This document provides information about the COMPASS test, which is a state-mandated assessment taken by students in Texas to determine college readiness in reading, writing, and math. It discusses the required minimum scores to place out of developmental courses, sample test questions, and tips for preparing for and taking the COMPASS test.

2. UTB
COMPASS Pre-Assessment Activity
By law, the state of Texas (TSI) requires
all persons entering into college
complete an assessment to determine
their level of college readiness in
Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.
The COMPASS will measure your
knowledge of these three areas and
MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.

3. What is the COMPASS?
• The COMPASS is a state approved assessment
that measures your skills in reading, writing,
and math.

4. You may be asking yourself “Why do I have to take the
COMPASS?”
• As mentioned previously, it is a state legal
requirement for the university.
• The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) mandates
that incoming students must take a state
assessment, such as COMPASS, before starting
college.

5. Meeting the TSI score criteria deems you as college ready
according to the state of Texas.
While your ACT/SAT scores are used to determine admittance,
your test scores (COMPASS) are used to determine the level of
coursework you are prepared for. A score under the COMPASS
college ready scores means that you need to take
developmental coursework in that subject area. UTB does not
offer developmental courses. Therefore, you must score above
the following ranges in all three subject areas before registering
at UTB.

6. These COMPASS Scores are your
GOAL!
• Mathematics = 39+
• Reading = 81+
• Writing = 6+

7. What happens if you don’t meet those COMPASS
goals?
• Must take developmental coursework at a
community college
• Developmental courses are an added cost to
regular tuition
• Developmental courses are non-credit and
can result in up to one additional year to
graduation

8. What does the COMPASS look like?
• All portions of the test are multiple choice, except for the
essay.
• The COMPASS is a computerized adaptive test. That means
that the difficulty of each question will depend on how you
answered the previous question. The more questions that you
answer correctly, the more challenging the questions will
become. The more challenging questions that you get
correct, the higher your score will be.
• Because the test is designed this way, for all multiple choice
questions, you MUST submit an answer in order to move on
to the next question. You cannot go back to previous
questions.

9. What test taking tips can help you be
successful?
• Spend quality time reviewing practice resources.
• Be well rested and eat properly.
• Rest and Relax the night before the assessment.
• Allow plenty of time to get ready and travel time to
the testing center.
• Be sure to visit the restroom before beginning the
assessment test.

10. Let’s review the Reading section first!
• The Reading assessment will assess your
ability to understand and apply information
that you read.

11. • As you read the passage think about its content. Take your
time to carefully read and understand the passage.
• Once you’ve read the passage review the question to
determine what you are looking for.
• Now read the passage again and predict the answer to the
question you were asked.
• Read all of your possible choices and refer back to the passage
to support your answer.
• You may also use the process of elimination and finally select
the best answer.

12. Five types of reading comprehension passages are
included:
• Practical Reading
• Prose Fiction
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences

13. Now, you give it a try!
Sample Reading Test Questions

14. Now, let’s review the writing multiple choice
section!
• The skills assessed by the multiple choice section are:
• Punctuation
• Spelling
• Capitalization
• Usage
• Verb formation/agreement
• Relationships of clauses
• Shifts in construction
• Organization

15. Now, you give it a try!
Sample Test Questions

16. Now, let’s review the writing essay section!
• The ACT Compass e-Write test consists of one writing
prompt that defines an issue or problem and
describes two points of view on that issue. Students
are asked to respond to a question about their
position on the issue described in the prompt.
• Your COMPASS essay score will be within a 2-8 range.
Please follow this link for a better understanding
• http://www.act.org/compass/tests/writingessay.html

17. Finally, let’s review the math section!
• The Math Placement Test offers up to five
subject areas:
• Pre-Algebra
• Algebra
• College Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry

18. Practice your math!
Sample Math Test Questions: Numerical
Skills/Pre-Algebra and Algebra
Sample Math Test Questions: College Algebra,
Geometry, and Trigonometry

19. Be Prepared! Practice more!!
• Studying ahead of time will likely ensure a better score.
• There are reviews available online. You may want to take a
few moments to write down the following link/s:
• http://www.compasstestquestions.com/
• http://www.testpreppractice.net/COMPASS/Default.aspx

20. Day of the Test Tips
Now that you are familiar with the purpose and content of the
COMPASS assessment. Let’s discuss some tips to ensure that you
will BE PREPARED to take the test.
• You can bring your own calculator for the parts of the math
section.
• Please bring a photo ID on the day of the test.
• The place where you will take your exam is provided to you by
the Testing Office which is located in Tandy 216.

21. Day of the Test Tips
• First tip, don’t rush! Although it may be tempting to
rush and complete the exam to register for classes, it
is in your best interest to take your time on each
question.
• Next tip, make sure you have enough time to take it.
Give yourself at least 5 hours.
• Last but not least. RELAX!

22. • Like other tests you want to make sure that you are well
rested and eat before the exam.
• If you are feeling overwhelmed while taking the exam stop,
take a deep breath gather your thoughts and continue.
• Also, be aware that as the deadline to apply and register for
courses approaches, the Testing Center will become busy.
Please make plans to be at the Testing Center (Tandy 216)
early in order to avoid long lines.

23. If you want more help and practice…
• The Learning Enrichment Center (MRCN 109) has hard copies
of COMPASS preparation materials and offers in person group
overview workshops or individual tutoring to prepare you for
the COMPASS assessment.
• For COMPASS workshop information, please follow this link:
http://www.utb.edu/vpaa/le/Pages/default.aspx
With our help and your preparation you will do great!


24. Not sure what career you wish to pursue?
• Meet with one of our fabulous career
counselors to investigate possible future
careers by appointment.
• Call 882-8292 to set up an appointment with
Monica Hernandez or Herminia Noriega for
career counseling.

25. Additional UTB Resources to help you!
• TSI Assessment
• Admissions,
registration, & financial aid
• Selecting courses and
declaring majors
• Tutoring and
TSI workshops
• Testing Office (Tandy 216)
• Enrollment Management
(Tandy 201)
• Academic Advising Center
(Camille Lightner Center)
• Learning Enrichment Center
(MRCN 109)