Madison College & The COMPASS Test

1. Madison College & The COMPASS Test

2. Quick Facts • Madison College – formerly known as MATC • 2 year programs: Associate’s Degree, Professional Certificates & Technical Diplomas, Transfer Opportunities • Multiple Campuses • Madison • Truax • Downtown • South • West • Commercial Avenue • Fort Atkinson • Reedsburg • Watertown • Portage

3. Types of Programs Offered • Associate’s Degree • Lowest post-secondary academic degree • Equivalent to first 2 years of a bachelor’s degree • Professional Certificates & Technical Diplomas • Acknowledgement of mastery in a certain area • Geared more towards hands-on, skill-specific areas • Transfer Programs • General education and elective credits that are accepted by most UW System schools • No degree earned at Madison College

4. Associate’s Degrees • More academic based, rather than hands-on and skill-specific • Additional English composition, math, and humanities requirements • Average completion time of 2 years • Abbreviated version of Bachelor’s Degree, but allows for opportunity to continue education • Examples of Madison College Associate’s Degrees: • Accounting • Early Childhood Education • Veterinary Technician • Physical Therapist Assistant • IT/Network Specialist • Hotel & Restaurant Management

5. Professional Certificates &Technical Diplomas • Targeted skills programs • Assumed proficiency in English & Math (COMPASS) • Certificates (1 year or less) • Focus on specific skills • Examples: Basic Microsoft Office, Banking Services, Phlebotomy, Receptionist certificates • Technical Diplomas (1-2 years) • Focus on all tasks required for a specific career • Examples: Medical Coding Specialist, Automotive Technician, Small Business Entrepreneurship

6. Transfer Programs • Designed specifically for students who plan to transfer to a 4-year college/university • General academic requirements and electives can be completed prior to transfer • Save time and money ($11,000/year!) • Transfer U • Transfer contract with UW-System– must meet criteria for entry • UW Connections – Dual Admission • 24-27 ACT, 3.2-3.6 GPA • Guaranteed transfer, UW-Madison student ID, FULL UW-Madison student access (sporting events, clubs, libraries, etc.)

7. Portage Campus Offerings • Not all programs exist at all campuses; students may need to travel to Madison • Portage Campus programs: Liberal Arts Transfer Accounting Accounting Assistant Administrative Professional Basic Certificate in Microsoft Office Business Management Business Software Applications Specialist • Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement • Essential Office Skills Certificate • Human Resources Certificate • Nursing Assistant • Receptionist/Clerical and Office Assistant Certificate • Supervisory Management

8. Admission Requirements • Generally, a PHS high school diploma will meet Madison College admission requirements HOWEVER…. • Specific programs may require additional subject credits or GPA, and it is CRUCIAL to research individual program requirements • Examples include: • Auto Technician: 2.0 minimum GPA • Veterinary Technician: Grade of C or higher in Biology, Chemistry and Algebra • Dental Hygienist: Grade of C or higher in Biology, Chemistry, Algebra, and Geometry

9. Additional Considerations… • Although a student meets the criteria to enroll at Madison College does NOT mean that student will automatically start the program… • Popular programs have waiting lists • Automotive Technician • Baking/Pastry & Culinary Arts • Dental Hygienist • COMPASS Test scores are required for course placement

10. Same family as EXPLORE, PLAN, and ACT Tests • Placement Test – NOT an admissions test • Reading, Writing Skills, Essay Writing, Math Sections • Un-timed, except for e-Write section • Computer-based • Free for the first try • Need to meet with an advisor prior to re-takes

11. Who, How, Where, When? • Who? • Everyone planning to attend Madison College • Even students who are planning to transfer to a 4 year school • Cannot be substituted by ACT exam • How? • Register on Madison College website: matcmadison.edu • Where? • Madison College – Portage Campus (down the street!) • When? • Tests are offered Wednesdays and Saturdays • Take the test in the fall of your senior year

12. How COMPASS Results are Used • COMPASS is taken to make sure that you have the academic skills it takes to succeed in college classes • Scores will determine which courses you start with at Madison College • Scores below benchmarks require “prep” classes • Need to be completed before student starts program of choice • The lower the score, the more “prep” classes needed, and the longer it takes to complete a program • Programs may have specific COMPASS score requirements • Example: Certified Nursing Assistant Program

13. COMPASS Preparation • Doing your best can save you a lot of TIME and MONEY • Know the rules/format • Administered completely on a computer • Mostly untimed • Answer every question • Writing skills portion – no questions asked; you find the errors • Practice the questions • Take practice tests and answer sample questions • On Madison College website • In counseling office • Use PLAN test score reports • Spread out your studying

14. E-Write Preparation • 60 minute time limit • Writing prompt in the form of a letter • Plan before you write • Ask testing center for scrap paper • Essay writing tips: • Have a clear position/stance • Know your audience • Keep essay tied to the issue presented • Leave time to proof-read and edit

15. How to Apply • Create an account through matcmadison.com • Check specific program admissions requirements and availability • Send transcripts through Parchment website • Take the COMPASS Test • ALL STEPS need to be completed by application deadlines • Fall 2012 deadlines: • Applications begin – Sept. 1, 2011 • High-Demand Program deadline – Oct. 17, 201 • All programs deadline – Aug. 31, 2012

16. Why Madison College? • Many unique opportunities for continuing education • Clear connections between education and future career • Shorter time-span • More room for flexibility in schedule • Less expensive than 4-year school • Convenient location