A Guide to Placement Testing at Kishwaukee College
Students are encouraged to consult a counselor for guidance on course selection and re-test options. Contact the
Counseling Office at (815) 825-2086 Ext. 5070 or visit C2110.
COMPASS Math TEST
MATH SCORE
MATH COURSE PLACEMENT
0 to 23
MAT 055 Arithmetic
24 to 100
GO TO ALGEBRA TEST
0 to 31
MAT 065 Elementary Algebra
32 to 100
GO TO COLLEGE ALGEBRA TEST
0 to 32
MAT 085 Intermediate Algebra
33 to 100
GO TO TRIGONOMETRY TEST
0 to 33
MAT 101*, 150*, 201*, 208*
34 to 100
MAT 155*, 210*, 211*, 229**
Pre-algebra
Algebra
College Algebra
Trigonometry
*A high school transcript noting successful completion of 1 year of geometry is required for 100/200 level math classes.
**MAT 155 or high school Trigonometry with a C or better is a pre-requisite for MAT 229.
COMPASS Reading Score
Reading Course
0 to 48
ENG 096 Basic Reading Skills
49 to 72
ENG 098 Reading Improvement
73+
College Level
NUR 100 (BNA course) requires a Reading score of 50 or higher.
Admission into the EMS program requires a Reading score of 73 or higher .
COMPASS Writing Score
Writing Course
0 to 24
ENG 095 Basic Writing Skills
25 to 55
ENG 097 Writing Improvement
56 to 69 plus Reading of 64+
ENG 097 Writing Improvement or ENG 109 Technical Writing
70 or higher plus Reading of 70-72
ENG 103 while taking ENG 098 concurrently
70 or higher plus Reading of 73+
ENG 103 Composition I
*Students with prior college coursework or high ACT scores may not need to take all or portions of the placement
test. Official transcripts should be submitted to the Admissions, Records, & Registration Office.
ACT Sub-Score
Kishwaukee College Course
English = 23+
ENG 103 or ENG 109
Math* = 25+
MAT 101, 150, 201, 208
*Requires geometry component (high school or other)
Placement test and ACT scores are valid for 5 years. If coursework has not been successfully completed within 5
years of testing, new placement testing will be required (no fee).
One (1) re-test in each COMPASS section (math, reading, writing skills) is permitted. Students must wait a
minimum of 24 hours to re-test. There is a $10 re-test fee per section (paid in the Business Office). Students are
advised to study prior to re-testing. Students are not eligible to re-test once they have taken a course in that
subject (Math, Reading, or Writing).
Students who previously tested COMPASS for dual credit in high school are permitted (but not required) to test
COMPASS (no fee) and re-test ($10 fee) once they apply as incoming college students.
Re-test Process
Students are allowed to challenge their placement with one (1) re-test of each COMPASS section, as long as they
have not taken a course in that subject area (Math, Reading, or Writing). Students are advised to use their one retest option wisely. Without study and preparation, it is unlikely that placement will change. For sample questions
and other study tools please visit www.kishwaukeecollege.edu/go/placement.
Reading & Writing Skills:
1) Call Testing Services at (815) 825-2086 Ext. 6062 to schedule an appointment.
2) Pay the re-test fee at the Business Office ($10 per subject test).
3) Re-test the Compass Reading and/or COMPASS Writing Skills test in the Learning Skills Center, Room
A1300.
Students who are still dissatisfied with their writing skills score after re-testing have the option to challenge
their placement by writing an essay (for an additional $10 fee). Results of the essay will be available within
two weeks. Challenge essays will not be accepted two weeks prior to the start of each semester until the last
day for tuition refund of the semester.
Math:
1) Schedule an appointment with Testing Services at (815) 825-2086 Ext. 6062 to for the COMPASS
diagnostic exam. In order to identify gaps in student knowledge, the COMPASS diagnostic exam is
required prior to re-testing the COMPASS math placement exam*.
2) Take the COMPASS diagnostic test in the Learning Skills Center, room A1300.*
3) Schedule an appointment to meet with the Math Coordinator, Matt Read, to receive specific direction and
study materials.
Email: Matt.Read@kishwaukeecollege.edu (preferred method of communication)
Phone: (815) 825-2086 Ext. 3910; Office:A2207
4) Schedule an appointment with Testing Services for the COMPASS math re-test (815-825-2086 Ext.
6062).
5) Pay the $10 re-test fee at the Business Office (2140) and re-test COMPASS math section in the Learning
Skills Center, Room A1300.
*Diagnostic exam is not required if student already has college-level math placement and desires re-testing to be eligible
for MAT 155, 210, 211, 229.
Directions to Counseling
Return to Student Center
main entrance.
Go up the stairs. At the
top, take a left.
Counseling is at the end
of the hallway, C2110.
Student Center
main entrance
12.5.14