Entering Student Assessment

Entering Students

Complete List of Upcoming Testing Dates and Locations
[click here]

Sample Questions from the Compass Placement Test
[click here]

All new SUNY Ulster students are required to complete placement testing prior to registering for coursework (with some exceptions granted to transfer students). This testing assesses your math, reading and writing skills. The results will be used to help your advisor recommend specific coursework that meets your educational goals and abilities.

You may be exempted from one or more sections of the placement testing if you have previously tested or already earned college credit in these or related subjects. Contact the Admissions Office at 845-687-5028 to find out if you have been exempted from any or all placement test components.

It is important that you test early so you have a wider selection of your required courses available at times that are most convenient for your schedule. With this in mind, please review the following schedule of upcoming testing dates and locations and give us a call at 845-687-5028 to register for one of the placement test sessions. Don't delay, space is limited and reservations are recommended. Walk-in testing is conducted on a space available basis, first come, first served. Priority is given to students who have made a reservation. Call 845-687-5028 to reserve your seat today!

What You Need to Know About the Entering Student Assessment Test

~ You must bring a Photo I.D. with you. All testing materials, including dictionaries, will be provided.

~ This assessment test is NOT a pass / fail test. It is given so your results may be used as a tool to determine your skill levels in Math, English and Reading. We want you to experience success as you enter college and your placement test results assist us in creating a schedule of classes for you, which takes your needs into consideration.

~ The Math Placement Test will help us determine the proper Math course in which you should enroll. To help you prepare for this test, click here for more information.

~ All Freshman students and those not exempt from English MUST write a short 250-300 word composition, after selecting one of five topics. This composition measures your ability to write at the college level, therefore it will be read and evaluated by members of our English department faculty. This section of the placement testing takes 50 minutes.

Testing Options

Tests are conducted on our Main Campus in Stone Ridge. You will be given the COMPASS Placement Test. This is an untimed, computerized test of your basic skill levels in Reading and Math. Early Admissions candidates are required to complete a basic writing skills component of the COMPASS Placement Test as well. Since COMPASS allows you to work at your own pace, the length of time needed to complete this computerized testing is determined by you.

You will be asked to complete a questionnaire that identifies personal, career and educational information about yourself. Your voluntary responses assist us in providing the student services you may find most helpful so your experience at SUNY Ulster will be positive and rewarding.

Sample Questions from the Compass Placement Test [click here]

Please Note: If you have special testing requirements, please contact Jean Vizvary by calling 845-687-5057 or email: vizvaryj@sunyulster.edu. If you have any questions concerning the assessment test, please contact Admissions by calling 845-687-5028 or email: admissions@sunyulster.edu.

Click here to review the schedule of upcoming testing dates and locations and give us a call at 845-687-5028 to register for one of the placement test sessions.