to view some sample questions for each of the three sections: www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html. Practicing with a Windows calculator may give you confidence in using the online calculator during the mathematics section.
