+ Madison College & The COMPASS Test. + Quick Facts Madison College – formerly known as MATC 2 year programs: Associate’s Degree, Professional Certificates.

+

Madison College &

The COMPASS Test

+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

+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

+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

+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

+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.)

+Portage Campus Offerings

Not all programs exist at all campuses; students may need to travel to Madison

Portage Campus programs:

Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement

Essential Office Skills Certificate

Human Resources Certificate

Nursing Assistant

Receptionist/Clerical and Office Assistant Certificate

Supervisory Management

Liberal Arts Transfer

Accounting

Accounting Assistant

Administrative Professional

Basic Certificate in Microsoft Office

Business Management

Business Software Applications Specialist

+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

+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

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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

+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

+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

+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

+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

+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

+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