PLACEMENT TESTINGSample Questions for Reading, Writing,

Mathematics and ESL Assessment

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Section I- Testing and Placement for New Students

FAQ’sabout COMPASS placement tests

> What must I do before I take the placement tests?Submit an application for admission to the college. Pay the testing fee of $4.00 at the campus business office. Present the receipt and a photo ID at the test site.

> Should I prepare in advance for the placement tests?Yes. Students who review for the tests do much better than those who do not, especially inmathematics. Use the sample test questions in this booklet and notes and textbooks from previouscourses to prepare. Also, there are books on reserve in the library just for the purpose ofplacement testing review.

> May I take the test on the day I register?Yes, but remember that students who review do better than those who do not review, especiallyon the math test. You may choose to take the English tests one day and math the next. Plan toarrive for the testing rested and prepared to concentrate.

> When are the tests given?The tests are given daily throughout the year. For specific dates and times, contact the placementtesting center on any campus.

> How long do the tests take?The tests are not timed. Plan for about three hours to complete all three of the tests withoutrushing.

> Are there accommodations for my children while I am taking the test?No. Please leave children at home. They will distract you and disturb others taking the test.

> Can special testing arrangements be made if I have a disability?Yes. Students with a documented disability who need some modification of the testing shouldcontact the Office of Educational Accessibility at757-822-7752.

> Who must take the placement tests?All new students who plan to enter an associate degree, certificate, or diploma program, or whoplan to take certain classes at TCC, must take the placement tests.

Students who have completed nine credit hours at TCC with a grade point average below 2.0 must take the placement tests before enrolling in additional credit classes.

Students who have earned certain SAT or ACT scores within the last three years and who present evidence of satisfactory performance (grade of C or better) in post-secondary courses in English and math at another collegiate institution may be exempt from placement testing.

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Assessment and Testing Centers

Chesapeake1428 Cedar RoadChesapeake, VA 23322Pass Building, Room 210757-822-5131

Portsmouth120 Campus DrivePortsmouth, VA 23701Building A, Room A153757-822-2194

Telephone assistance for persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing is available from the Office of Educational Accessibility, via Virginia Relay at 1-800-1140 or 711 (within Virginia).

Norfolk340 Granby StreetNorfolk, VA 23510TCC Roper Performing Arts Center, Room 4102757-822-1310

Virginia Beach1700 College CrescentVirginia Beach, VA 23453Virginia Beach Building, Room G108757-822-7390

TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGEFrom here, go anywhere.TM

For more information call: TCC Information Center 757-822-1122 Toll-Free 1-800-371-0898 or visit www.tcc.edu

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