Your Guide to Academic Skills Assessment

What is the Academic Skills Assessment? Who is required to take the Assessment? What will I be tested on? But I have no computer experience! What if I fail the tests? Is there anything I can do to prepare for the Academic Skills Assessment?

What is the Academic Skills Assessment?

The Academic Skills Assessment is a series of basic skills indicators that allow you and your advisor to work together to help you succeed in your courses.  There is no "passing" score.  Rather, the Academic Skills Assessment scores indicate areas where you are strong, academic areas where you may need help, and which courses to take as a starting point for your educational career. 

This page will familiarize you with the different parts of the assessment.  Contact the office of Accessibility Services, in advance, at 636-922-8247 if you need special accommodations for the Academic Skills Assessment   These tests are administered during regular Assessment Center hours and do not require an appointment.

Who is required to take the Academic Skills Assessment?

• First-time entering freshmen taking 6 credit hours or more (two or more classes).
• Students planning to take English, Math, or courses that require English or Math as a prerequisite.
• Students who have taken the Academic Skills Assessment more than one year ago and have not since completed a math or English course at SCC.
• Students who do not have a GED and have not graduated from high school MUST take the assessment and meet with a counselor before they will be allowed to register for any classes.

NOTE: Assessment scores from other institutions will not be accepted.

What will I be tested on?

The Academic Skills Assessment consists of three, or possibly, four parts.  They are: COMPASS® reading and mathematics, Nelson-Denny© reading assessment (if needed) and an English essay.

• The reading and mathematics tests are part of the COMPASS® System. This is a computer assessment developed by ACT, Inc.  It stands for Computer-adapted Placement Assessment and Support Services.  What makes COMPASS® unique is that it adapts to your abilities...questions increase in difficulty depending on your skill level. 

For samples of the COMPASS® math and reading questions visit http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html.

NOTE: St. Charles Community College will accept the following ACT® scores:

• Reading, 19 or above. You do not have to take our Compass® Reading assessment.
• Mathematics, 24 or above. You do not have to take our Compass® Mathematics assessment. You may enroll in MAT 160, College Algebra.
• English, 26 or above. You do not have to take our English Essay assessment.

Please bring your ACT® results with you.

But I have no computer experience!

COMPASS® is user-friendly.  It was designed for people with little or no computer experience.  Assessment Center staff will assist you in getting started.  COMPASS® is self-directed.  You will use a few keyboard "keys" to select or highlight your responses as you move through the different tests.  COMPASS®, as well as the English essay, is not timed - so you can relax!

What if I fail the tests?

First and foremost, the Academic Skills Assessment is not a pass – fail test; it was developed to assist in college academic advising and course placement.  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.  Your results may restrict you from taking college level courses, but you will be accepted at SCC no matter what you score on the tests. 

Should you require assistance in meeting academic challenges, our campus offers courses in math, reading, study skills, and English as well as instructional support services through our Academic and Career Enhancement (ACE) Center.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for the Academic Skills Assessment?

Yes! The Compass Web site provides a series of sample problems and answer keys you can use to refresh your math, English, and writing skills prior to taking the test. Students who have used these review question have experienced better test results. Our math tip sheet lists additional helpful resources for test preparation.

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