COMPASS
Admissions Testing for Non-Traditional Applicants
(Note: This is NOT the page for students looking for information about the MATH PLACEMENT TEST required for all admitted freshmen and transfer students. Click here for information about the MATH PLACEMENT TEST. Do not sign up for a math placement appointment through the link listed below.)
Georgia State University uses the COMPASS test (designed by ACT) to assess applicants in the areas of 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 form of government-issued, photo-bearing identification (driver's license preferred).
To Register for the Test
Applicants must register online for a testing appointment. 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., your registration date cannot be transferred once the appointment is confirmed). Carefully read the information below before registering for the test.
The next scheduled test date is June 20, 2008.
Registration for both test dates must be done online and is available through following link: www.registerblast.com/gsu.
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. Preceeding each section the computer will provide a set of instructions describing the test format and information for 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. Some students may need more time because they don’t like to rush and some students will take longer because they need more time to adjust to the test format.
Question: How soon will I get my results?
The test scores are sent to the Admissions Office within 1-2 days following the test day. 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 caculator during the mathematics section.
