If it has been a long time since you’ve taken a computerized test, or if it’s been a while since you took your last math or reading class, registering for a computer-based college placement test can be a little daunting.
That’s why Oregon Coast Community College has made available an online placement test prep program to help students prepare for the placement test. A link to the test-prep tool can be found on the College’s website, oregoncoastcc.org.
“Oregon Coast Community College is committed to student success,” said OCCC advising specialist Ben Kaufmann. “That’s why we’ve made this free prep test available, and it’s why we’re offering the COMPASS placement tests absolutely free, all throughout the month of August, for anyone who’s taken the prep test online.”
The COMPASS placement test is a vital part of the enrollment and registration process for college-bound students, Kaufmann said. It ensures students are registered for the class levels most appropriate for their experience and ability.
Placement tests are offered at 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays and Fridays in Newport, as well as 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 1 p.m. Wednesdays for most weeks this August. Evening testing will be offered at the Newport campus at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16 and Wednesday, Aug. 26.
In Lincoln City, the tests will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 4, 18 and 25. The tests will also be offered in the evenings at the Lincoln City OCCC Center, at 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 18 and 25.
Even before all these additional free testing times were added to the calendar, August already promised to be a busy month at OCCC. The college is launching a new two-year business transfer degree this fall in its North County Center in Lincoln City, and is adding to its lineup of courses at the Central County Campus in Newport with classes like physics.
Getting Oriented
In addition to placement tests, new students further ensure their success at OCCC by attending mandatory new student orientations. And, given the approach of the new Fall Term, the college is ramping up its schedule of orientation sessions.
New-student orientations planned for the Central Campus in Newport are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7 and Wednesday, Sept. 2, as well as from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, Thursday, Aug. 27, Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Monday, Sept. 14. Orientations will be held at the Lincoln City Center from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Aug. 18, Aug. 25 and Sept. 8.
Financial Aid
Testing and orientations are critical for new students. Equally important for many new students is financial aid. While there is still time for new students enrolling for the fall to apply for Financial Aid, they need to act quickly.
Students must complete these steps:
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov using school code 003213 prior to Aug. 31.
• Apply to OCCC by completing and admissions form at http://oregoncoastcc.org/admission-profiles
• Follow up with college staff about your application by calling 541-867-8501.
To find out more about August’s free placement testing – or about financial aid, new student orientations or anything else about Oregon Coast Community College – visit the college’s website at www.oregoncoastcc.orgor call 541-867-8501.
