NDSU COMPASS Placement Test
Students who believe that their abilities exceed their placement into entry level Math or English courses based on their ACT (or SAT) sub-test scores may demonstrate their ability by taking either (or both) the NDSU COMPASS Algebra Math test or NDSU COMPASS English test. If a student does not have an ACT (or SAT) score or prior college credit, they must either take a COMPASS test or begin in MATH 102 for Mathematics and ASC 087 for English. NDSU COMPASS tests must be taken for placement into higher level courses.
The cost of the COMPASS test is $10 and will be billed to the student’s account at the time that they take the test. Sample test questions and test-taking tips can be found at http://www.act.org/compass/student/index.html
COMPASS test scores and their resulting placement are described below:
COMPASS Mathematics Test and Score | Course Placement |
|---|---|
Algebra < 49 | MATH 102 |
Algebra ≥ 49 | MATH 103 or 104 |
College Algebra 30-49 | MATH 107 |
College Algebra ≥ 50 | MATH 105 or 146 |
College Algebra ≥ 60 | MATH 165 |
COMPASS English Test and Score | Course Placement |
|---|---|
0-40 | ASC 087 |
41-76 | ENGL 110 |
77-100 | ENGL 120 |
New Domestic (United States) students attending an orientation session
The COMPASS tests will be administered as part of the orientation program. You must contact the NDSU Counseling Center testing coordinator tiffany.bendickson@ndsu.edu or 701-231-6317 to schedule a test on your scheduled orientation day. Please include your full name, student ID number and confirmed orientation date when scheduling.
New International students
The COMPASS tests will be administered as part of the international student orientation program scheduled prior to the start of classes. For additional information, please contact the NDSU Counseling Center testing coordinator tiffany.bendickson@ndsu.edu or 701-231-6317.
Current or Returning NDSU Students
Currently enrolled students or those returning to NDSU after a leave of absence may contact NDSU Counseling Center testing coordinator tiffany.bendickson@ndsu.edu or 701-231-6317 to schedule a COMPASS test time.
Remote Testing Sites
Students who wish to take a COMPASS test at another location may do so by contacting NDSU's Counseling Center. Students are responsible for a $10 fee payable to NDSU and for the test administration fee at the site where the test is being given.
Requesting reasonable accommodations based on a disability
Eligible students with disabilities may seek reasonable accommodations to take the math placement test. Please submit disability documentation to NDSU Disability Services at least two weeks prior to the time in which the accommodations are needed, and schedule a consultation with a staff member to review your request before taking the test. Documentation will be reviewed and students will be notified if additional documentation is needed to make an eligibility decision. Please submit documentation to:
NDSU Disability Services
Dept. 5160
P.O. Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
(701) 231-8463
