During the COMPASS

The best way to maximize your score during the COMPASS is: Don't stress out! Remember, the goal of the COMPASS test is to help you succeed in your college classroom. Your scores will help Madisonville Community College decide which classes are best suited to your ability level. The good news is that once you know what your academic weaknesses are, you can get the help you need to improve in these areas.

Additionally, while taking the COMPASS test, you can maximize your score by: 

• Carefully reading the directions for each test and making sure you understand them.
• Raising your hand to get the attention of the test administrator if you do not know what to do. Although they cannot answer any test questions, they can help you with other types of problems, such as clarifying test directions. 
• Reading each question carefully so that you understand exactly what it is asking.
• Completing all of the steps necessary to answer each test question.
• Answering every item. Remember, you will not be penalized for guessing. Answering all questions will provide better placement information to the college or university looking at your test results. 
• Changing an answer only if you are convinced that what you originally put down was wrong.
• Focusing on the test and not letting yourself get distracted by anything else going on in the room.