The Office of Undergraduate Education is administering the COMPASS Placement Exams for entering freshman. Developed by the makers of the ACT exam, COMPASS exams provide a more in-depth assessment of students' skills and help college administrators and advisors determine the most appropriate class placement for their new students.
Traditional first time students whose ACT math subscore is 22 or below are required to take the COMPASS math placement exams. Students planning to major in Business, Mathematics, or the Sciences with a math subscore of 26 or below also need to take the COMPASS math placement exam to assess preparation for and proper placement in the most appropriate math course for your major. Transfer students who have not already completed general education math courses, and whose ACT math subscore is 22 or below (26 or below for business, math, and science majors without demonstrated proficiency in College Algebra) are also required to take the COMPASS math placement exam. Class placement is determined by a combination of factors including ACT scores, COMPASS scores, prior coursework, and anticipated major.
Information regarding Placement Testing is sent to newly-admitted students as they prepare for Orientation. Testing is scheduled at UIS and at remote testing centers through Illinois and the United States. It is best to complete testing prior to meeting with your advisor to register for classes. COMPASS Placement and Diagnostic exams may also be administered throughout the school year. Instructors use these results to help determine the need for supplemental instruction studios.
