Introduction
The CUNY/COMPASS Reading exam is an untimed, multiple-choice, computer-based exam that measures reading comprehension. This exam serves to determine placement in reading for incoming freshmen and as an exit exam for those students enrolled in a remedial or developmental reading course. Students must pass this exam prior to registering in English 1302. Beginning Fall 2005, students must achieve a score of 70 or higher to pass the test.
WHO MUST TAKE THE COMPASS EXAM?
-
FOR
INITIAL PLACEMENT: Incoming freshmen are exempt from the CUNY/COMPASS exam if they achieve a score of 480 or above on the verbal part of the SAT, 20 or above on the ACT, or 75 or above on the English Language Arts Regents. Transfer students with 45 credits or more and students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in the United States may also be exempt. All other students, including transfer students from a college outside the United States, are required to take the CUNY/COMPASS Placement exam.
- FOR EXITING FROM REMEDIAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL
ENGLISH AND ESL COURSES: Students enrolled in developmental reading courses retake the exam at the end of the semester. To receive a passing grade in developmental reading courses, students must pass the CUNY/COMPASS exam. Students who do not pass this test cannot register for ENG 1302.
-
FOR
GRADUATION: All students
must pass the CUNY/COMPASS Reading
exam in order to graduate.
WHEN IS THE TEST GIVEN?
Incoming freshmen and foreign transfer students are invited to take the CUNY/COMPASS Reading placement exam prior to registering for their first semester. Exam results for these students are available during orientation/registration sessions, at which point students meet with an academic advisor to review their placement scores to determine appropriate course registration.
Additionally, the CUNY/COMPASS Reading
exam is given at the end of each semester
to students enrolled in English 1396 and
English 1399. ESL students enrolled in upper
level classes may also be recommended to
take the exam at the end of the semester.
During the winter and summer sessions, the
Hostos Academic Learning Center offers reading
workshops. Students who complete the requirements
of the workshop are then allowed to take
the exam.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL THE CUNY/COMPASS EXAM?
Students who do not pass the ACT
COMPASS Reading test must register for a workshop
in order to retake the exam.
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