The University of New Mexico

Introductory Studies

Introductory Studies prepares students for college-level work by offering 100-level courses in English, Math, and Reading. Our courses are designated by “IS.”

Why should I take Introductory Studies Courses?

For students who test into the IS courses, it is a condition of their admission to UNM that they complete the necessary IS courses during their first term at UNM. Since only two IS classes may be taken during any one term, a student who needs three IS classes may take two terms to fulfill the requirement.

  • You will be placed in ISEnglish 100 if:
    Your ACT English Score is 18 or below, or your SAT-Verbal Score is 440 or below.
  • You will be placed in ISMath 100 if:
    Your ACT math score is 18 or below, or your SAT math score is 440 or below.
  • You will be placed in ISReading 100 if:
    Your ACT Reading Score is 17 or below, or your ACT Science Reasoning Score is 18 or below, or your SAT combined Writing and Math scores total 900 or below.

What do I do if I feel my test scores did not place me correctly?

Students who feel that their ACT or SAT scores may not be accurate may contact the UNM Testing Center to take the COMPASS test BEFORE your orientation session.

What is the COMPASS test, and where can I take it?

COMPASS is a computerized, multiple-choice exam, similar to an ACT or SAT, but without a time limit. In general, each test can be completed within an hour. Students may take the test on a walk-in basis Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., or Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon, at the UNM Testing Center located in Woodward Hall basement room 140c. There is a $3.00 fee for taking each test. Results of a test are available immediately upon completion of the exam. Students may not take COMPASS more than once in any one area. See page 10 of your Orientation booklet for information about taking COMPASS.

What COMPASS scores do I need?

Students who pass the COMPASS with an English score of 75, Math score of 56, and a Reading score of 78 are not required to take the corresponding IS class.

Are there other ways to be exempted from IS courses?

There are no exemptions from the IS courses based on any other tests, personal interview, or previous academic work. Students must either test out by ACT, SAT, or COMPASS, or they must take the relevant IS course, without exception.

Will I get credit for my IS courses?

Each IS class counts 3 credit hours towards your total class hours for the term. IS classes are graded on a “credit/no credit” basis instead of a letter grade basis. The “Credit” or “No Credit” grade you earn in an IS class will not be figured into your G.P.A. IS classes do not satisfy any course requirement for graduation from UNM. If an IS course is required, you must take that course to progress into other courses that do meet graduation requirements.

Whom do I contact for more information?

Your Academic Advisor at Orientation will be your primary source of information. You also may contact our department by email, introstu@unm.edu. Contact the IS administrative assistant, Toni Unwin, at 505-277-5970.