ACT COMPASS Preparation 

This important placement test measures your math, reading, and writing abilities. An ACT COMPASS placement score is a mandatory prerequisite for math and English courses, as well as several other programs and classes. See Individuals Required to Take Test to learn more about these requirements. Without the ACT COMPASS test, you may be unable to register for your classes.

You are strongly encouraged to take this test seriously. Lower scores may result in 1 to 4 additional semesters of coursework that do not count toward your degree. These English and math classes that do not count toward your degree are called developmental classes. These courses can be identified by the "0" as the first digit in the course number.

Below you will find a number of ACT COMPASS Preparation options including:

• ACT COMPASS Review Sessions
• ACT COMPASS Sample Questions
• ACT COMPASS Study Guides
• Final Exam Review Packets
• JJC Library Resources
• Math Learning Center
• My Math Test
• My Skills Lab

ACT COMPASS Review Sessions

During the fall and spring semesters, ACT COMPASS review sessions are also available by appointment. To make an appointment, please call the Academic Skills Center.

• ACT COMPASS Review Tips for Reading and Writing (In-person session)

  Calm your test anxiety! Become familiar with the test question format. Review basic test-taking tips. Practice with professional English tutor, Teresa Carrillo.

• ACT COMPASS Review for Reading and Writing (Online): Pilot expires in May 2010

  For a limited time only, the Academic Skills Center is piloting the My Skills Lab online program to assist JJC students with their ACT COMPASS reading and writing retest preparation.  All participating students will have their retest fee waived!  To find out if you are eligible to participate, contact ASC Manager, Stephanie Braun at (815) 280-2824.

• ACT COMPASS Review for Mathematics (In-person session)

  Review mathematics material with professional Math tutors, Dr. Sam Kongpricha or Dr. Ann Padden. This service is available throughout the week at Main Campus and North Campus.

• ACT COMPASS Review for Mathematics (Online): Pilot expires on Friday, December 18, 2009

  For a limited time only, the Academic Skills Center is piloting the My Math Test online program to assist JJC students with their ACT COMPASS math retest preparation. All participating students will have their math retest fee waived! To find out if you are eligible to participate, contact ASC Manager, Stephanie Braun at (815) 280-2824.

ACT COMPASS Sample Questions

Because ACT produces the ACT COMPASS test, their website provides sample ACT COMPASS questions. According to ACT, "These sample items illustrate the types of questions students will encounter in the ACT COMPASS placement measures." Please select the appropriate subject area below to view the sample questions. To view a breakdown of the subject matter included in the ACT COMPASS test, please see Components of the Test.

• Mathematics: Pre-Algebra (HTML)
• Mathematics: Algebra (HTML)
• Mathematics: Pre-Algebra and Algebra (PDF) This document is different than the HTML options listed above; the pdf file includes more sample questions.
• Mathematics: College Algebra (HTML)
• Mathematics: Geometry (HTML)
• Mathematics: Trigonometry (HTML)
• Mathematics: College Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry (PDF) This document is different than the HTML options listed above; the pdf file includes more sample questions.
• Reading (HTML)
• Reading (PDF)
  This document is different than the HTML option listed above; the pdf file includes more sample questions.
• Writing (HTML)
• Writing (PDF)
  This document is different than the HTML option listed above; the pdf file includes more sample questions.

ACT COMPASS Study Guides

These study guides were created by Joliet Junior College. Please select the appropriate subject area below to view these study guides.

• Pre-Algebra (PDF)
• Algebra (PDF)
• College Algebra and Trigonometry (PDF)
• Geometry (PDF)
• Writing and Reading (PDF)

Final Exam Review Packets

The Math Department created Final Exam Review Packets for each of its developmental courses. These materials may help you brush up on your math skills prior to taking the COMPASS test. When you reach the Final Exam Review Packet website, remember to scroll to the bottom to view the PDF options for each developmental class.

JJC Library Resources

If you prefer to use textbooks to prepare for this exam, you have plenty of options available in the JJC Library. Please select the appropriate subject area below to view all of your textbook options.

• English Textbooks
• Additional English Resources (PDF)
• Math Textbooks
• Additional Math Resources (PDF)
• ESL Resources (PDF)

Math Learning Center

The Math Learning Center offers free math tutoring to all JJC students who have completed an application. Degreed, professional tutors, along with upper-level math peer tutors, are available to assist you with your math concerns. No appointment is necessary; however, you must come prepared with a few specific math-related questions preferably from one of the ACT COMPASS Study Guides listed above. Visit the Math Learning Center website for regular hours and more information.

My Math Test

See ACT COMPASS Review for Mathematics (Online) above for more details.

My Skills Lab

See ACT COMPASS Review for Reading and Writing (Online) above for more details.