When should I take the placement exam?

Students can take the placement test and subsequent language class(es) at any time during their time at Gustavus. However, they are encouraged to take the language placement test and classes in their first year at Gustavus in order to take advantage of and to keep building upon previous second language experience. Also those wishing to major or minor, should consider starting in the language sequence as soon as possible.

As a general rule, you should not take the placement test until the semester you register for the language class, so that the results will be accurate. However, you should take the placement test prior to your freshman registration:

1. If you are planning to major or minor in French and have not completed post-secondary options (college) coursework in the language.
2. If you plan to continue French your first fall and have not completed post-secondary options (college) coursework in the language.
   

You should NOT take this exam prior to your first-year student registration at Gustavus:

1. If you wish to demonstrate equivalency in French and have not completed post-secondary options (college) coursework in the language. In this case, you will need to take the on-campus equivalency test. Check the equivalency page for dates.
2. If you plan to fulfill the requirement with a language other than French.
3. If you want to take French later, not during your first semester at Gustavus.
4. If you want to begin a new language. In this case, you should register at the beginning level (101) of the new foreign language you wish to study.
5. If you scored 4 or above on an Advanced Placement foreign language exam, the higher level exam of the IB, or have received college credit. In this case, should take the next level for which you received credit. (See the question "Who should take the exam?")