Not happy with being placed into an Introductory Studies Course (IS-100)? Or do you feel your SAT or ACT scores are placing you in a class that is not advanced enough? You can challenge your level by taking a Compass Exam.
Take exams before Lobo Orientation
You should take any Compass exams (placement exams) before orientation if at all possible. If you can’t come to UNM before orientation, then you can take a test at 7am on the first day of Lobo Orientation, when the Testing Center will open early.
Compass Exams
- Are not required.
- Are not timed; come prepared to spend at least 30 minutes per exam.
- Can only be taken one time each.
- Cost $3.00 each.
Compass Exams for Math, English and Reading Placement
Compass Exams are given at the UNM Testing Center. There are exams for Math to determine your level, and to challenge placement into IS-100 in English and Reading.
- You will be given a printout of your results. Bring the results to orientation.
- Math placement: Your most recent test score is used, whether that’s an ACT, SAT or Compass score.
- Reading and English placement: Your highest score will be used.
UNM Testing Center
Woodward Hall Basement Room 104-C
(505) 277-5346
Compass Testing Hours—Walk-in Only:
Mondays, Thursday, Fridays - 8AM to 4PM
Tuesdays & Wednesdays - 12.30 PM to 4 PM
Math Placement
Mathematics is an area where correct placement is essential. In addition to the Compass Exam, the Math Department developed a Self-Assessment Test to enable you to get a better idea of which math class is appropriate for your skill level.
If your intended Major is in engineering, physics, computer science or math, take the Compass Trigonometry Exam.
The Testing Center provides scratch paper, pencil for the Math Exam, as well as a calculator for the Trigonometry Exam (You may not use your own calculator.)
Foreign Language Placement
For more information about the foreign language evaluations given for placement, please see the Spanish or foreign language placement pages in this website.
