The primary purpose of this page is to provide information with respect to the current mathematics placement process. The information summarizes the presentation Mathematics Placement at SD BOR Institutions by Dr. Stan Smith at the April 2000 SDCA Convention in Sioux Falls, SD.

The primary goal of mathematics placement is to guide students towards courses that enhance their success in post-secondary mathematics. The process is by no means infallible. Students may be placed into courses in which they may not succeed due to their mathematical background, attitude towards mathematics and extracurricular activities. Other students may be placed below their capabilities. Throughout the placement process, the student should reflect on their personal background and access which courses they are capable of pursuing. Students who have a strong desire and relevant reason(s) to enroll in a class where they have not been properly placed shall follow the procedure outlined below.

Who will need mathematics placement?
Primarily two groups of students entering a SD Regental University will be affected by the placement process:

1. those students who have not met the general education requirement for mathematics (typically College Algebra); or
2. those students who wish to enroll in Calculus and wish to challenge the pre-requisite course work (students who bring a strong mathematical history from high school).

What are the instruments used for placement
A student will be placed via the ACT math sub-score (if the score is less than 5 years old from initial enrollment date), or via the ACT COMPASS exam, which is administered at the Regental Universities. The COMPASS exam is administered on a computer and takes approximately 20 minutes. Students who need to take the COMPASS exam should contact the Regental University of interest.

What are the ACT math sub-score cut-offs?

• 0 to 17 Basic Algebra
• 18 to 19 Intermediate Algebra
• 20 to 24 College Algebra
• 25 & up Placement into Trig and / or Calculus via COMPASS

Who should take the COMPASS
Primarily three groups of students will need to take the COMPASS:

1. those students who do not have an ACT subscore which is less than five years old from date of enrollment; or
2. those students who have some additional exposure to algebra and pre-calculus topics and who believe their ACT score does not reflect their knowledge of the subject may challenge their placement via ACT by taking the COMPASS; or
3. those students with an ACT score of 25 or higher.

Where do I take the COMPASS
At Black Hills State University the COMPASS is administered through the Student Assistance Center. Please contact the Student Assistant Center (642-6259) to make an appointment. For those who will be attending an NSR session and believe they will need to take the COMPASS, it will be given the night before your scheduled NSR date at 5:00 pm in Jonas 201. For more information or questions, please e-mail Dr. Daluss Siewert. If you are challenging your placement, you may be requested to provide additional information in regard to your mathematical background.