PVCC
Piedmont Virginia Community College
501 College Drive
Charlottesville, VA  22902
Welcome Center:  961-6551
www.pvcc.edu

Information for Seniors Planning on attending PVCC in the Fall
and
Students Enrolling in Dual Enrollment Classes at Monticello (for the 1st time)  

If you are a Senior planning to take PVCC classes after you graduate or a student planning to take Dual Enrollment classes at MHS (for the 1st time), PVCC requires that you:

• complete their on-line application at www.pvcc.edu Click here for directions.
• successfully pass the COMPASS Placement test (or earn satisfactory scores on the SAT or ACT). 
  COMPASS Test will be offered for seniors only at MHS on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11-see Mrs. Burton right away 

Below you will find directions for seniors and for underclassmen. Please make sure you follow the directions for seniors or for underclassmen.

Ms. Burton is in the downstairs computer lab every Mustang Morning. If you need help with the application process or wish to practice for the COMPASS, get a pass for MM or make an appointment to see her.

Seniors Only
1.  If you have NEVER taken a Dual Enrollment class then you msut complete the on-line PVCC application. If you have taken a Dual Enrollment (DE) class in the past or are currently in a Dual Enrollment class, then you have already completed the application once,  BUT MUST see MRs. Burton to complete the PVCC paper form. Click here, to download directions for completing or updating the PVCC application.

2.  The COMPASS test is required as an entrance/placement test to PVCC.  All students must take the Writing, Reading and Math subtests of the COMPASS. If you have taken a Dual Enrollment (DE) class or are in a DE class now, then you have already passed the Writing and Reading parts of the COMPASS, so you only need to take the Math subtest. **If you took the SAT or ACT tests, then your scores may be used in lieu of the COMPASS. Students who place at or above the scores listed below, are eligible to take college level classes at PVCC. If you score below the cut-off, you must take Developmental classes if required by the PVCC program.

Acceptable COMPASS scores:  Reading 77; Writing 75; Math-check with PVCC
Acceptable SAT scores: Verbal 520;  Writing 520; Math-check with PVCC
Acceptable ACT scores: Verbal 19;  Writing 21; Math-check with PVCC

3. The COMPASS test can be taken at PVCC's Learning Center. Their number is 961-5320. Seniors must complete the on-line PVCC application and bring their PVCC student ID number to take the test. More information about the COMPASS can be found below. If you would like to practice for the COMPASS, see Ms. Burton in the downstairs lab during Mustang Mornings or refer to the websites below.

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Underclassmen Interested in taking Dual Enrollment classes for the 1st time:

A Dual Enrollment (DE) class is a college class taught at MHS. In order to be eligible to take a DE class, you MUST demonstrate college-level skills by taking and attaining passing scores on PVCC's COMPASS test or the SAT or ACT. 

Students planning to take a Dual Enrollment class (for the 1^st time) will be expected to attend a meeting on Feb. 23rd in the new gym during clubs. Mr. Haun will review the requirements and expectations.

The test will be offered at Monticello on March 23-26, 2009. Students wishing to take the test at MHS, must:
**Complete the PVCC on-line application AND
**Attend 1 Mustang Morning Review with Ms. Burton.

Students planning to take a DE class for the 1st time, must follow the steps below:

1.  Complete the on-line PVCC application.  Click here, to download directions for completing or updating the PVCC application.

2.  Take and pass the Writing and Reading parts of the COMPASS test or submit SAT or ACT scores to counselor.
Acceptable COMPASS scores:  Reading 77; Writing 75; Math-check with PVCC
Acceptable SAT scores: Verbal 520;  Writing 520; Math-check with PVCC
Acceptable ACT scores: Verbal 19;  Writing 21; Math-check with PVCC

If you take the COMPASS this year and do not pass 1 or both subtests, you may be eligible to retake the test after participating in remediation sessions or waiting 4 months.  If you took the COMPASS test last year and passed one of the subtests, you only need to re-take the subtest you did not pass.  Check with Ms. Burton.
More information about the COMPASS can be found below.

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What you need to know about the COMPASS: 
1.  If you wish to take a Dual Enrollment English, Social Studies, or Computer-Aided Drafting class, you MUST take BOTH the Reading and Writing Subtests. 

2.  You MUST score at least a 75 in Writing and at least a 77 in Reading .  Math scores must be reviewed by PVCC staff to determine math level.

3. The test is taken on the computer and it is an untimed test.  You may take breaks during it or take the subtests at different times/days.

4.  You should take this test VERY SERIOUSLY.  This test determines readiness for college-level classes.

5.  Remember that the correct answer is in front of you, and process of elimination/careful consideration of the choices will help. You want your placement score to reflect what you truly know.

Steps to taking the COMPASS:

1.  Complete the PVCC on-line application http://www.pvcc.edu/  After completing the application, you will be assigned a Student ID #.  Print the last application page that has your student ID #. This number is what you will use when taking the COMPASS.  Directions for completing the application can be downloaded.  Click here, to download directions for completing or updating the PVCC application.

2.  Prepare on your own for the COMPASS Test by working on some websites (see below) or reviewing COMPASS Packets. Packets can be picked up at Ms. Burton's office.