Waiver for COMPASS, if I pass CLEP Algebra??

[mobiusbox]

After some Google searching, I'm at a loss for answers. I was told by a Troy University test specialist that I need to take a Compass test in order to get placed in any math course. However, the plan was to take the College Algebra CLEP test in a month. I almost feel as though a Compass test would be a waste of time, since I would have to take time off of work to schedule it with a proctor (which is what I am doing with my CLEPs). Plus, I get credit for the CLEP, whereas the Compass test is just a placement test for classes I don't plan to take with their university. Ugh.

If I'm planning on testing out of most of my math classes, would this even be necessary? Or is it required for some schools, if I don't have any college-level math under my belt...

Thanks in advance for your help!

[frankiebleyes]

In Georgia and Tennessee if you do not make a certain core on the ACT math portion you must tke a COMPASS test to be placed in math (usually if you make below a certain score then it will be remedial). Even if you passed CLEP math they would require you take and pass the COMPASS test to give you credit for the math class. It is just how it is here. I don't know about other parts of the country.

[cookderosa]

After some Google searching, I'm at a loss for answers. I was told by a Troy University test specialist that I need to take a Compass test in order to get placed in any math course. However, the plan was to take the College Algebra CLEP test in a month. I almost feel as though a Compass test would be a waste of time, since I would have to take time off of work to schedule it with a proctor (which is what I am doing with my CLEPs). Plus, I get credit for the CLEP, whereas the Compass test is just a placement test for classes I don't plan to take with their university. Ugh.

If I'm planning on testing out of most of my math classes, would this even be necessary? Or is it required for some schools, if I don't have any college-level math under my belt...

Thanks in advance for your help!

One more thing, if you score under "College Algebra" on your COMPASS, you're likely not going to be allowed to use your CLEP. Also, there is no penalty for failing a CLEP, whereas a poor score on your COMPASS has you doomed to remedial maths for semester upon semester (that won't count toward your degree).

I'm of the DON'T TAKE THE COMPASS camp. Remedial reading and math are soap box issues of mine, but rather than go on endlessly, I'll tell you what should work instead. If your college awards credit for CLEP College algebra, you'll need to take the CLEP now, or at least before you register. In that case, you'll be asking your college to review your College Board Transcript for evaluation. Once you have credit, no COMPASS is required (for math). You may still be required to take the reading portion, unless you can use the English comp CLEP or have prior credit. In addition, some community colleges waive the COMPASS if you have credit from high school that was in an ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) class.

Hope that helps!


**EDIT** oh crap, I just realize this is only half my answer....ughhh sorry, the first part got deleted. :confused:

[sanantone]

When I enrolled into a CC a couple of years ago, my SAT had expired. Texas public schools require the SAT, ACT, Accuplacer, or a few other options in order to be placed into a math or English course. I have to admit, I had forgotten a lot of math over the years; but, I think English/reading skills are much more sustainable. I did not have the patience to sit for the Accuplacer and possibly end up in remedial math courses, so I avoided any CC course that required math prerequisites. Since I already had college credits, I wasn't required to take a placement exam to attend; but, I needed to be placed for math. I just did ALEKS and transferred the credits to TESC. I had the option of taking the CLEP, though.

However, I am a strong proponent for quality remedial English/reading courses. It was very upsetting to pay for courses where you're forced to interact with classmates who can't communicate coherently in writing or even understand the basic discussion questions. I see it as depriving college-ready students from a quality education and setting up the other students for failure. Unfortunately, there are too many college graduates who still can't read or write at the high school level. Even more unfortunate is the percentage of students who drop or fail out of open enrollment colleges after taking out thousands of dollars in student loans.

[mobiusbox]

I agree. I'm leaning towards sitting out a term and going through my CLEPs that need completed, that way I forgo any issues with prerequisites or placement. I refuse to pay or take time for classes that I don't need, when a refresher would be sufficient. It's not that I'm "smarter than that"...I just simply don't HAVE the time or money. So I believe that getting out of the COMPASS test is probably going to be the best route. It is a benefit for folks that plan on taking all their gen-ed via the school that they are enrolled in, but not for those of us choosing to test-out.

[mobiusbox]

Also, I don't want this scenario either: I pass my Algebra CLEP, score below that level on my COMPASS for whatever reason...then have my money time wasted on my CLEP AND have to take classes I can't afford / or have time for. It's just too much resources to rest on the outcome of one test.

[Ace_King]

ugh I remember my remedial courses in math. Down here it's called college placement test. I totally failed it since I was out of college for a couple of years. They automatically put me in remedial courses. Let me tell you, those remedial courses had me frustrated! I worked full time and the remedial math course required 5 hours a week required of tutoring in addition to the math course, so we had to find time to not only make it to the class but to make it to a tutoring session in the library tutored by a college student an hour a day. Which screwed up my schedule, they did not mention that before I enrolled in the course. I could not find time to make it to the tutoring session, I ended up dropping the course. Took it the next semester with another professor who didn't require the tutoring and failed the final exam!! I was getting A's and B's on each test but the final exam was a state exam to just pass that damn remedial math course and I blew it, you needed like a B or higher to pass the exam and I got a C which didn't let me pass the course. On the 3rd attempt they were charging me out of state tuition since it was my third attempt and if I didn't pass it on the third I would of have needed to take it elsewhere. Not only that but I was on the first math remedial, they have like 4 levels of math remedial before you get to the real college math course that gives you credit. The math remedial course is already $100 more than a regular college course at the school. I didn't take it the third time around and pretty much said screw it. Found about the big three... Life saver for me I ended up taking college algebra with Straighterline, transferred it to FHSU through the credit launder system back than.

It sucks we can't credit launder anymore, that would of been perfect for others. I transferred the college algebra course from straighter line to FHSU and transferred it back to my local college so they can take me out of math remedial. Though I don't attend at my local college anymore, I just did it just in case a long time ago.

[cookderosa]

ugh I remember my remedial courses in math. Down here it's called college placement test. I totally failed it since I was out of college for a couple of years. They automatically put me in remedial courses. Let me tell you, those remedial courses had me frustrated! I worked full time and the remedial math course required 5 hours a week required of tutoring in addition to the math course, so we had to find time to not only make it to the class but to make it to a tutoring session in the library tutored by a college student an hour a day. Which screwed up my schedule, they did not mention that before I enrolled in the course. I could not find time to make it to the tutoring session, I ended up dropping the course. Took it the next semester with another professor who didn't require the tutoring and failed the final exam!! I was getting A's and B's on each test but the final exam was a state exam to just pass that damn remedial math course and I blew it, you needed like a B or higher to pass the exam and I got a C which didn't let me pass the course. On the 3rd attempt they were charging me out of state tuition since it was my third attempt and if I didn't pass it on the third I would of have needed to take it elsewhere. Not only that but I was on the first math remedial, they have like 4 levels of math remedial before you get to the real college math course that gives you credit. The math remedial course is already $100 more than a regular college course at the school. I didn't take it the third time around and pretty much said screw it. Found about the big three... Life saver for me I ended up taking college algebra with Straighterline, transferred it to FHSU through the credit launder system back than.

It sucks we can't credit launder anymore, that would of been perfect for others. I transferred the college algebra course from straighter line to FHSU and transferred it back to my local college so they can take me out of math remedial. Though I don't attend at my local college anymore, I just did it just in case a long time ago.

The above in red. Read. Re-read. Pay close attention to Ace, and then plan a work-around. Do not take the placement test!