FAQ’s for Learning Support

FAQs for Regents' Exam

FAQs for Compass Placement Testing

Who must take the COMPASS Test?

All incoming students must take the COMPASS placement test with these exceptions:

Students with a College Prep Diploma and

SAT Critical Reading 480 or above or ACT English 20 or above are not required to test in Reading or English

Students with a College Prep Diploma and

SAT Math 480 or above or ACT Math 20 or above are not required to test in Math

Students who transfer in a college level course (ENGL 1101 or MATH 1111) are not required to test in that area.

Students who have taken the COMPASS test at another USG school are not required to test.

Students who have taken the ASSET or COMPASS at a COC accredited Georgia DTAE (vocational) college and who actually attended January 2002 or later are not required to test.  NOTE:  the scores must appear on the transcript from the DTAE college.

How does a student place in a Learning Support area?

COMPASS English test < 60  = ENGL 0099

COMPASS Reading test < 78 = READ 0099

COMPASS Algebra test < 45 = MATH 0097 (followed by MATH 0099)

COMPASS Pre-Algebra test < 35 = MATH 0090 (for two-year Nursing majors only)

Can the student retest on the COMPASS Placement Test?

Students may retest once in each subject area. Retesting must take place prior to the first day of class. A $25 fee is assessed regardless of the number of subject areas taken.  The retest may not take place on the same date as the initial test.

Can the student wait until next semester to take LS class?

No.  Students must register for all Learning Support courses before registering for college-level classes.  This applies to full and part-time students.

What if the LS course is not available?

If the LS classes are closed, the student should contact Ms. Cathy Rogers, Learning Support Coordinator (229-391-4968).  If the class is not being taught in the given semester, the student may take a college-level class if the student has met the prerequisites. This is subject to Division Chair approval.

Can students take college-level courses with LS courses?

Once a student has registered for all LS required courses, s/he may take additional college-level courses that do not have learning support pre-requisites.

Can a student withdraw from a Learning Support Class?

Students who are enrolled in both LS classes and college-level classes may not withdraw from required LS classes with a “W” unless they also withdraw from all college-level courses.

How do students “exit” a Learning Support area?

Student exit the English and Reading areas by completing the required courses in each area and passing the COMPASS test. Students required to take MATH 0090 exit by passing the course (no COMPASS test required).  Students required to take MATH 0097/0099 are required to pass both courses and pass the COMPASS test following successful completion of MATH 0099.

How many times can the student take a given LS class?

The student is allowed three semesters to complete the requirements in an LS area. Specifically, students are allowed three attempts in READ 0099, three attempts in ENGL 0099, three attempts in MATH 0090, and a total of three combined attempts in MATH 0097/0099.  Further, students who have accumulated 20 semester hours of college-level credit and have not successfully completed required LS courses may enroll only in LS courses until all requirements are successfully completed.

What if a student does not exit in the LS area in three attempts?

The student will be suspended for a period of three years from all schools in the University System of Georgia.

Can a student appeal a Learning Support Suspension?

If a student is in an exit level course and has reached the limit in only one LS area, he may appeal the LS suspension.  If the appeal is granted, the student may enroll only in the Learning Support course.

When can the student be advised by a major advisor?

Students with 2 or more LS requirements are advised by a Learning Support advisor.  When the student exits all but one LS area, the student should be reassigned to a major advisor.  The student must complete the Major/Advisor Change form. 

How long are Placement Test (ACT/SAT/COMPASS) scores valid?

ABAC will accept scores up to three years old.  Students with scores older than this will be required to take the COMPASS Placement Test unless they have transfer credit in English Composition (for English and Reading COMPASS Test) or College-level mathematics (for Math COMPASS Test).

Please direct any questions to the Office of Student Success (Carlton Center 104) at 391-4995.