NDSU Math Placement Procedures
In accordance with North Dakota University System Policy 402.1.2 and Procedure 402.1.2, ACT or SAT Mathematics sub-test scores, as well as COMPASS Mathematics scores and the NDSU Math Placement Test are used to determine placement of students into entry-level Mathematics courses. The following guidelines apply to Math placement practices:
- For students who have scores from multiple tests, the highest placement may be used.
- Current, incoming or returning NDSU students who do not have prior college-level mathematics OR a Math ACT sub-test score (or SAT score) must take the COMPASS test to determine course placement.
- Students from countries other than the United States and Canada who do not have prior college-level mathematics OR a Math ACT sub-test score (or SAT score) must take the COMPASS test OR the NDSU Math Placement Test to determine course placement.
- Students with a Math ACT sub-test score of at least 21 (or SAT 990) may elect to take the NDSU Math Placement Test to attempt to place into a course above MATH 103/104.
- Students with a Math ACT sub-test score of 20 or lower may elect to take the COMPASS test to attempt to place into a course above MATH 102.
Exam scores and corresponding course placement possibilities are listed in the table below:
ACT | Composite SAT | COMPASS | Course Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
20 or lower | Lower than 990 | Algebra < 49 | MATH 102 |
21 or higher | 990 or higher | Algebra ≥ 49 | MATH 103 or 104 |
College Algebra 30-49 | MATH 107 | ||
College Algebra ≥ 50 | MATH 105 or 146/144* | ||
College Algebra ≥ 60 | MATH 165 | ||
*MATH 144, "Mathematics for Business", is only available for College of Business majors.
Options for Students Who Placed into MATH 102:
Students who believe that their mathematical abilities exceed their placement into developmental MATH 102 may take the COMPASS test to demonstrate their ability. If a student does not have an ACT (or SAT) or prior college credit, they must either enroll in MATH 102 or take the COMPASS test for placement testing into a higher level mathematics course (students from countries other than the United States and Canada may also take the NDSU Math Placement Test). Students who begin in MATH 102 must successfully complete the course with a 'C' grade or higher before they may continue to MATH 103 or 104.
Information on taking the NDSU COMPASS Placement Test.
NDSU Math Placement Test Option:
Students with a Math ACT sub-test score of at least 21 (or SAT 990) or students from countries other than the United States and Canada may take the NDSU Math Placement Test to determine if they are eligible for higher level placement. Students should consult the curriculum guide for their intended major(s) to determine the level of math courses required for that program. The table below lists possible NDSU Math Placement Test scores and corresponding course placement.
NDSU Math Placement Test Score | Course Placement |
|---|---|
Algebra ≤ 5 | MATH 102 |
Algebra = 6-9 | MATH 103 or 104 |
Algebra = 8-9 AND Pre-calculus ≥ 2 | MATH 103 or 104 or 107 |
Algebra = 10-12 | MATH 105 or 146/144* |
Algebra > 13 AND Pre-calculus = 0-3 | MATH 105 or 146/144* |
Algebra > 13 AND Pre-calculus = 4-9 | MATH 146/144* or 165 with co-requisite of MATH 105 |
Algebra > 13 AND Pre-calculus ≥ 10 | MATH 146/144* or 165 |
*MATH 144, "Mathematics for Business", is only available for College of Business majors.
Information on taking the NDSU Math Placement Test.
Students with College Transfer Coursework or Credit by Examination Placement
Students with prior college coursework, Advanced Placement (AP) or other credit-by-examination (CLEP, IB, DSST) will follow NDSU’s Credit by Examination guidelines for placement into mathematics and English coursework.
