COMPASS Exam for ACT, Inc. Latest Update
The ACT Compass exam, once a pivotal tool for assessing students' readiness for college-level coursework, was officially discontinued by ACT, Inc. in 2016. This decision was influenced by the evolving educational assessment landscape and the need for more adaptive testing methods. In its place, ACT introduced the ACT® CollegeReady™ program, designed to provide more precise diagnostics and personalized learning resources to help students succeed in their post-secondary education.
As of January 2025, there have been no announcements from ACT, Inc. regarding the reinstatement or redevelopment of the Compass exam. Instead, the organization has focused on enhancing its flagship ACT test to better align with current educational standards and student needs. Notably, beginning in April 2025, the ACT will undergo significant changes:
- **Optional Science Section**: The science test will become optional, similar to the writing test. This change allows students to choose whether to include the science section based on their academic strengths and college aspirations.
- **Shortened Test Duration**: The core ACT test, comprising English, reading, and math sections, will be approximately two hours long, nearly an hour shorter than the current test. This reduction aims to lessen test fatigue and improve student performance.
- **Revised Test Content**: The test will feature shorter English and reading passages with fewer questions, reducing the overall number of questions by 44. This adjustment provides students with more time per question, allowing for deeper analysis and thoughtful responses.
Each section score will continue to be reported on the 1–36 scale. The new composite score will be the average of the English, reading, and math scores. If a student opts to take the science test, the score will be presented separately and will not factor into the composite score.
These changes reflect ACT, Inc.'s commitment to evolving with students' needs, making testing more accessible, and supporting their college journey. The organization emphasizes that these updates will maintain the accuracy and reliability that colleges rely on for admissions and scholarship decisions.
For students and educators seeking resources similar to the Compass exam, it's advisable to explore the ACT® CollegeReady™ program or other placement assessments that align with current educational standards. Staying informed about the latest developments from ACT, Inc. will ensure that students have access to the most relevant and effective tools for their academic success.
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