Admissions testing changes

There have been significant changes in the way Admissions testing is done for ESL students. Please review this information carefully so you can give students the correct information.

• The MLAB (Michigan Test) is no longer being given as the Admissions test for ESL students. As of now, students will take the COMPASS/ESL test.

• The COMPASS/ESL test is administered on a walk-in basis (no appointment necessary) in the Testing Center in Aquinas Hall.

• The test has two parts: the first part is a computer-based English assessment; the second part is a written composition (written by hand).

• There is no charge when a student to take the COMPASS/ESL test for the first time. HOWEVER, if a student takes the COMPASS/ESL test for again within a year, there is a $20 charge each time after the first.

• It does not help students to take the test before they are ready. Further, when students take the test repeatedly, it takes up valuable computer resources as well as time spent scoring the compositions.

For these reasons, the Language Institute has been asked to provide referrals for students who are ready to take the COMPASS/ESL test. Students will not be permitted to take the COMPASS/ESL test without a referral from the Language Institute.

• A student who receives a perfect score on the Basic English Placement Test can be referred to take the COMPASS/ESL test if he or she wishes.

• NOTE: The Basic English Placement Test will have a new revision in place by the beginning of January.

• When a student passes Basic English 5, Basic Writing 1 or Basic Writing 2, he or she will receive a certificate with the following information added to it:

This student should be ready to take the COMPASS/ESL test.
[x] Yes [ ] No

This will serve as the referral for the Testing Center to permit the student to take the test.


After reviewing the COMPASS/ESL test, it is clear that we will need to create a Basic English 6 course in order to ensure that students who leave the Basic English program will be truly ready for admission to the College. This will also entail some adjustments to the curriculum and other class testing. More details on these changes will be forthcoming.


Where is the TC? (Testing Center)
The Testing Center is located on the lower level of Aquinas Hall in room 002, on Columbus State’s main campus, 550 East Spring Street, near downtown Columbus. Students should report the Receptionist/Receiving Area and then they will be directed to the Testing Arena.


COMPASS/ESL Placement Test
The COMPASS/ESL Placement Test is a computerized assessment for new students used to identify the appropriate starting level for ESL. If you take the COMPASS placement test, you must report two hours before the Testing Center closes.

Testing Center Policies and Procedures

• Everyone is required to present photo identification when reporting to the Center. If an individual does not have identification, an exam will not be administered.
• Students will need to know their Cougar/Student ID number when coming to take exams.
• Students must report for testing in the Center at least one hour prior to closing. Anyone reporting later than one hour prior to closing will not be allowed to take an exam that day. In order to take the COMPASS placement test, an individual must report two hours prior to the Center’s closing.
• No children are allowed in the Center and/or to be left unattended while testing is in progress. If this is discovered, the examinee will be required to discontinue testing and leave the Testing Center.
• No food or beverages are allowed in the Center. Exceptions are made only in documented medical situations. Electronic devices are not permitted when taking an exam. Test administration will be discontinued if your device rings.
• Bathroom breaks are not allowed. Once you have begun your exam, you may not leave to go to the restroom.
• Personal belongings must be placed in the designated area when in the testing room. Only required exam materials are allowed in the testing area.