Testing/Placement

As per NDUS Procedure 413.1 the following placement scores are required for admission to MATH 103 - College Algebra  or higher and ENGL 110 - College Composition I . For placements based on test scores please see the charts below.

Math Composition Placement

English Composition Placement

English Composition and Mathematics Placement Test

ACT or SAT scores are optional and used for the purpose of placement as defined by the NDUS procedure 413.1. Students who have not submitted ACT or SAT test scores will be required to complete placement testing at DSU to determine appropriate mathematics and English course level.

Students scoring below 21 on the ACT Mathematics sub-test will not be allowed to register for MATH 103  or higher. Students will be placed in ASC 091 , ASC 092  or ASC 093  based on their ACT Mathematics sub-test score. Students are strongly encouraged to take the ACCUPLACER Placement test for consideration of placement in a higher math course if they choose. Test arrangements can be made through the Dickinson State University Testing Center or by calling (701) 658-6072.

Students scoring below 18 on the ACT English sub-test will not be allowed to register for ENGL 110 . Students will be placed in ASC 087  or ENGL 110 /ASC 088  based on their ACT English sub-test score or placement test score. Test arrangements can be made through the Dickinson State University Testing Center or by calling (701)658-6072.

Students who successfully complete a required remedial course or final course in a remedial sequence with a grade of “C” or higher that fulfills a prerequisite for MATH 103  or ENGL 110  will be deemed to have met the prerequisite to enroll in MATH 103  or ENGL 110 .

English and Math International Student Placement

As per SBHE Policy 413.1, international students seeking entry into MATH 103 - College Algebra  or higher and ENGL 110 - College Composition I  must demonstrate Math and English Language competencies indicative of their potential to succeed in the courses.

An applicant whose native language is not English is required to complete satisfactorily an English proficiency exam (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, Accuplacer, etc.). English proficiency may be demonstrated by: (IBT) TOEFL must equal 71 or higher (School code - 6477); IELTS must equal 6.0 or higher; ACT Composite score of 18 and English sub test of 18, minimum SAT writing and language score of 25 and minimum SAT total score of 950, or Duolingo English score of 105 or higher.

Financial Aid

Remedial classes count toward financial aid up to 30 credits. If the student is admitted into an eligible program and takes remedial coursework within that program, they can be considered a regular student. The remedial courses must be at least at the high school level.

Retest Policy and Proctoring Fee

DSU students can retake placement tests once within a seven week period.

Placement test for DSU Student: First exam - no charge. Retest - $15.00 per exam. Placement test for Non-DSU Student: $30.00 per exam. Please be aware that the proctor policy and/or fees may be subject to change without notice.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Dickinson State University is a national testing center for students wishing to take CLEP examinations. CLEP Examinations are computerized and administered as needed. An examination fee is paid directly to CLEP and there may be an administrative fee required for the computer-based testing. For questions regarding fees, or to make an appointment for a CLEP Examination please contact the Testing Center at dsu.testing@dickinsonstate.edu or by calling (701) 658- 6072.

To obtain the NDUS matrix of approved CLEP and AP tests, please go to:

CLEP/AP Exam Chart