Waubonsee’s placement testing is designed to help you succeed in college.  The tests assess your skill levels in English, reading and mathematics and assist you in choosing courses that will be a starting point for your educational career.

NEW FULL-TIME STUDENT (matriculated student)
All new full-time students (matriculated students) are required to test in the areas of English, mathematics and reading.  There are four options by which you can meet the placement testing requirements.

Option 1:
Complete placement testing at Waubonsee.  The full battery of placement tests will take between 2-1/2 and 3 hours to complete.  Schedule an appointment with the Center for Learning Assessment.

Option 2:
Beginning with fall 2007 enrollment, if you successfully meet the minimum ACT score requirements listed below, you will not be required to participate in placement testing.

• ACT English score 20 or higher
• ACT mathematics score 22 or higher
• ACT reading score 22 or higher

Prior to enrollment, you may bring a copy of your ACT score report to Counseling and be issued a temporary “permit” to enroll in the eligible English, math or reading course.  Official documentation of your ACT scores must be received by the Office of Registration and Records before the first day of class or you will be administratively withdrawn from the course.  Visit the ACT Web site for further information on requesting test scores.  Test scores are valid for 24 months from the date of testing.  Test scores must be valid at the time of registration.

Option 3:
If you have completed placement testing at another college or university within the last 24 months, you may request a review of your testing for placement purposes at Waubonsee.  Submit a request for an Alternate Placement Testing Review, an official copy of your test results and contact information for the prior college or university to the Learning Assessment Department Coordinator.  Eligible test scores are valid for 24 months from the date of testing.  Test scores must be valid at the time of registration.

Option 4:
If you have successfully completed college-level coursework in the areas of math and/or English, schedule an appointment with a counselor for transcript evaluation.  Official transcripts must be received by the Office of Registration and Records before the first day of class or you will be administratively withdrawn from the course. 

NEW PART-TIME STUDENT (non-matriculated student)
If you plan to take English or math courses, placement testing is required.  The four options listed above under NEW FULL-TIME STUDENT can be used to meet the placement testing requirements.

• Mathematics – covers a variety of items from pre-algebra to geometry to advanced mathematics.  Students will be asked to select a correct answer from a list of choices. You are not allowed to bring in your own personal calculator. Calculators are provided.
• Reading – allows the student to highlight (using a computer key) the main idea of the passage.  This measures vocabulary and comprehension skills.
• Writing – allows the student to edit text that has a variey of errors.  Writing skills include grammar, punctuation and sentence structure, as well as strategy, organization and style in effective writing.
• Writing Essay – allows the students to compose an essay response to a given prompt which elicits critical thinking.  The essay is composed using the computer and  examines a student’s proficiency related to content, focus, organization, style and mechanical conventions such as grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Placement testing is designed to measure your current academic skill levels.  If it has been some time since your last math or English class, you may wish to review these subjects.  Sample items that illustrate the types of questions found on COMPASS exams are available at www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html.

Math and English review workshops are available through Waubonsee’s Learning Enhancement Center.  Dates and times of the workshops can be found by clicking here. Self-study materials are also available in the college bookstore.

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You may petition your original test results one time only.  This is done by submitting an Appeal Request to the Center for Learning Assessment.  Allow three business days to process the appeal request.  After that time, you may schedule a new appointment. Call (630) 466-7900, ext. 5700. 

Full-time students will receive their results at the Registration and Planning (RAP) session which is required before registering for classes.  Once you have completed testing, you may schedule an appointment for RAP by clicking here or call (630) 466-7900, ext. 5700.  Scores are valid for 24 months from the date of testing.

Part-time students can receive a copy of their scores and course recommendations from the Center for Learning Assessment.  A photo ID is required to pick up test scores and course recommendations.  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) does not permit providing test scores over the phone.

• Relax!  Arrive a few minutes early to locate Learning Assessment, rest rooms and to “gather your thoughts” before testing.
• Ask questions if you do not understand the testing process.  Assessment Specialists are always available to assist students.
• Read each question carefully until you understand what the question is asking.
• PACE yourself!  Remember that the test questions increase in difficulty.
• Try to respond to all of the items presented, even if you are not certain of the answers.

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