All new degree-seeking students must be assessed prior to their initial enrollment at Ivy Tech or at the time the student decides to declare a program major. The course placement requirement can be met in one of two ways: by taking the course placement exam or by earning assessment equivalency with ACT or SAT scores. The COMPASS placement exam demonstrates skills in writing, reading and mathematics. The Internet-based Compass is available six days a week. The test can be taken on a walk-in basis. The COMPASS exam is not timed; please allow two to three hours to complete the exam.
ASSET:
An appointment is required for the pencil/paper ASSET placement.
If you require special accommodations for the exam, please contact Rebecca Jones at (812) 246-3301, ext. 4179, Room G24.
CAAP:
The College uses the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) exam to identify skills in Math, Writing, Scientific Inquiry, and Critical Thinking. Each associate degree graduate will take two of the four modules within their program-identified capstone course. CAAP is used at many colleges across the country to assess general education skills. The exam will be available on campus four weeks during the semester:
Fall – October, Spring – February 15 through March 15, Summer - June 15 – July 15.
CLEP and DSST
CLEP and DSST are nationally recognized credit-by-examination programs. Students gain college credit by earning satisfactory scores in CLEP or DSST exams from learning acquired outside the traditional classroom or previous college coursework. Go online to www.collegeboard.com for CLEP information and to www.getcollegecredit.com for DSST information.
National ACT
The standardized administration of the ACT allows high school students to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired in English, mathematics, reading, science, and writing. The exam is offered six times throughout the year at the College. For information please visit www.actstudent.org.
TOEFL
The TOEFL® test measures your ability to communicate in English in colleges and universities. The Test of English as a Foreign Language is scheduled several times throughout the year at the College. The exam consists of four sections: reading, listening, speaking and writing. The Internet-based Test (iBT) is offered at this test center. For more information go to www.ets.org.
GED
The GED exam is offered on campus as a service to the community and the state. The exam consists of five test batteries covering writing, reading, social studies, science, and mathematics. The exam is administered on Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. and on Thursday at 11:45 a.m. Pre -registration and appointments are required. The fee for the exam is $60.00 and payment is required by the first day of testing. Please call 812 246-3301, ext. 4156 or 4231.
At (812) 246-3301, ext. 4156 or 4231 for more information or an appointment.
COMPASS TESTING SCHEDULE
The COMPASS test is given, in the Testing and Learning Center, on a walk-in basis. COMPASS testing is offered at the following times:
Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
WHAT WILL I BE TESTED ON?
Writing- This portion of the test measures understanding of grammar, punctuation, and proofreading. Reading- This portion of the test measures your ability to find specific information in the text and to make logical inferences.
Sample test questions can be found at the ACT website:
http://act.org/compass/sample/index.html
WHAT IF I FAIL THE TESTS?
First and foremost, COMPASS is not a pass-fail test; it was developed to assist in college academic advising and course selection. The results will help you choose courses and make appropriate career decisions. In other words, your scores will indicate where your academic strengths and needs lie in relation to college level work for your chosen major.
Should you require assistance in meeting academic challenges, our campus offers courses in math, reading, study skills and English as well as tutoring for those who qualify.
RETESTING
Do Not Worry! You are allowed to Retest 1 time per section per semester.
TEST TAKING TIPS
1. RELAX! The COMPASS tests are designed to help you succeed in college. Once you identify your academic strengths and weaknesses you can select the right courses and get the help you need to improve underdeveloped skills.
2. Arrive a few minutes early so you can locate the testing center, rest rooms, and “gather your thoughts” before testing.
3. Ask questions if you do not understand the process for COMPASS. Campus staff are available to assist you!
4. PACE YOURSELF! Remember that test questions increase in difficulty.
5. Read each question carefully until you understand what the question is asking.
6. Try to respond to all the items presented to you even if you are not certain of the answer.
WRITING TEST TAKING TIPS
1. Determine the intended meaning of each paragraph before selecting alternatives.
2. Substitute each alternative into the appropriate underlined portion for each item and select the one that fits best with the meaning of the paragraph.
3. Read the whole essay carefully then look at each sentence individually for errors, to do this click on each sentence.
READING TEST TAKING TIPS
1. Read the entire passage carefully before trying to answer any items.
2. Reread appropriate sections of the passage as needed to answer specific items.
3. Read a few sentences before and after the appropriate sections of a passage to be sure that you understand the context.
MATHEMATICS TEST TAKING TIPS
1. Read each item carefully and examine all supporting information (e.g., tables and graphics) to be sure you understand each question.
2. Solve each problem before you look at the alternatives.
3. Find your solution among the listed alternatives.
4. If your answer is not among the listed alternatives, check your work.
5. Use the scratch paper or calculator provided to you to do your calculations. Calculator use is permitted in all math sections of COMPASS.
6. For some items “Not Given” may be the correct alternative.
Additional websites are:
http://www.testprepreview.com
COMPASS TESTING SCHEDULE
The COMPASS test is given, in the Testing and Learning Center, on a walk-in basis. COMPASS testing is offered at the following times:
Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.