New Student Registration & Family Orientation

Placement Tests

ACT, SAT, and COMPASS (Placement) Test scores are used to ensure that you register for courses appropriate to your skill level. Find yourself below to determine which, if any, tests you may need to take.

• No ACT / SAT score - COMPASS (Math, English, and Reading) Tests required
• ACT / SAT composite score below 20 / 911 - COMPASS Reading Test required
• ACT / SAT composite score below 19 / 910 - COMPASS English Test encouraged, but not required
• ACT / SAT math sub score below 23 / 540 - COMPASS Math Test encouraged, but not required

You may elect to re-take individual COMPASS Tests (at a cost of $3 per re-take session) if you wish to attempt to improve your placement results.

Placement for transfer students is determined by the classes you transfer to Northwest. In some cases, COMPASS Tests may still be required.

You can take COMPASS Tests Thursday evening at 6 p.m., or Friday morning (see schedule). Testing takes approximately two hours.

Students requiring special testing accommodations should contact the Student Success Center at 307.754.6135, or toll free, 800.560.4692.