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

Step 1:
Complete math and English Placements

Set Up Your IT Accounts

You will use both your ND University System account and your Bison Login to complete the placement surveys.

Math Proficiency Assessment

  • If you are not transferring college-level math credit to NDSU, you must complete the NDSU math proficiency assessment.
  • In most cases, transfer students who are transferring college-level math credit will not need to complete the math proficiency assessment. Next steps for math classes, if required, will be discussed during your virtual class registration appointment. Please note exceptions will apply. We will communicate with you via email if additional steps need to be taken to determine math placement prior to your virtual class registration appointment.
  • If you are transferring math credits, you will still need to send transcripts that awarded your college level credit.
  • How to access the NDSU math proficiency assessment, for those not transferring college-level math credit to NDSU:
    • Log into Blackboard using your ND University System account
    • Click on Courses in the left menu.
    • Click on Course Catalog in the top right corner.
    • Type 2025-2026 NDSU Math Proficiency Assessment in the search field.
    • The 2025-2026 math proficiency assessment will appear under the Course ID list. Hover over the course name until an arrow appears.
    • Click on the arrow, and the word “enroll” will appear. Click Enroll.
    • Click Submit and then OK.
    • Be sure to read the announcements that appear before taking the assessment.
    • Click on "Take Your Practice Assessments" if you would like to brush up on your math skills before taking the assessment.
    • If you have questions, please contact One Stop at ndsu.onestop@ndsu.edu or 701-231-6200.
  • Taking the NDSU math proficiency assessment:
    • The proficiency assessment should be taken in an environment free of distractions.
    • The assessment has three sections: Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra, and Trigonometry. Each section has 15 questions and a time limit of 25 minutes.
    • You must score 70% or better on the Intermediate Algebra section to be able to access the College Algebra section, and you must score 60% or better on the College Algebra section to be able to access the Trigonometry section.
  • Additional information is available in the University Catalog.

English Placement Survey

  • All transfer students must complete the survey unless you have transfer credits equivalent to English 110 or English 120.
  • You will use your Bison Login to complete the English placement survey.
  • This is a self-report survey and no writing samples will be completed.
  • 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.
    • 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 math and English placements 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

  • Transfer students starting spring 2026 are recommended to attend an on-campus orientation from 9:15 am-3:15 pm on January 12 or a virtual panel (via Zoom) from 12:00-1:15 pm on December 22.
    • The on-campus Orientation is an opportunity to build understanding for campus resources and what to expect at NDSU, make connections, get your questions answered, and class registration is available to those who have not already registered.
    • The virtual panel answers transfer students' most frequently asked questions.
  • Instructions for making a reservation will be sent to your email on October 20. Please contact ndsu.admission@ndsu.edu with questions.

Complete You Belong Here Modules

  • The required You Belong Here's seven modules have essential information important to all students. Complete the modules before you attend Orientation or the virtual panel because your experience will build on what you learn in the modules.
  • Completion is estimated to take one hour, and you may stop and return as often as you wish.
  • You must submit the Completion Survey at the end of You Belong Here, which will let us know you have completed this step.
  • Your family and friends may also complete You Belong Here by using the guest login option.

Step 4:
Send Documents

Send Official Transcripts

  • An official final transcript for all in-progress college coursework must be sent to the NDSU Office of Admission by January 1.
  • You are encouraged to send any in-progress official transcripts not already on file, 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 advising session.
  • Learn how to send your official documents to NDSU.

Send ACT or SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) Scores

Orientation

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