Math Placement & Math DSP Information

North will no longer be charging for English or Math DSP.

Placement into Math Classes

Students may place into Math using one of the multiple measure or placement options. For example, your placement into math may be determined by a previous math course, a previous placement test, or another method.

Per North’s Math Department’s policy, there are time limits for placement options:

  • previous math classes need to have been taken within the last two years
  • previous math placement tests need to have been taken within the past year

What placement options do I have?  

One of the following options:

Refer to the table below for specific scores/grades needed.  Unofficial transcripts or test scores can be used for placement.

For more information for general students, contact Advising

For more information for Seattle Promise students, contact Seattle Promise

For more information for Running Start students, contact Running Start

Don’t have any of the placement options listed above?  Then complete one of North’s math placement options described below (ALEKS or Directed Self-Placement).

One of the following options:

  • SAT or ACT test scores
  • AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) test scores
  • Smarter Balanced (SBAC) test scores
  • Placement scores completed at another college
  • College transcript if completed math through College in the High School

Refer to the table below for specific scores/grades needed.  Unofficial transcripts or test scores can be used for placement.

For more information for general students, contact Advising

For more information for Running Start students, contact Running Start

Don’t have any of the placement options listed above?  Then complete one of North’s math placement options described below (ALEKS or Directed Self-Placement).

One of the following options:

  • ABE or pre-college level math classes
  • SAT or ACT test scores
  • AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) test scores
  • Smarter Balanced (SBAC) test scores
  • Placement scores completed at another college

Refer to the table below for specific scores/grades needed.  Unofficial transcripts or test scores can be used for placement.

For more information, contact Advising

Don’t have any of the placement options listed above?  Then complete one of North’s math placement options described below (ALEKS or Directed Self-Placement).

One of the following options:

Refer to the table below for specific scores/grades needed.  Unofficial transcripts or test scores can be used for placement.

For more information, contact North's International Programs Office

Don’t have any of the placement options listed above?  Then complete one of North’s math placement options described below (ALEKS or Directed Self-Placement).

Complete one of North’s math placement options described below (ALEKS or Directed Self-Placement).

Math Eligibility Form

Math Eligibility Form

Math Eligibility Form

ALEKS Math Placement Test

The ALEKS Math placement test will be replaced by the Math DSP starting May 15th 2023. Aleks scores will still be honored and can be used for placement one year from the date of the completed exam. 

Math Directed Self-Placement (DSP)

The Math Directed Self-Placement (DSP) tool replaces North’s former Math placement test, ALEKS.  It is a self-guided survey to help you reflect on your current knowledge. By answering a few questions, the tool accesses your proficiency and recommends the right Math course for you to start with. Upon completion of the tool, you can choose your own courses to register or speak with an advisor. The Advising team can help make sure that you are registering for the appropriate class based on your results and program of study.

There is no fee at this time, you will receive your results by email after completion. Placement level will be uploaded to your ctclink account within two business days. 

Take the Math Directed Self Placement

Placement Reciprocity

Placement reciprocity for WA State colleges is allowed in some circumstances. Please speak with an advisor if you have questions about whether your Math placement at another college can be honored at North Seattle College.