{"id":2510,"date":"2023-05-09T13:35:16","date_gmt":"2023-05-09T18:35:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/spanish\/?page_id=2510"},"modified":"2026-04-29T08:55:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T13:55:30","slug":"placement-exam-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/spanish\/placement-exam-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Placement Exam FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h3>\n

1. Where do I find the results of my placement test?<\/h5>\n
\n
Once it is processed, your placement result will appear in the Student Information System (SIS). To find it, go to “Courses & Grades,” then look for “Advising Information” in the pull-down menu, then “Placement Results.” 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 Spanish 250\/251, you have a choice between two equivalent courses: 250 and 251 (course descriptions available in the SIS).<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
2. I placed into Spanish 112, but I\u2019m worried about my Spanish skills. Can I start from the beginning (Spanish 111)?<\/h5>\n
\n
A majority of students starting Spanish courses feel concerned about their level of preparation. We are sensitive to that concern, however, it is important to ensure that students’ skills match the level they are taking. Since Spanish 111 is a course intended for true beginners, we avoid putting students with prior experience into that course. Instead, we ask students to register for the level in which they placed. During the first days of class, your instructor will double check your placement to make sure it is correct, and you should also feel free to reach out to your instructor at the beginning of the semester (not before) to share your concerns if you still have any once you experience the level of the class. In addition, the first weeks of Spanish 112 are devoted to reviewing concepts taught in Spanish 111 and supplemental instruction or tutoring sessions are available for students who want extra help brushing up on their skills. Rest assured that we will make sure you are at the correct level and that you have the support you need to be successful.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
3. I have never studied Spanish. Do I still need to take the survey\/placement exam?<\/h5>\n
\n
Yes, you should complete the first section of the Spanish placement survey so that we have a record of your prior experience. At the end of that section, you will be instructed to exit the survey by clicking “Submit.”<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
4. I have placed in a particular course but I think I can do much better in a different level. What can I do?<\/h5>\n
\n
Even if you have concerns about your level, please register for the course into which you were placed. At the beginning of the semester (not before), talk to your instructor about 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 and assist you with any necessary adjustments in level.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
5. I took AP or IB Spanish. What do I need to do?<\/h5>\n
\n
If you took AP or IB Spanish, your official exam scores may determine both course placement and possible college credit at St. Olaf. You should make sure your scores are sent to the college so they can be evaluated. Depending on your score, you may:<\/p>\n

Place into an appropriate Spanish course level, or receive credit that may count toward graduation requirements<\/p>\n

Even if you receive credit, you may still choose to continue taking Spanish at a higher level. If you are unsure about your placement or feel unprepared, support options (such as Supplemental Instruction for Spanish 112) are available.<\/p>\n

For specific score requirements and how credit is awarded, refer to:
\nhttps:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/registrar\/advanced-placementinternational-baccaulaureate\/<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

6. I am interested in taking the Spanish Proficiency exam. What should I do?<\/h5>\n
\n
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\u00a0 or Spanish 251 can take the Proficiency Exam. It is generally offered during New Student Orientation in the fall and the end of the first week of classes in the Spring Semester. Students in the SSS Summer Bridge Program may take it in July.<\/div>\n
Please see the Spanish Proficiency Exam<\/a> page for more information about eligibility and who to contact.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
7. What do I do if I am a transfer student?<\/h5>\n
\n
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.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
8. I would like to continue practicing Spanish during the summer. What do you suggest?<\/h5>\n
\n
The Spanish Helpful Links for Incoming Students<\/a> webpage provides you with information about and links to books, magazines, radio programs, grammar exercises, dictionaries and other resources.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
9. I am interested in study abroad programs to immerse myself in the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. What programs does St. Olaf offer?<\/h5>\n
\n
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<\/a>. Off-campus and abroad program information is available at the Smith Center<\/a>, Tomson Hall 380.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

If you have additional questions related to the Spanish placement survey, you can contact us at the following e-mail address: <\/span>spanish-placement@stolaf.edu<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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