Testing

Mat-Su College offers many different testing services in the Learning Center. This page includes information about the COMPASS placement test, distance education, CLEP, and DSST testing. Students may schedule an appointment to take a test online by going to the link below. Compass testers should red all of the information under Compass before making an appointment.

Click here to schedule a test at the Learning Center.

 

COMPASS PLACEMENT TESTING
Students registering for English and/or Math for the first time must take the Compass test for placement purposes unless they have appropriate SAT or ACT scores. Assessment tests may also be required prior to enrollment in certain other courses and programs. These tests measure competency in math, reading, and/or written composition and enable an academic advisor to determine the appropriate entry level of instruction.

 

What is Compass?
Compass is an online placement test consisting of three assessments: Reading Comprehension, e-Write, (an online writing sample) and Math. All three tests may be taken at the same time for one charge. If taken at different times, there is a charge for each test.

The Compass Math section starts with Algebra and automatically continues into the next test level if the percentage of correct answers is high enough to move up. Alternatively, if questions are answered incorrectly the program will drop down to Elementary or Pre-Algebra. There is no set number of questions. Compass will stop the test when it determines where you should be placed. Generally, the better your Math skills, the longer the test will take.

 

How long are my scores valid for placement?
Compass scores which place students into English courses are valid for two years. Compass scores which place students into Mathematics courses are valid for one year.

 

Do I need to take the Compass test if I’ve taken the ACT or SAT?
If ACT or SAT English or Math scores meet the minimum requirement as stated in the MSC Bulletin, Compass tests are not required. English scores do not expire; Math scores are valid for one year.

 

Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes. Appointments are required to take a test. Appointments may be scheduled  by clicking on this link or by calling 745-9772.

 

What is the cost?
A $10 fee is charged for each testing session. Prior to taking the test pay at the Campus Cache located in JKB 109. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early in order to pay and check in at the testing center.

 

Where do I take the test?
Computerized testing is available in the Learning Center located in OLB 121.

 

Do I need to bring anything with me?
Bring a photo ID and your receipt as proof of payment, and you need to know your university student ID number if you are planning to attend any UA campus. If you do not have a student ID, go to UA Online uaonline.alaska.edu and apply for admission, or stop by Student Services prior to taking your placement test. Calculators, scratch paper and pencils will be provided. Call 745-9746 for more information.

 

Can I take the test if I will be attending a college other than MSC?
Yes, MSC is a remote testing site for Compass and can administer the Compass placement test for other schools and colleges in or outside of Alaska. Contact the school you will be attending to arrange for a remote test at MSC. It is important that you know exactly which Compass tests you are required to take as some schools require a specific Compass test(s) other than those tests required for MSC students. Please allow at least 24 hours for testing information to be received. Call 745-9772 to make an appointment and to make sure we have the necessary test information from your school.

 

Can I retake the Compass test?
Yes, you may retake one or more tests (Reading, e-Write or Math) one time within the current semester. There is an additional $10 fee. Placement will be determined using the higher of the two test scores. Before retaking the test we advise that you review some of the practice questions and/or visit the tutorial website listed below.

 

How can I prepare for the test?
It is recommend that you visit the ACT website at www.act.org/compass/sample/ to try some of the sample questions. If it has been awhile since you have taken a math class you may want to brush up on your math skills before testing. There are also several good websites with tutorials. A recommended site is www.101science.com/math.htm. Resources are also available in the MSC Okeson Library.

The Compass e-Write program will ask you to select a topic and write a well thought out essay. Essays are scored on five criteria: 1) focus, 2) content, 3) style, 4) organization and 5) conventions. A good way to prepare for the e-Write test is to visit the ACT website and read the Specific Tips for the Writing Essay Test (e-Write) at www.act.org/compass/student/tips-essay.html.

 

Day of the test

• Plan to arrive at the Learning Center in OLB 121 at least 10 minutes early.

• Testing will begin promptly at the scheduled time. You should be well rested and have had something to eat before you come.

• If you have not paid in advance go to the Campus Cache in JKB 109 first, and then bring your receipt to the Learning Center.

• You will be asked to show your receipt and a photo ID.

• Cell phones, Blackberries, and electronic devices are not allowed in the testing center. All purses, bags, books and notes must be left outside the testing room. A secured area to store your personal belongings will be provided.

• Food and drinks are not allowed in the testing room; however, you may have bottled water. Should you need to take a short break please notify the proctor.

• Babies and children are not allowed in the testing room and may not be left unattended in the hallway or the Library.

• Before beginning the test, a proctor will give instructions. You will be asked several demographic questions and questions regarding your educational goals. This information is used by the advisors to help you choose the best classes for you.

• The first test will be Reading Comprehension, followed by e-Write, and finally Math. Since there is no time limit for taking any of the three Compass tests, make sure you allow enough time to complete each test. Two hours is the average time for all three (approximately 30 minutes each for Reading and Math and one hour for e-Write); however, times can vary greatly.

• Keep in mind that once you have answered a question and advance to the next one, you cannot go back. It is better to guess than to leave a question unanswered.

• When you have finished taking the Compass test, a report will print with your scores for each section of the assessment as well as a related placement course for English and Math. It is recommended that you meet with an advisor to review your scores.

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Test Proctoring, Distance Ed, CLEP, DSST
 

MSC Make-Up Tests

If allowed by the instructor, make-up exams for MSC classes can be proctored in the Learning Center.  Students should make prior arrangements with the instructor.  The instructor is to  complete a Proctored Exam cover sheet with instructions for administering the exam.  The test and cover sheet can be delivered to the Learning Center in a sealed envelope through campus mail. 
Click here to schedule a test at the Learning Center.

 

Distance Ed

During the academic year exam proctoring for MSC, UAA, UAF, UAS is administered in the Learning Center. Exam proctoring for any university college or school outside the University of Alaska System is also administered in the Learning Center. Call 745-9772 or email testing.center@matsu.alaska.edu for information.

Click here to schedule a test at the Learning Center.

 

CLEP

The College-Level Examination Program® or CLEP provides students of any age with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses. There are 2,900 colleges that grant credit and/or advanced standing for CLEP exams.

Download this list of CLEP exams offered at UAA/MSC, or visit the College Board website for more information.

Exams are delivered online and a $72 per exam fee is paid directly to CLEP by credit card when test is taken. An additional $20 proctoring fee will be charged by MSC and payable in the Campus Cache. Call 745-9772 or email testing.center@matsu.alaska.edu for information.

Click here to schedule a test at the Learning Center.

 

 

DSST

DSST (formerly known as DANTES) is nationally recognized testing program that provides students the opportunity to receive college credit for learning acquired outside the traditional college classroom. College credits are available in 37 unique subjects. The exams are computer-based. A fee of $80 is payable by credit card to DSST. Practice exams are available for $5 each. An additional proctoring fee of $20 will be charged by MSC and payable in the Campus Cache.

Many students save time and money by taking DSST exams to gain college credit for what they already know whether it was learned by independent study, advanced high school courses, professional development, or occupation skills. Taking DSST exams can provide students the opportunity to satisfy prerequisite courses and move into the advance courses.

For a list of DSST courses and minimum test scores accepted at UAA and MSC go to www.uaa.alaska.edu/records/tce/upload/DANTES.pdf.

Learn more online by visiting the DSST website. Military information is also available online. Call 745-9772 or email testing.center@matsu.alaska.edu for information.

Click here to schedule a test at the Learning Center.

 

PRAXIS

Starting with the Spring 2010 semester Mat-Su College is going to become a  Praxis Testing Center for the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST). The Praxis exam measures basic skills in reading, writing and math and is required by UAA School of Education for all students planning to major in Elementary or Secondary Education. The PPST Paper-based Test will be given at MSC on Saturday, January 9, 2010 and on April 24 2010. 

Students will be able to register for the January 9 test date online and pay by credit card after November 30, 2009 by going to the Praxis website at www.ets.org/praxis. The registration deadline is December 10. The testing center ID for Mat-Su College is: 11247.

 

 

11/20/09