ASSESSMENT TESTS
Degree seeking students applying for admission to Northeast State undergo placement testing in English, reading, and algebra to ensure that each student is academically prepared to enter his or her chosen field of study. Students are assessed by either ACT/SAT or the COMPASS test. ACT and SAT scores must be within three years of the first day of class in order to be valid. Students who did not take ACT or SAT or the scores are invalid or do not have college transfer credit in English and/or math from a regionally accredited college will take COMPASS.
ACT
ACT sub-scores in English, Reading and Math are used to determine if students are college ready or if further assessment is needed.
- Students with an ACT English subscore of 17 or less are required to take the COMPASS Writing Skills test.
- Students with an ACT Reading subscore of 18 or less are required to take the COMPASS Reading test.
- Students with an ACT Math subscore of 18 or less will take MyMathTest.
COMPASS
COMPASS is a computerized test and tests three areas; Writing Skills, Reading, and Algebra. It is user-friendly and computer skills are not required to take the test. A test administrator is always available to assist individuals. COMPASS tests are untimed.
Students are encouraged to bring their own calculator. Calculators up to a TI-84 are permitted.
Writing Skills
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1 -35
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Learning Support – ENGL 0870
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36-76
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Learning Support – ENGL 0800
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77–99
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College-level
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Reading
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1-82
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Learning Support – READ 0870
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83-99
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College-level
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Algebra
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1-37
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MyMathTest required to determine level of Math Learning Support.
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38-99
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College-level
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Learning Strategies
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Required when placed into two Learning Support subject areas.
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MyMath Test
MyMathTest will determine Math Learning Support courses. Students who have an ACT math subscore of 18 or less or a COMPASS Algebra score of 37 or less will take MyMathTest.
PREPARATION FOR COMPASS
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WRITING and READING
Gainesville State College has created online practice tests for Writing Skills and Reading and Northeast State students have access to some of their practice tests. Students may take seven practice COMPASS Writing Exams, and one practice test for Reading, COMPASS Reading Exam Practice Test 3. The practice exams are modeled after the actual COMPASS test. Students who complete them will have a better understanding of how to take the test. Completion of them does not ensure placing college-level on the COMPASS Writing Skills and/or Reading tests.
A PDF version of COMPASS Algebra with sample questions may be downloaded and printed. (An online practice test is not available.)
MyMath Test
MyMathTest will cover pre-high school competencies such as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing whole numbers and decimals, working with fractions and then high school algebra. Once students take MyMathTest an individualized study plan will be available. Students will be given information for accessing their individualized study plan after their test and will have free access to it for up to sixteen weeks. Students may retake MyMathTest one time for free. All retesting must be completed prior to the first day of class.
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What You Need to Know
Students with a disability who need accommodations for testing must meet with the Center for Students with Disabilities, 423.279.7640 prior to taking COMPASS.
Children are not allowed in the Testing Center during testing and must have adult supervision while on campus.
Your Northeast State application must be submitted and your $10.00 application fee and the $5.00 Testing fee must be paid before you can test. These fees may be paid in room P105, James Pierce building on the Blountville campus, or off campus at Northeast State in Elizabethton or at the RCAT in Kingsport.
Students are encouraged to bring their own calculator, up to TI-84, for COMPASS and MyMathTest. Calculators will not be provided during testing. (Portions of MyMathTest do not allow access to a calculator.
Read the Testing Center’s EXAMINEE GUIDELINES.
DAY OF TEST
1. STOP at the Welcome Center/Campus Police on the Blountville campus for a Visitor's Pass. Place Visitors Pass on car dashboard to avoid Parking Ticket.
2. Pay the $5.00 Testing fee if you have not already done so.
3. Go to room C2406, General Studies building, on the main campus, or room R135, RCAT, in Kingsport during the Open Testing Hours.
TESTING REGISTRATION
Testing is by appointment only.
RETEST POLICY
Students are allowed one retest. Retesting is free of charge.
A minimum two-week waiting period is required between tests.
Retesting is not allowed once a student has been enrolled in the required course and attended class.
or Call: 423.323.0211