Learning Support & Admissions
The following information gives the minimum scores necessary to be possible to be admitted to GPC in each of the three tests we accept. Please remember that students also cannot test into all three LS Areas and still be admitted - so a student with a COMPASS math of 21, a COMPASS Reading of 63 and a COMPASS English (Writing) score of 33 would not be admissible even though each score is above the minimum because the three scores places the student into LS in all three areas.
Minimums 32 62 20
It is possible to "offset" a low English/Reading score. Students who test below a 32 in English and/or below a 62 in Reading can still be admitted if they have an Algebra score higher than 37.
COMPASS Placement Test English Reading Math
Offset Scores (still Admissible if these criteria are met) <32 <62 ≥37
What if I don't get the required minimum score on the placement test or don't meet the Algebra score needed to "offset" a low English/Reading score?All applicants are allowed to retest (see the COMPASS retesting on the testing website); students can find preparation links on Testing's Website to use prior to retesting.
It is possible for students to exempt placement testing. All exempting criteria must be received prior to a student starting classes.
Possible ways to exempt placement testing in English include providing an official SAT or ACT score less than 7 years old of 480 or 20 respectively (Note for Non-Traditional Students, this will be 500 or 21 respectively) or transfer credit in ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1102 with a "C" or better Possible ways to exempt placement testing in Mathematics include providing an official SAT or ACT score less than 7 years old of 500 or 21 respectively or transfer credit in MATH 1001 or MATH 1111 with a "C" or better. A full list of exemptions can be found in the Learning Support Policy Manual.
Are there any other options besides retesting?Applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria on a placement test or retest may opt to take an alternate path to admissions:
- exit Learning Support at a SACS-COC Technical College System of Georgia Institution (like Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Gwinnett Technical College, Atlanta Technical College, Chattahoochee Technical College or Southern Crescent Technical college) and transfer to GPC after completion of learning support. The student would need their official transcripts and COMPASS test scores provided to GPC.
- transfer in English 1101/1102 with a "C" or better or MATH 1001/1111 with a "C" or better from a private or out-of-state college or university (note: Transfer Credit cannot be used to satisfy a CPC deficiency). In this case, the student cannot be CPC deficient.