<p>More specifically, how hard is the math part of the COMPASS test? I am pretty nervous about it b/c I am trying to test into calculus so I won't have to take extra credits I don't need. I took pre-calc in h.s., but I did horrible in it. Same thing with trigonometry and that's the part you have to score well on to get into Calculus.</p>
<p>Does anyone remember taking the COMPASS test? How hard was the trigonometry part? Is it like a final exam in trigonometry - like really detailed that you might as well be a Trigonometry teacher already? There is so much I don't remember about trig....</p>
<p>Yes, I have actually. I’ve looked at a bunch of sites trying to gather up any math knowledge that I have left lol. Did you use that site to prepare? Were the questions on the practice test there similar in scope and difficulty?</p>
<p>Yes, I used that site and the practice test on my community college’s website. I also did a lot of reviewing. If I remember correctly the questions were similar. It’s an adaptive test so the questions will get harder / easier depending on your answers. I felt very confident. My results said I initially placed into college algebra (my goal) and then I guess I got an easier question wrong or something because it ended up placing me into pre-algebra. I thought it was odd. At my school we aren’t allowed to use our own calculators, only the one on the computer so you may want to see if your school has the same policy.</p>
<p>I am a 60 y/o thinking about returning to school. I have not been in a classroom since 1971, I have not had algebra, pre-cal or anything that closely resemble it. I graduated from a small, rural HS in Colorado that at the time taught the three R’s and that was it. That being said, I need to take the math placement exam and I am petrified! I have math anxiety anyway and this is keeping me from pursuing any education. What would be be the best prep for these tests? Thanks!</p>
<p>Catherine, the good news in that the placement test is just that: a placement test. There is no grade or impact on your transcript. If your skills are rusty, the placement test will reflect that and place you in courses that will allow you to polish those skills.</p>
<p>As for preparing, my advice is to use the practice questions here <a href=“http://www.act.org/compass/sample/[/url]”>http://www.act.org/compass/sample/</a> and then just take the test. The good news is that you can re-take the Compass as many times as you want, so by taking the test you will know your weak spots and, if you think a bit of studying will remedy those weak spots, you can brush up, re-take and save yourself a couple of lower-level classes. If nothing looks familiar you can just take your score and dive into your courses. </p>