Assessment Services
Pre-Admission Assessment
The admissions testing program is a series of short placement tests that lets you and Western work together to help you succeed in your educational program. Each test helps you identify your strengths, as well as the knowledge and skills you will need in order to succeed in specific subject areas. The results of these assessments can identify problems in major subject areas before they disrupt your educational progress giving you the opportunity to prepare more effectively for needed courses. After you have completed the test series you will receive your results immediately following the test session. You will be notified by mail within a few weeks about your admission status. If further explanation of your test results are needed, please make an appointment with a program counselor by calling 608.785.9553, or 1.800.322.9982.
What is COMPASS?
COMPASS is a computer based series of basic skills assessments developed by the American College Testing company (ACT). COMPASS stands for COMputer-adapted Placement Assessment and Support Services. The test is designed for individuals with little or no computer skills. This test is not timed and there will be a proctor available to help you if you need additional assistance.
The COMPASS exam includes subtests in the basic skills of writing, reading, and math (including pre-algebra and algebra) is required for admission into a program at Western. In addition, the admissions testing program contains some demographic/background information that supplements your test scores by providing Western with information about your educational needs and goals.
Is COMPASS required for everyone?
COMPASS is an admission requirement for most of our Associate Degree and Technical Diploma programs at Western. If you have a bachelor’s degree or have taken the COMPASS, ACT or Accuplacer exam within the last five years you may not need to take COMPASS test. Successful completion of some college coursework in the area of writing or math can eliminate the need to take those parts of the COMPASS test. If you have taken college level course and are unsure if you need to test in a certain area, you can call the Counseling Center at 608.785.9553. To call toll free 1.800.322.9982 and ask to speak to an advisor.
Are there additional tests I need to take?
A keyboarding exam may also be required depending on your program choice. The passing requirement for the Keyboard Proficiency test for the Medical Assistant program is 25 WPM all other programs that require the typing test require 35WPM with 2 or fewer errors.
When and where can I take the test?
All assessments are by appointment and times and dates vary from campus to campus. You should contact the campus where you would like to take your exam to schedule a time.
Western La Crosse Campus
400 Seventh Street North , Academic Resource Center, Room 232
La Crosse, WI 54602-0908
608.785.9553
Western Black River Falls Campus
808 Red Iron Road , Black River Falls, WI 54615
715.284.2253
Western Independence Campus
36084 Walnut Street, P.O. Box 308, Independence, WI 54747
715.985.3392
Western Mauston Campus
1000 College Avenue, Mauston, WI 53948
608.847.7364 or 608.847.7365
Western Tomah Campus
1310-1 Townline Road
Tomah, WI 54660
608.374.7700
Western Viroqua Campus
220 South Main Street, Viroqua, WI 54665-0431
608-637-2612
What do I need to bring with me to the test?
There is a $20.00 charge for the complete testing series and there is no charge for retests. You need to pay the fee at the Cashier's office, located in the Welcome Center (400 Seventh Street North), prior to taking the test if you are testing at the La Crosse campus. Please take the time to go to the Cashier, pay and get a receipt BEFORE your planned testing time. You will be required to present your receipt at the time you take your test. The receipt will not be replaced if lost, and the fee is nonrefundable.
If you are testing at one of the outreach campuses (Black River Falls, Independence, Tomah or Viroqua) you will pay at the front desk or when the proctor checks you in.
You will also need picture identification (i.e.: driver’s license or high school student ID).
You need to know your social security number but do NOT need to bring your card with you.
Test taking tips:
Test anxiety occurs for many reasons—negative past experiences, fear of the unknown, and fear of failure. Tension and anxiety can become so intense that we may experience some physical symptoms. Shortness of breath, nausea, headache, and that “sick-all-over” feeling are some examples. Whatever the reason for your anxiety, there are some ways to help keep things in perspective. Being prepared helps but you can also try the following:
- Use relaxation techniques. Remember, these tests are designed to help you succeed in college. Once you identify your academic strengths and needs you can select the right courses and get the help you need to improve underdeveloped skills.
- Be certain that you understand the directions for each test before that test section begins. Ask questions if you need to—the proctor is there to help you.
- Read each question carefully until you understand what the question is asking.
- Answer every item. There is no penalty for guessing.
- The tests are not timed so you should take your time and take breaks when you need them.
Special Testing Accommodations
If you are in need of specific testing accommodations, please contact our Disability Services office at 608-785-9875. Persons requesting accommodations will need to meet qualifying criteria.
How can I prepare for the test?
Our pre-entry testing is designed to assess current skills and it is generally not necessary to study for the COMPASS test. However, if you would like to familiarize yourself with the types of questions you may see on the exam, click on the document below for a helpful study guide.
If you have difficulty with the questions within this study guide, you may not be ready to take the COMPASS exam. A classroom or lab type of review of math, writing, or reading skills is available at no cost. For further information, call Instructional Support Services at 608.785.9535.
For a sample of questions typically found in the admissions test, Compass Study Guides go to this website www.act.org
