Prepare for a successful transition to NDSU by getting ready to register for classes and attending Orientation.

Step 1:
Complete Placement Surveys

Green Bison Login Text on Yellow Background
You will use your Bison Login to complete placement surveys and You Belong Here modules. Your Bison Login is separate from your ND University System Account and must be activated.

Math Placement Survey

  • This is a self-report survey and no math problems will be completed.
  • All first-year students must complete the survey even if they have math transfer credit.
  • The estimated completion time is 10 minutes.
  • Complete the survey at least one week before your class registration appointment.
  • It's helpful to have the following information before your begin this survey.
    • High school cumulative GPA
    • What high school and/or college-level math classes you've taken
    • ACT/SAT scores (if taken)
  • The survey does not replace official transcripts. You'll still need to send your final high school transcript to NDSU along with any transcripts from colleges that awarded your college level credit (if applicable).
  • Additional information is available in the University Catalog.

English Placement Survey

  • This is a self-report survey and no writing samples will be completed.
  • All first-year students must complete the survey even if you have English transfer credit.
  • The estimated completion time is 10 minutes.
  • Complete the survey at least one week before your class registration appointment.
  • It's helpful to have this information before you begin the survey.
    • What high school and/or college-level English classes you've taken
    • Your high school English grades
    • ACT/SAT scores (if taken).
    • You'll also be asked about your previous experiences and comfort level with academic reading, writing, and research.
  • The survey does not replace official transcripts. You'll still need to send your final high school transcript to NDSU along with any transcripts from colleges that awarded your college-level credit (if applicable).
  • Additional information is available in the University Catalog.

Step 2: Schedule Your Virtual Class Registration Appointment

You'll meet with an academic advisor virtually via Zoom to talk about class selection and register. You must have placement surveys completed at least one week before your appointment. Please resolve any enrollment holds you might have for a smooth class registration experience.

Have you changed your major?

  • If you want to change your major from the one you listed on your application to NDSU, update us at ndsu.apply@ndsu.edu or (800) 488-6378. Please include your seven-digit EMPLID number in communications, which can be found in your admission letter.

Step 3:
Reserve Your Orientation Spot and Complete You Belong Here Modules

Make a Reservation

First-year students are required to attend Orientation to prepare for your first semester.

  • Instructions for making a reservation will be sent to your email. Please contact ndsu.admission@ndsu.edu with questions.
  • First-year students starting summer 2026 are required to attend a 90-minute virtual panel (via Zoom) on May 18 or June 15 from noon-1:30 p.m.
  • First-year students starting fall 2026 are required to attend an on-campus orientation. Reservation spaces are filled in the order they are submitted.
    • Dates include:
      • June 10, 11, 12, 23, 24, 25, 26
      • July 21, 22, 23, 24
      • August 3
    • We strongly encourage you to register for classes before orientation. However, if you haven't met virtually with an academic advisor to register by your orientation date, you will register during on-campus orientation.
    • If you live more than 300 miles from Fargo, you may request an exemption to the on-campus orientation requirement.
    • Online students (those who will complete their degree entirely online) are required to attend a 90-minute virtual panel (via Zoom) or an on-campus Orientation. Virtual panel dates include May 18, June 15, August 6, or August 17 from noon-1:30 p.m.

Complete You Belong Here Modules

The required modules will become available in March.

  • You Belong Here's seven modules have essential information important to all students. Complete the modules before your class registration appointment.

Step 4:
Send Documents

Send Official Transcripts

  • An official transcript from each college must be sent for all PSEO, dual credit, and CIS coursework by July 1. Your high school transcript will not be used for any college courses.
  • You are encouraged to send official college transcripts prior to your virtual appointment with an academic advisor, to assist with advising and registration. If you choose to wait to send official transcripts until after you have completed all courses, you should be prepared to show your academic advisor an unofficial transcript or log into your student account during your virtual advising session.
  • Upon graduation, have your high school send an official transcript showing all final grades and your graduation date
  • Learn how to send your official documents to NDSU.

Send ACT or SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) Scores

Orientation

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