Placement Exam
Have you previously studied this language?
DO TAKE the placement exam in this language if:
– You have taken this language in a traditional high school or junior high/middle school class
– You have studied this language through homeschooling
– You speak this language at home or with family
DO NOT TAKE the placement exam in this language if:
– You have never been exposed to this language
– You have only studied this language independently using software
• REGISTER FOR 101 (the first semester course).
During the regular registration period, the Department of World Languages and Cultures will forward placement scores to the Registrar every few days. If you are unable to register for a course after having taken the on-line exam, you should contact the exam administrator to confirm that your placement score has been forwarded to the Registrar.
The most helpful advice we can give you is to take your first language class early, in your first year.
- Starting early opens up opportunities for scholarships and study abroad.
- If you begin your first year, you can learn quickly how easily you can combine language studies with other majors.
- Students who have studied a language in high school and take the same language in college right away do better than students who wait a year or two.
- Students who advance in their language studies may be eligible for Phi Beta Kappa membership or a Fulbright award.
- After completing the course into which you place, you may also earn extra credits (retroactive credit) for some of the courses you skipped over with a high placement score.
After completing the course you will earn academic credit for this course. After completing the course you may also earn extra credits (retroactive credit) for some of the courses you skipped over with a high placement score.
The use of outside assistance of any kind is prohibited when taking the Language Placement Exam. This includes assistance obtained through electronic or other means such as websites, dictionaries, textbooks, other individuals, etc. It would be to your disadvantage to use outside assistance since doing so might place you into a higher class for which you would not be properly prepared. Moreover, using outside assistance would also be a violation of the Valparaiso University Honor Code:
“I have neither given or received nor have I tolerated others’ use of unauthorized aid.”
Placement Exams
1 – Indicate the reason for taking the exam
Choose “Placement – Summer FOCUS“
2 – Complete the survey
When you complete the required survey on your previous language study, click on the START TEST button at the bottom of the screen to begin the exam.
3 – Take the exam
You will have 90 minutes to complete the exam. Once you answer the last question, you will have the option to review and change your answers to earlier questions by using the PREVIOUS button. When you are ready to submit your exam, click on END EXAM at the bottom.
4 – Note your placement
0 – 14 correct = Chinese 101
15 – 24 correct = Chinese 102
25 – 35 correct = Chinese 203
36 – 45 correct = Chinese 204
46 – 60 correct = Chinese 305
Once you complete the exam, you will see your results on the screen.
1 – Indicate the reason for taking the exam
Choose Placement – Summer FOCUS
2 – Complete the survey
When you complete the survey on your previous language study, click START TEST at the bottom of the screen to begin.
3 – Take the exam
You have 90 minutes to complete the exam. Once you answer the last question, you have the option to review and change your answers to earlier questions by using the previous button. To submit your exam, click END EXAM.
4 – Note your placement
FREN 101 = 0 – 33 correct
FREN 102 = 34 – 45 correct
FREN 203 = 46 – 79 correct
FREN 204 = 80 – 105 correct
Once you complete the exam, you will see your results on the screen.
1 – Indicate the reason for taking the exam
Choose Placement – Summer FOCUS
2 – Complete the survey
When you complete the survey on your previous language study, click START TEST button at the bottom of the screen to begin.
3 – Take the exam
You have 90 minutes to complete the exam. Once you answer the last question, you have the option to review and change your answers to earlier questions by using the previous button. To submit your exam, click on END EXAM.
4 – Note your placement
GER 101 = 0 – 25 correct
GER 102 = 26 – 35 correct
GER 203 = 36 – 59 correct
GER 204 = 60 – 65 correct
Once you complete the exam, you will see your results on the screen.
1 – Indicate the reason for taking the exam
Choose “Placement – Summer FOCUS“
2 – Complete the survey
When you complete the required survey on your previous language study, click on the START TEST button at the bottom of the screen to begin the exam.
3 – Take the exam
You will have 90 minutes to complete the exam. Once you answer the last question, you will have the option to review and change your answers to earlier questions by using the PREVIOUS button. When you are ready to submit your exam, click on END EXAM at the bottom.
4 – Note your placement
0 – 5 correct = Japanese 101
6 – 10 correct = Japanese 102
11 – 15 correct = Japanese 203
16 – 20 correct = Japanese 204
21 – 25 correct = Japanese 305
26 – 30 correct = Japanese 306
Once you complete the exam, you will see your results on the screen.
1 – Indicate the reason for taking the exam
Choose Placement – Summer FOCUS
2 – Complete the survey
When you complete the survey on your previous language study, click START TEST at the bottom of the screen to begin.
3 – Take the exam
You have 90 minutes to complete the exam. Once you answer the last question, you have the option to review and change your answers to earlier questions by using the previous button. To submit your exam, click END EXAM.
4 – Note your placement
SPAN 101 = 0 – 15
SPAN 102 = 16 – 37
SPAN 203 = 38 – 49
SPAN 204 = 50 – 69
SPAN 220, 230, or 231 = 70+
Once you complete the exam, you will see your results on the screen.
A tool, not a test
The placement tool is used to ensure you begin your language studies at the right level. You will feel more comfortable transitioning to college if you start in the right class. Wherever you place, you will have lots of support — your professor, peers, as well as the Language Resource Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any student who is thinking of studying a language previously studied in high school should take the exam, regardless of the language requirements for the student’s chosen major.
No.
Yes.
Yes. We will look at any available scores when determining your placement. We generally use your highest score when determining your placement.
The use of outside assistance of any kind is prohibited when taking the placement exam. This includes assistance obtained through electronic or other means such as websites, dictionaries, textbooks, other individuals, etc. It would be to your disadvantage to use outside assistance since doing so might place you into a higher course for which you would not be properly prepared. Moreover, using outside assistance would also be a violation of the Valparaiso University Honor Code: “I have neither given or received nor have I tolerated others’ use of unauthorized aid.”
If you plan to study a new language at VU (one that you did not study in high school), you do not need to take the exam for that language. You should consult with a faculty member within your major or the General Catalog to find out the General Education requirements for your degree program
Yes.
Contact the exam administrator.
You should consult with a faculty member within your major to find out the General Education requirements for your degree program.
Yes! If you place into 203 and then take and pass the course, you will earn 4 credits for 203 & 4 additional retroactive credits for 102. If you place into 204 or higher & then take and pass the course, you will earn 4 credits for the course & 8 retroactive additional credits for 102 & 203. More details available in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Contact the Department
Valpo welcomes inquiries from prospective students, fellow researchers, and community members.
Department Chair: Professor Stacy Hoult, M.A., Ph.D.
World Languages and Cultures
1400 Chapel Drive
Arts & Sciences Building
Valparaiso, IN 46383
219.464.5120