Taking the time to review and prepare for the COMPASS is very strongly recommended. This test will determine the math and English courses you need to take, and for many people will be the first important test of their college career. By taking the time to review and prepare you can refresh your English, reading and math skills to ensure that you begin in the math and English courses that are right for you.
There are several helpful ways to prepare for COMPASS:
Become familiar with what the test covers. The COMPASS test is owned by ACT, Inc., and they have made information about COMPASS available online.
Go to one of the online sites listed below to refresh your math and English skills and to do practice tests.
Participate in a COMPASS test prep workshop at one of the Seattle Community Colleges (see link to left).
Standard COMPASS: Familiarize yourself with the sample questions for Writing Skills and Reading.
Standard COMPASS Writing (PDF) (Used with Permission, ACT ©ACT2010)
Standard COMPASS Reading (PDF) (Used with Permission, ACT ©ACT2010)
ESL/COMPASS: Familiarize yourself with the Listening, ESL Reading, and Grammar sample questions. You can also practice the Standard Writing Skills and Reading test samples (above) if you believe your English skills may be college level. (Some colleges do not use ESL/COMPASS for placement into ESL classes. Check with your college).
ESL/COMPASS Grammar/Usage (PDF) (Used with Permission, ACT ©ACT2010)
ESL/COMPASS Reading (PDF) (Used with Permission, ACT ©ACT2010)
ESL/COMPASS Listening (PDF) (Used with Permission, ACT ©ACT2010)
Everyone (native and non-native English speakers) should become familiar with the Math sample questions.
COMPASS Math Pre-Algebra- Algebra (PDF) (Used with Permission, ACT ©ACT2010)
COMPASS Math College Algebra - Trigonometry (PDF) (Used with Permission, ACT ©ACT2010)
Recommended book:
The Real ACT Prep Guide ISBN-13: 978-0768926750
(Actual test procedures at the Seattle Community Colleges may vary somewhat from those presented in the Prep Guide.)
Recommended free websites:
ACT, Inc - COMPASS
(English & Math practice tests for COMPASS)
(English and Math practice tests for COMPASS)
(Review of English grammar)
(Over 1,100 short instructional videos on math topics, from basic math to Calculus.)
(Pre-Algebra & Algebra practice tests/practice diagnostics for COMPASS- by topic)
(Math review with tutorials and practice quizzes: Math.com or PurpleMath.com)