COMPASS
What is COMPASS?
COMPASS is a set of multiple choice, computer-based placement tests in composition, reading, and mathematics.
You must apply for admission and be entered in our computer database before taking the COMPASS. If you have not applied for admission yet, please apply at boss.ualr.edu now to avoid delays.
- For UALR entering freshmen, who don’t have current ACT or SAT scores, COMPASS can be used INSTEAD of the ACT or SAT for the following students:
- International students
- Students age 21 or older
Note: If a student uses COMPASS as an admissions exam and does not meet the minimum score, they must retake all 3 parts of the exam to receive a new combined score for admissions purposes. Students cannot retake only one part of the exam to be recalculated into their combined score. Students who have tested at another institution, and have scores sent to UALR, must take all 3 parts of the exam on the same date if they wish to use their scores for admission purposes.
For transfer students, and for students with ACT or SAT scores who want to enhance their course placement:
COMPASS can also be used as a PLACEMENT TEST or a CALCULUS READINESS TEST for students with certain ACT or SAT scores, or for transfers who are not required to submit admission test scores. (you may take COMPASS as a placement test or calculus readiness test, even if you are younger than 21.)
If you need to take COMPASS to attend a university other than UALR:
If you plan to attend a college or university other than UALR — and that school requires you to take COMPASS - it is sometimes possible to test you at UALR. This can be convenient for you if your college or university is far away. Please contact the college or university you plan to attend and inform them that you would like to take a remote COMPASS test. They will be able to arrange the test that you need.
I have already taken the COMPASS at another school. Will UALR accept my scores?
-Yes, UALR will accept your COMPASS scores from another institution. The scores must not be more than five years old. Students who have tested at another institution, and have scores sent to UALR, must take all 3 parts of the exam on the same date if they wish to use their scores for admission purposes. You may hand deliver the scores to the Office of Testing Services in Ross Hall 409 as long as the scores are in an official, sealed envelope with the school seal or registrar’s seal on the flap of the envelope. You may also have your scores sent to UALR in an official, sealed envelope.
-Have your previous college or university send your test scores to:
Director of Testing Services
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
2801 S. University Avenue-Ross Hall 409
Little Rock, AR 72204
Will UALR send my COMPASS scores to another institution?
-Yes we will send out scores to another institution. Please determine the requirements at your new college or university and then contact Brad Patterson at rbpatterson@ualr.edu for details.
What are the advantages of choosing COMPASS instead of ACT or SAT?
- COMPASS is offered more frequently. You receive your scores immediately.
- COMPASS has no time limit.
What are the disadvantages of choosing COMPASS instead of ACT or SAT?
- Some scholarships and academic programs require ACT or SAT scores.
What kind of computer skills do I need to take COMPASS?
Point and click a mouse, scroll up and down a page, and type in your name and ID number. Before you begin your test, you may choose to look through some COMPASS sample questions.
What does COMPASS cost?
Each part costs $10. Students who are using COMPASS as an admission test must take all three parts.
When is COMPASS offered?
(Remember that you must apply for admission and be entered in UALR’s computer database BEFORE you can take COMPASS.)
We offer walk-in, first-come-first-served testing Monday through Friday any time between 8:30 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. If you are making a special trip to take COMPASS, call us at 501-569-3198 on the morning of the day you plan to test. On occasion, we may be unable to test you (for example, if we have computer problems, if the electricity is off, or if the campus closes due to inclement weather).
During peak times (for example, when a semester is about to begin), we may have lines of students waiting to test. Avoid the rush — test early! We are here throughout the year. The closer you wait until the beginning of classes, the longer the lines will be!
Can I take my exams on multiple days?
If you are taking muliple exams and would like to split up the testing, you may stop after you complete any of the sections. For example, if you are taking the Reading, Math, and Writing tests and need to conclude testing for the day, you may quit testing after the Reading or Math section and come back at a later time to complete the exam. Students who have tested at another institution, and have scores sent to UALR, must take all 3 parts of the exam on the same date if they wish to use their scores for admission purposes.
In addition, if it is 4:45 and you are still testing we will ask you to stop. You will have to return at a later date to complete your exam.
How can I study for COMPASS?
You can find hundreds of free practice tests online.
Just “google” COMPASS study materials and you will find a wealth of information.
ACT also offers study materials on their website.
The City University of New York offers practice tests that look exactly like the COMPASS tests.
Can I use a calculator for the Math exam?
-Yes you may use a calculator on the exam. Your calculator must meet the following guidelines.
Permitted Calculators
You may use any four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator, unless it has features described in the Prohibited Calculators list. For models on the Calculators Permitted with Modification list, you will be required to modify some of the calculator’s features.
Prohibited Calculators
The following types of calculators are prohibited:
- calculators with built-in computer algebra systems
Prohibited calculators in this category include:- Texas Instruments: All model numbers that begin with TI-89 or TI-92 and the TI-Nspire CAS—Note: The TI-Nspire (non-CAS) is permitted.
- Hewlett-Packard: HP 48GII and all model numbers that begin with HP 40G, HP 49G, or HP 50G
- Casio: Algebra fx 2.0, ClassPad 300 and ClassPad 330, and all model numbers that begin with CFX-9970G
- handheld, tablet, or laptop computers, including PDAs
- electronic writing pads or pen-input devices—Note: The Sharp EL 9600 is permitted.
- calculators built into cell phones or any other electronic communication devices
- calculators with a typewriter keypad (letter keys in QWERTY format)—Note: Letter keys not in QWERTY format are permitted.
Calculators Permitted with Modification
The following types of calculators are permitted, but only after they are modified as noted:
- calculators with paper tape—Remove the tape.
- calculators that make noise—Turn off the sound.
- calculators with an infrared data port—Completely cover the infrared data port with heavy opaque material such as duct tape or electrician’s tape (includes Hewlett-Packard HP 38G and HP 39G series, and HP 48G).
- calculators that have power cords—Remove all power/electrical cords.
Can I retake the exam if I do not meet the required score?
Yes you can take the exam again. You will receive an information sheet once you complete the exam that will list departments where you may seek additional help. It is highly recommeded that you seek this assistance before retaking the exam. Normal fees apply for all retests.
Can I get accommodations for a disability?
Absolutely. Since COMPASS is untimed, there is no problem if you need additional time. If you need other accommodations, ask Testing Services for a Petition for Testing Accommodations. Also, make sure you have your file completed in the UALR Disability Resource Center. Please see our Accommodations for Students with Disabilities section for more information.
- What must I bring with me to take COMPASS?
- Your test fee. For the entire COMPASS admissions test, the charge is $30. Please pay by VISA, Mastercard, CHECK, or MONEY ORDER payable to UALR. We can accept cash if you bring EXACT change. (We don’t have a cash register to change large bills.)
- Official photo ID with your current legal name. Acceptable photo IDs include a driver’s license, UALR ID card, or military ID. Club membership cards and photo credit cards are unacceptable.
What should I NOT bring with me to take COMPASS?
- Cell phones, pagers, beeping watches, or other electronic devices. They are not permitted in our test rooms, even if you have turned them off.
- Food, drinks, gum and candy are not permitted in the Testing Services office or the testing room.
- Calculators. If a calculator is permitted on a test you are taking, it will be provided on the computer.
- Children. We cannot provide child care for you, and children are not permitted in the testing room.
I took the ACT or SAT and was placed into remedial coursework. May I take part of the COMPASS to try to bypass these courses?
Yes.
I’m a transfer student and didn’t have to submit ACT or SAT scores to be admitted. May I take COMPASS to try to bypass remedial coursework?
Yes!
I want to skip MATH 1302 and go into Trigonometry or a Calculus class. What can I do?
If you have the required ACT or SAT score, you may take the COMPASS College Algebra test. Depending upon your score, you may be eligible for MATH 1303, 1311, 1342, or 1451.
I’ve already earned credit for College Algebra (either at UALR or another school). May I take the COMPASS College Algebra test to try to skip Trig?
Yes!
What is my next step?
Follow the above guidelines for taking the COMPASS as an admissions test. The difference is that you take only the applicable part(s) of the test. The charge is $10 per test, with a maximum charge of $30. Refer to the information above about studying for COMPASS.
| COMPASS Test | Who is eligible? | Purpose? | Required score? |
| Writing (Composition Placement Test) | ACT English score of 17 or 18 or SAT Writing score of 410 is recommended | To try to bypass RHET 0310 | 75 or higher to be placed in RHET 1311. |
| Reading (Reading Placement Test) |
ACT Reading score of 17 or 18 or SAT Critical Reading score of 410 is strongly recommended | To try to bypass READ 0310 | 83 or higher to bypass READ 0310. |
| Pre-Algebra (Math Placement Test) |
ACT Math score of 17 or SAT Math score of 410 is strongly recommended | To try to bypass MATH 0300 and/or MATH 0301 (If you score high enough on this test, you will automatically be moved on to the to a higher test) |
55 or lower places you in MATH 0300. 56 or higher places you in MATH 0301 and automatically moves you up to a higher level math test. |
| College Algebra (Math Placement and Calculus Readiness Test) | ACT Math score of 21, or ACT Elementary Algebra score of 11, or SAT Math score of 500. (Students who have passed MATH 1302 are eligible to test) | To enroll in MATH 1302 or 1315; or to try to bypass MATH 1302 and go directly into MATH 1303 or 1342; or to bypass 1302 and 1303 and go directly into MATH 1311 or 1451 | 39 or less: MATH 0301. 40-58: MATH 1302 or 1315. 59+: MATH 1303, 1311, or 1342. Also eligible to take the Trigonometry Exam to attempt to place into MATH 1451. |