You've applied to attend DCC, and we can't wait for you to be a part of the Buccaneer family! First, though, there are a few more steps to take. Open the Enrollment Checklist that matches your student status to find out what to do next. Contact Admissions at admissions@dawson.edu or 406-377-9400 with any questions. 

Advance Registration

If you are a new or transfer student starting DCC in the fall semester, plan to attend Advance Registration. 

Placement Testing

New students are required to take ACCUPLACER placement testing in reading, mathematics, and English. 

ACCUPLACER assessment results are a tool used by academic advisors to ensure student success by placing them in courses that are consistent with their skills level. Many courses have prerequisites that require a basic aptitude in reading and writing before a student may enroll. 

Exceptions from the ACCUPLACER are approved if students have taken the ACT or SAT exam within the last three years and have achieved scores at or above the following:

Students are also exempt from the ACCUPLACER if they have completed the exam an another accredited college or university.

Exempt from Writing

• an 18 or higher on the combined English/writing section of the ACT and a reading score of 19 or above -or-
• a 7 or higher on the SAT writing essay and a reading score of 480 or above, 
• a 3.5 or higher on the Montana University System Writing Assessment (MUSWA),
• a 7 or higher on the writing section of the ACT and a reading score of 19 or above.

Exempt from Mathematics

• a 22 or higher on the mathematics section of the ACT and a reading score of 19 or above -or-
• a 520 or higher on the mathematics section of the SAT and a reading score of 480 or above
• successfully completed college-level mathematics and writing courses at an accredited college or university 
• been awarded a two-year or four-year degree from an accredited college or university and provided DCC's Admissions Office official transcripts

Students who do not meet the requirements for exemption, which prove their readiness for college-level work, are required to take the recommended courses in their first semester. Students who score below college-level on the read and writing ACCUPLACER test will be limited to developmental coursework until they pass or improve their ACCUPLACER test scores. 

ACCUPLACER scores will be valid for one year from the date of the original assessment, and students are permitted no more than two retests per subject area each semester. 

ACCUPLACER Scheduling and Costs

ACCUPLACER testing is offered the 4th Tuesday of each month between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Though ACCUPLACER testing is untimed, please plan at least one and a half to two hours to complete testing, and keep this in mind when scheduling. 

Notify the Admissions Office via email or by phone at 406-377-9400 to make testing arrangements. Please bring your valid photo ID with date of birth to the Student Services Office in the Main Building a half hour before the scheduled test to check in. 

If you are attending Dawson Community College, the full ACCUPLACER battery (reading, writing, and mathematics) is free. 

ACCUPLACER Study Materials

Sample ACCUPLACER questions are available on the ACCUPLACER website. 

You may also download the free study app for the ACCUPLACER reading, writing, and math tests at their website by providing an email address and creating a password. 

Remote ACCUPLACER Testing

The DCC Adult Education and Career Center is also an ACCUPLACER remote testing site. DCC students who cannot take the test at DCC should set up a remote test at an official ACCUPLACER testing center near them (please note that the ACCUPLACER may not be taken at home or at any institution or business that is not specifically authorized to offer ACCUPLACER). These students will need to schedule their remote test through the DCC Adult Education and Career Center, and Center staff can help students determine the remote testing center nearest them. Students will be responsible for paying any fees required by the remote testing site. 

Students needing to take an ACCUPLACER test for another institution should register through that institution, then schedule a testing time at DCC.