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Placement Testing |
All Orientation programs offer placement tests. Placement tests help determine which math, English, or language courses you will need to complete. Course placement can also be determined based on entrance test scores such as the ACT or SAT.
If you need to complete a placement test and are participating in our Long Distance Orientation, in most cases you will need to complete those tests at the Boise State campus or Boise State West campus. In a few cases, you may be able to take a placement test in your area. To find out more, please contact the Assessment Center at 208.426.2762.
We encourage you to review the following entrance test score tables and determine your need to take a placement test. If you feel your test scores do not reflect your ability or do not place you in an appropriate class, you are welcome to complete an English or math placement test prior to or during a New Student Orientation program.
Your ACT English or SAT Verbal scores will determine which English composition (ENGL 90, 101 or 102) course(s) are required for graduation. If you don’t have those scores, you will need to take the COMPASS exam for placement into ENGL 101 or 102. Students can enroll in ENGL 90 without a placement score.
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ACT English
|
SAT Verbal |
COMPASS |
Recommended Course |
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0-17 |
200-440 |
0-67 |
ENGL 90, then take ENGL 101 and 102 |
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18-24 |
450-560 |
68-94 |
ENGL 101, then take ENGL 102 |
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25-30 |
570-690 |
95-99 |
ENGL 102, and receive 3 credits for ENGL 101 |
|
31-36 |
700 & Up |
(COMPASS does not give credit for ENGL 102) |
Receive Credit for both ENGL 101 and 102 |
Your ACT or SAT math scores may be used for placement, but if in doubt you should take the COMPASS exam. COMPASS math scores are valid for one semester only. If you take the COMPASS exam and do not enroll in a math course for that semester, you will need to retake the COMPASS when you are ready to enroll. ACT/SAT/COMPASS scores are not required if you choose to enroll in Math 025. Math course requirements vary by major. To select the most appropriate math course, view the degree requirement table located in the catalog for specific required math courses.
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ACT Math |
SAT Math |
COMPASS |
Recommended Course |
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0-17 |
0-420 |
0-39 |
MATH 25 |
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18 |
430-450 |
40-44 (ALGP) |
MATH 108 |
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19-22 |
460-530 |
45-60 (ALGP) |
COMPSCI 115, MATH 124, MATH 130 |
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23-26 |
540-610 |
61 & Up (ALGP) |
MATH 143, 147, 157, 254, COMPSCI 119 |
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27-28 |
620-640 |
51 & Up (CALGP) |
MATH 144, 160, 187 |
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29 & Up |
650 & Up |
51 & Up (TRIG) |
COMPSCI 117, 125, MATH 170 |
Important Placement Testing Notes:
Tests for math and English cost $5 each test. The testing center currently accepts cash, money orders, credit or debit cards for payment. They do not accept personal checks.
Bring your student identification number and a picture ID when you take a placement exam.