Hi! I’m a high school senior who has been admitted to UCF. I attended their Knight for a Day open house event today and while I was there I watched a presentation where I discovered their compass/excel program, which is geared towards helping students interested in studying STEM succeed in their courses and figure out a career path. I was wondering whether any of you have experience with this program and could give insight into it? Thanks!
I also had some specific questions that I emailed compass about and will be calling on Monday to ask about it further but I thought I would ask on here as well, just in case. Are students accepted into the Compass program allowed to take the STEM Explorations Career Planning course (MHS 2330) in addition to the STEM Seminar sequence (ISC 2054 and 2055)? On my application to UCF I declared a physics major but I am unsure about my decision and I feel I would benefit from the first career planning course as well as the seminar sequence when I am decided. I also have a question about the college algebra readiness requirement- I am currently taking college algebra in a dual enrollment class, should I wait until my final grade is posted before applying for the Compass program or should I go ahead and submit my application now? Finally, their website states you need at least 560 SAT/24 ACT math subscore to qualify and that they prefer the SAT. However, at the presentation they said this was just to determine college algebra readiness, so if I show I am currently taking the class and doing well could that satisfy the requirement? My ACT is more competitive, I have a 29 but my math subscore is a 19. My SAT is less competitive with a 1230 overall and a 530 math. Worst case scenario I can try my shot at late registration to retake them both but I will have basically no time to study. Thank you for your help!
SAT is 1260 superscore, my ACT superscore is a 30 but I know UCF does not superscore the ACT in general admissions which is probably the compass admissions policy as well. Anyway, my issue is my math subscore because if my college algebra dual enrollment class doesn't satisfy the requirement I cant use either of my current scores to get in.
“Dual enrollment math credit OR qualifying scores from the AP math exams prior to a student’s 12th grade year will be considered for giving a student Final Acceptance into the EXCEL program. Any pending dual enrollment grades or AP/IB/AICE scores (to be completed in 12th grade) will not be used in a student’s initial math placement and the student must take the MPT and score at least College Algebra placement.” Judging by this information from the excel website, I think I can infer that my dual enrollment class wont be used instead of the math subscore requirement.
"If you are still undecided than we would recommend for you to participate in our COMPASS program. In this program students take the Career Planning course (MHS 2330) and wouldn’t need to take the STEM Seminar sequence (ISC 2054 and 2055 courses). Most of the information in the ISC courses you would receive in MHS 2330. The exception is that we do offer a MHS 2330 in the summer for summer admits and because of the shorter summer semester, these students will take the ISC 2054 in the fall (but not take ISC 2055).
You should apply to the program now! We will look at both SAT and ACT math scores and read your responses in your application to place you in COMPASS or EXCEL. We try to accept any students who meet our qualifications and will benefit from being in the program. We take students on a first come first serve basis, which is why you should apply now. We have a two phase application process. You will receive a conditional acceptance first and then you need to show the committee that you are College Algebra ready. This could be accomplished in a few different ways:
UCF MPT
Dual Enrollment in College Algebra (MAC 1105) or above
Once you receive your grade in the MAC 1105 course you can email compass@ucf.edu your unofficial transcript and we can give you final acceptance into the program."
They also told me in a later email to apply now and they would get back to me on whether I should retake any tests
@7programmer7 To qualify you need a certain SAT/ACT math subscore. Once you submit that along with your application and you get your conditional acceptance you have to take the MPT. I know there’s more detailed instructions somewhere on their website I would also recommend getting in touch with the program director, she is very helpful.
@4729562 At the presentation I went to they said EXCEL is for people who have decided on a major in STEM and are sure about it. Compass is for people who aren’t really sure what that they want for a major/career but know they want something STEM related.
@Island60
From the message I got after submitting my application-
"Students should check their COMPASS admission status regularly throughout the process as a status can change when additional information is submitted (i.e., math scores/grades).
We will NOT email you when your status changes. Your status message will provide instructions for the next steps in your application process.
@Island60 I still have not received a decision, when I check that page it tells me
“Application review begins in January and continues until all selections are complete, typically in May. Applications are reviewed by the selections committee every two weeks and decisions are made on a rolling basis. Based on the volume of submissions, the selections committee may not be able to review all applications at each meeting. No decision has been made on your application at this time. Please check back for your status.”
I would also recommend getting in touch with the program director, she is very helpful.