Placement Exam For ENGL 101 and MATH 102

The Board of Regents office is currently using ACT scores to determine placement for enrollment in ENGL 101 - Composition or MATH 102 - College Algebra.  All students must provide Enhanced ACT scores from within the last five years or complete the ACT COMPASS exam in math and writing.  The COMPASS exam is a computerized placement test produced by ACT.

Students with ACT Scores: If you have taken the ACT exam and your scores in the respective areas meet requirements, please fax a copy of the scores to confirm to 605-256-5095.  Copies may also be mailed to Office of Extended Programs, 820 N. Washington Ave., DSU, Madison, SD  57042

ENGL 101 - Composition requires an ACT English score of 18 or above.
MATH 102 - College Algebra requires an ACT Math score of 20 or above.

For South Dakota Residents who have not taken the ACT exam
In-state students, the Board of Regents requires that you take the COMPASS exam.  The COMPASS exam can be taken at any county extension office in South Dakota.  If you need assistance setting up an appointment, please contact the Assessment Office here at DSU at 605-256-5663 or 1-800-641-4309.  Sample questions for COMPASS exams in writing and math can be found at http://www.departments.dsu.edu/assessment/placement.htm

A COMPASS writing score of 71 or higher is required for English.  A COMPASS Algebra score of 45-100 or a COMPASS College Algebra score of 0-52 is required for Math.

If you live out of state and have not taken the ACT exam:

For MATH 102: Please contact our office at 605-256-5049 or 1-800-641-4309 or e-mail at dsuinfo@dsu.edu for instructions.

For ENGL 101: We ask that you write a placement essay to be graded by one of our English instructors.  The instructions for writing the placement exam are found below.  Please email your essay to dsuinfo@dsu.edu.

Once your placement exam has been graded by one of our English instructors and it is determined that you qualify for placement in ENGL 101, your registration will be processed.  The sooner you complete the placement exam process, the sooner your registration will be completed guaranteeing a place in the course.

We look forward to having you in ENGL 101 and if you have any questions please call us at 1-800-641-4309 or email at dsuinfo@dsu.edu.

All students who wish to enroll in ENGL 101 - Composition, must complete a Placement Essay at least one week prior to the start of the course.  Suggested time for completion of the essay is 50 minutes.  Please follow the instructions below and mail your essay to:

Office of Extended Programs
Dakota State University
820 N Washington Ave
Madison, SD  57042

Or e-mail to: dsuinfo@dsu.edu  or fax: 605-256-5095.  It is advisable to return the essay as soon as possible.  If you have any questions please call 605-256-5049 or 1-800-641-4309 or e-mail us.

Writing Placement Exam