The New Student Assessment is used to make course placements in reading, writing, and mathematics. Placement decisions are based on your skills as demonstrated on the tests. In this way, students avoid registering for courses which are too easy or too hard. Because the results are used to advise and place students registering for courses, you should do as well as you can on the tests.

The tests assess broad basic skills. There is really no material available for studying. The assessment test is an adaptive test. This generally means that your next test question is based on your response to the previous question.

The New Student Assessment test is used as a planning tool to help you succeed at UVSC, and to help you select appropriate courses. There are no set passing scores. Low scores will not affect your ability to attend UVSC. However, your scores do affect the courses for which you may be able to register.

The New Student Assessment test generally takes about 2 hours. Students participating in an orientation session and advisement can expect the process to last 3-4 hours.

YES. Prerequisites have been established for many courses on campus including those in math and English. For these courses, students need to demonstrate that they have met the prerequisites prior to the beginning of class. Waivers are no longer granted to students whose placement scores do not meet course requirements.

In most cases, scores from other colleges don't relate to our placement decisions. If another college in your area gives these tests, you can have the results mailed or faxed to us. You may then call Career and Academic Counseling to be cleared for registration. Since some of the exams are administered by computer, we do not currently have a way to administer the exams remotely. For security purposes we do not release or mail test materials. If you are out of state and cannot find the ACT COMPASS Tests, please email us at testingservices@uvsc.edu or call 801-863-8269 for further options.

You must complete both assessment and advisement before you can be cleared on the computer to register.

A student/social security number is required to test unless an exception is made by the Director of Testing Services.

Following orientation and assessment, you will meet with an advisor to discuss the results and prepare an educational plan and a class schedule. After you meet with your advisor, you will be cleared to register.

Step 1:

Call the Assessment/Testing Center of the community college(s) nearest to your location and ask if they administer the COMPASS-testing program provided by ACT.

Step 2:

If the college indicates that they do administer these tests, ask the following questions:

1. May I complete the COMPASS test at the college for purposes of sending a copy of my report to Utah Valley State College, where I plan to enroll?
2. What are the charges for this service?
3. When and where may I schedule and complete the necessary testing?

Step 3:

If the college you call in your area does not administer COMPASS you may call ACT at (319) 337-1376 and request information about locating a COMPASS site closest to your residence.

Step 4:

Upon completion of your testing, have the testing site in which you tested fax a copy of your score report to UVSC Testing Services at (801) 863-7076

Step 5:

If you can't find a COMPASS-testing site in your area of residence, you may email us at testingservices@uvsc.edu or call at 801-863-8269 for further options.