New Student Assessment
What is New Student Assessment at Columbia College Chicago?
Assessment includes Compass placements in math, reading, writing, and Fluency in Technology (F.I.T.). Fluency In Technology assessment includes: PC Fundamentals, word processing and Excel Spreadsheets. The math and reading are multiple-choice on computers, with easy-to-follow prompts. All students will receive their math, reading, writing, and F.I.T. results immediately.
All placements are tailored to Columbia 's curriculum. All assessments are given in a comfortable, friendly environment. The purpose is to place students in the right course levels. For example, the writing placement reveals whether a student should enroll in a preparatory English course or English Composition, or an advanced composition section.
Is there any place I can go to see some sample tests so I can get an idea of what is on them?
What do I need to complete in order to take the Assessment?
To be eligible for assessment, you must have completed the application process and received an acceptance offer from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students who are attending the Bridge Program are eligible to assess during regularly scheduled assessment times.
Who takes New Student Assessment?
COMPASS
Assessment is required for all first time Freshmen and Transfer students with no credit accepted by Columbia in college level English Composition and college level mathematics, unless you have submitted official ACT scores to Columbia. If so, these scores can replace a need for you to complete New Student Assessments. Students who took the ACT and submitted their official scores are required to confirm receipt of their ACT scores with Columbia's Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
If you have submitted ACT scores but would still like to take an assessment, you are able to do so by calling the Office of New Student Programs and Orientation at (312) 344-8675.
F.I.T.
ALL new students must take the F.I.T. assessment either prior to enrolling in classes or during their first semester.
When should I take my New Student Assessment?
Currently, assessments are given every weekday at 9:30 a.m. and
1 p.m. You do not need an appointment, however, please arrive on time. During peak times, such as Orientation. Assessment is on a first come, first serve basis. So, please arrive a few minutes early in Room 300, 623 S. Wabash, and sign in for Assessment at the front desk. Please visit the Office of New Student Programs & Orientation Web site, www.colum.edu/newstudentinfo, for more information about Orientation/Registration and Assessment.
How long does the New Student Assessment take?
New students taking all four assessments should allow three hours. Transfer students should allow two hours.
What do new students need to bring to New Student Assessment?
New students are required to:
1) bring a photo I.D.
2) know your correct Social Security Number
3) know your correct Columbia OASIS Student I.D. Number
4) bring a transcript or grade report if transferring credits from another college.
New students may also bring their own calculator or may use those provided by New Student Assessment. We also provide pencils to all new students taking assessment.
If I am a Transfer Student, do I need to assess?
Students with no credit accepted by Columbia in college level English Composition or college level mathematics, assess in Writing only and/or Math Only.
If you have college credit accepted by Columbia in BOTH English Composition and college level Mathematics, and you only need to take F.I.T., you may assess in F.I.T. during your first semester at Columbia. However, if your area of study is Audio, Radio, Art Entertainment Media Management, or Interior Architecture, you should take F.I.T. before your first semester atColumbia
Students with last names A through F, contact Corin Gagliardi, cgagliardi@colum.edu
Students with last names G through N, contact Michael Kilinski, mkilinski@colum.edu
Students with last names O through Z, contact Cory Byrd, cbyrd@colum.edu
What if I am a special needs student?
Documentation of your special needs will be required. Please call the Office of New Student Programs & Orientation at (312) 344-8675. Also, you will receive a referral to Services for Students with Disabilities.
Assessment includes Compass placements in math, reading, writing, and Fluency in Technology (F.I.T.). Fluency In Technology assessment includes: PC Fundamentals, word processing and Excel Spreadsheets. The math and reading are multiple-choice on computers, with easy-to-follow prompts. All students will receive their math, reading, writing, and F.I.T. results immediately.
All placements are tailored to Columbia 's curriculum. All assessments are given in a comfortable, friendly environment. The purpose is to place students in the right course levels. For example, the writing placement reveals whether a student should enroll in a preparatory English course or English Composition, or an advanced composition section.
Is there any place I can go to see some sample tests so I can get an idea of what is on them?
What do I need to complete in order to take the Assessment?
To be eligible for assessment, you must have completed the application process and received an acceptance offer from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students who are attending the Bridge Program are eligible to assess during regularly scheduled assessment times.
Who takes New Student Assessment?
COMPASS
Assessment is required for all first time Freshmen and Transfer students with no credit accepted by Columbia in college level English Composition and college level mathematics, unless you have submitted official ACT scores to Columbia. If so, these scores can replace a need for you to complete New Student Assessments. Students who took the ACT and submitted their official scores are required to confirm receipt of their ACT scores with Columbia's Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
admissions@colum.edu | (312) 344-7130
If you have submitted ACT scores but would still like to take an assessment, you are able to do so by calling the Office of New Student Programs and Orientation at (312) 344-8675.
F.I.T.
ALL new students must take the F.I.T. assessment either prior to enrolling in classes or during their first semester.
When should I take my New Student Assessment?
Currently, assessments are given every weekday at 9:30 a.m. and
1 p.m. You do not need an appointment, however, please arrive on time. During peak times, such as Orientation. Assessment is on a first come, first serve basis. So, please arrive a few minutes early in Room 300, 623 S. Wabash, and sign in for Assessment at the front desk. Please visit the Office of New Student Programs & Orientation Web site, www.colum.edu/newstudentinfo, for more information about Orientation/Registration and Assessment.
How long does the New Student Assessment take?
New students taking all four assessments should allow three hours. Transfer students should allow two hours.
What do new students need to bring to New Student Assessment?
New students are required to:
1) bring a photo I.D.
2) know your correct Social Security Number
3) know your correct Columbia OASIS Student I.D. Number
4) bring a transcript or grade report if transferring credits from another college.
New students may also bring their own calculator or may use those provided by New Student Assessment. We also provide pencils to all new students taking assessment.
If I am a Transfer Student, do I need to assess?
Students with no credit accepted by Columbia in college level English Composition or college level mathematics, assess in Writing only and/or Math Only.
If you have college credit accepted by Columbia in BOTH English Composition and college level Mathematics, and you only need to take F.I.T., you may assess in F.I.T. during your first semester at Columbia. However, if your area of study is Audio, Radio, Art Entertainment Media Management, or Interior Architecture, you should take F.I.T. before your first semester at
Students with last names A through F, contact Corin Gagliardi, cgagliardi@colum.edu
Students with last names G through N, contact Michael Kilinski, mkilinski@colum.edu
Students with last names O through Z, contact Cory Byrd, cbyrd@colum.edu
What if I am a special needs student?
Documentation of your special needs will be required. Please call the Office of New Student Programs & Orientation at (312) 344-8675. Also, you will receive a referral to Services for Students with Disabilities.