Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where do I find the results of my placement test?
A. Your placement into one of the entry points into the Spanish curriculum – Spanish 111, 112, 231, 232, or 250/251 – will appear in the SIS (Student Information System) after completion of the exam. Go to “Courses & Grades,” then look for “Advising Information” in the pull-down menu and then “Placement Surveys.” If you choose to take Spanish at St. Olaf, the registration portal will direct you to the course in which you have been placed. If your placement is 250/251, you have a choice between two equivalent courses: 250 and 251 (course descriptions available in the SIS). If you were asked to complete the essay question due to a high score on the previous sections, your placement result will need to be determined by a faculty member and may take up to a week to post.
2. I placed into Spanish 112, but I’m worried about my Spanish skills. Can I start from the beginning (Spanish 111)?
Starting from the beginning again when you already have skills for a higher level is not the best idea for your own language development or for classmates who are taking Spanish for the first time. Instead, you will be able to get extra support in Spanish 112 with Supplemental Instruction. Ask your instructor about this excellent resource.
3. I have never studied Spanish. Do I still need to take the survey/placement exam?
You should complete the one question survey as indicated. It is not an exam, but instead helps us verify that you are taking the appropriate level.
4. I have placed in a particular course but I think I can do much better in a different level. What can I do?
If you have concerns about your level, please register for the recommended course. Talk to your instructor of your concerns, but plan to attend the class for which you have registered for the full first week and stay in contact with your instructor. We will help ensure that you are in the right level.
5. I took AP or IB Spanish. What do I need to do?
Many students are worried that they aren’t ready for the course they place into. We are here to support you! For students in Spanish 112 who want to brush up on their skills, Supplemental Instruction is available through Academic Success Center.
6. I am interested in taking the Spanish Proficiency exam. What should I do?
The placement exam is different from the Spanish Proficiency Exam, which is used to determine if eligible students can fulfill their World Language Requirement (WLC) through testing instead of taking classes. Any student who has placed into Spanish 250 or Spanish 251 can take the proficiency exam. It is generally offered the first week of classes of each Fall and Spring semester. Students participating in the SSS Summer Bridge Program will also have the opportunity to complete it in July . Students interested in taking the proficiency exam can reach out to the Spanish program using the contact information in the menu bar at the top of the page after.
7. What do I do if I am a transfer student?
Transfer students planning to major in Spanish should bring materials (syllabi, papers, exams, etc.) from previous college-level Spanish classes to campus, and should arrange to meet with the Spanish faculty member in charge of transfer students before registering for classes. Reach out to the Spanish program using the contact information in the menu bar at the top of the page to find out who is working with transfer students currently.
8. I would like to continue practicing Spanish during the summer. What do you suggest?
The Spanish Helpful Links for Incoming Students webpage provides you with information about and links to books, magazines, radio programs, grammar exercises, dictionaries and other resources.
9. I love Spanish! I want to be able to practice it outside of class once I arrive at St. Olaf. What do you suggest?
You’re invited to participate in the Spanish Conversation Table that meets every Tuesday. The time and location for the meetings will be posted once determined. Additionally, students are invited to attend cultural events organized by the Spanish House, Latin American Studies, or other St. Olaf student organizations (e.g., Presente! or SOMOS).
10. I am interested in study abroad programs to immerse myself in the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. What programs does St. Olaf offer?
The Spanish Section of the Romance Languages Department regularly offers two January Term programs, one in Puerto Rico for majors/non-majors and one in Spain for majors. In addition, there are semester and year-long programs. Off-campus and abroad program information is available at the Smith Center, Tomson Hall 380.
Other general questions related to the Spanish survey/placement exam may be directed to the following e-mail address: spanish-placement@stolaf.edu.