+ 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 ACT, 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

+ 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