The Developmental Studies Program (DSP) is designed to help students improve learning skills necessary for college success.  First-time students under the age of 21 are required to submit valid ACT scores for admission to the University, and those who score below 19 in English, mathematics, and reading are placed in the appropriate DSP classes without further assessment (SAT scores may also be used for admission purposes).  Transfer students under the age of 21 who submit valid ACT scores will be placed in DSP classes accordingly; those who do not submit valid ACT scores and have not earned college-level algebra-based mathematics or English composition credits must undergo COMPASS assessment in the appropriate areas.  First-time students over the age of 21 must complete the entire COMPASS assessment.

1.  Students entering with the GED or EDP credential must complete the entire COMPASS battery.
2.  International students without valid ACT or SAT scores must complete the entire COMPASS battery, or follow the guidelines for testing.
3.  Students  who lack a high school unit in English or algebra (regardless of ACT scores) must complete the reading and writing subtests or mathematics subtest as appropriate.
4.  Students who are unable to test by computer will be given the ASSET paper-and-pencil assessment test.
5. COMPASS will be administered only in the testing labs on Main Campus or at the Austin Peay Center at Fort Campbell.  Students testing at off-campus sites will be given the ASSET paper-and-pencil assessment test.

Testing - Other Frequently Asked Questions

What is the COMPASS assessment test?

The COMPASS is an assessment test, which is a part of the admissions process for certain individuals according to the Tennessee Board of Regents guidelines.

Who is required to take the COMPASS?

If the individual is required to take the COMPASS they will be notified as part of the admissions process. (For specific information refer to the COMPASS brochure of the APSU Undergraduate Bulletin, page 32. The prospective student should visit or call the Office of Admissions at Ellington 117, (931)221-7661.

If I have a college level math and/or English, am I required to take the COMPASS?

No, but OFFICIAL transcripts showing successful completion of courses must be received from the institution where credit was obtained.

Yes, if OFFICIAL transcripts have not been received prior to registration.

How can I sign up for the COMPASS placement test?

Students may register for either Clarksville or Fort Campbell campus by visiting APSU's website at https://apweb.apsu.edu - select "Registration, Financial Aid, Grades, etc.," complete student login information (student identification number is your social security number and PIN number is the month and day of your birth, August 1 = 0801), then select "Student Records:  COMPASS Testing/Course Placement."  
  
The test is administered regularly throughout the calendar year.  Dates will be added to APWeb on a recurring basis.  If you are unable to test on the days listed, please check APWeb periodically for later dates.

Who do I contact to have my COMPASS scores sent to another institution?

Contact the Developmental Studies Program office at (931)221-7612 or visit Clement 103. Scores are only transferable to another TBR institution.

What is the ACT and how do I test?

The ACT is required for admission to APSU and other higher education institutions. Individuals may take the ACT at APSU on specified national testing dates. Registration materials are available in the Counseling and Testing Center, Ellington 202. Scores are available only through the national ACT office.

Who is required to take the ACT?

First-time college students under 21 years of age.

What is the required score for those who are required to test?

19 composite; 19 Math and 19 English score. Scores are required prior to registration/preregistration.

What is the ACT-Residual and how do I test?

The ACT-Residual is used by APSU to meet the admission’s requirements for ACT testing. The ACT-Residual is given through the Counseling and Testing Center at designated times throughout the year, usually corresponding to semester registration. Note: the ACT-Residual scores may only be used at APSU.

What is a CLEP/DANTES test?

The CLEP test provides academic credit for certain courses, see page 35 of the APSU Undergraduate Bulletin. The DANTES test provides academic credit which will be evaluated using the ACE guidelines.

When are the CLEP/DANTES tests offered?

         CLEP: Offered once or twice each month.

DANTES: Offered on an individual basis to schedule a test date, contact the Counseling and Testing Center at (931)221-6269.

Who do I contact regarding the GRE or CLEP testing?

Contact the Counseling and Testing Center in Ellington 202 or call 221-6269.

What is the GRE/MAT and how do I test?

The GRE and MAT are graduate entrance exams. The GRE is offered through the Counseling and Testing Center on national testing dates. A student also may opt to take a computerized version through the Prometric Center (647-2003). Registration booklets are available in the Counseling and Testing Center, Ellington 202, The MAT is administered through the Counseling and Testing Center and students may register by calling the Counseling and Testing Center at 221-6269.

What is the PRAXIS and how do I test?

The PRAXIS series provides test and other services for states to use as part of their teacher certification process. Students entering the Teacher Education Program at APSU are required to take a portion of this test, the PPST. The PRAXIS series is offered approximately six times per year. Students may test at APSU. Students may obtain a registration bulletin in the Counseling and Testing Center, Ellington 202 or at the Teacher Certification Office in Claxton 106.