FRENCH PLACEMENT EXAM
The placement exam is designed to determine at what point in the curriculum incoming students continue their study of French at St. Olaf College.
All students who intend to enroll in a French course are required to take the on-line placement exam. The Admissions Office will send out a binder of materials in mid-June to new students with specific instructions about placement exams, including the French exam. Students who have never studied French but who are interested in beginning study at St. Olaf do not have to take the test.
The test is available online beginning June 15. Students should submit their answers for review as soon as possible thereafter but no later than August 1. Students may contact Laurel Brook, AAA, (brookl@stolaf.edu or 507-786-3383) or Professor Jolene Barjasteh (barjaste@stolaf.edu or 507-786-3274) with any questions not addressed here.
How to complete the placement test
The exam has two parts. The first is a survey. Students should think carefully about their previous experience in French and answer these questions to the best of their ability. The second part is a writing exercise that will help determine the best course in which to continue study.
Faculty will read the answers provided and make the best possible match between the student’s experience and skill and a beginning, intermediate or higher level course in French. Note: students are required to study a foreign language at St. Olaf and should discuss the language requirement with their academic advisor before registration.
The French placement exam may be easily completed in an hour or less. Students must use a computer to take this exam. Please submit answers by August 10. After the test has been submitted for review, each student will be notified by email of the results by the end of August. The student’s faculty advisor will also be notified of the placement recommendation. This will help guarantee that the student will be able to register for the appropriate French course as soon as possible to ensure timely completion of the foreign language requirement. Students planning to continue study beyond French 232 will also be able to begin studying the foundational courses right away.
French at St. Olaf
Why choose French? Why study French in my first year? Who are the members of the French faculty? Will study of French help me in my chosen major? What international study programs require knowledge of French? Is it possible to study more than one language?
Find out the answers to these and other questions by following the link to FAQs.
The Honor Code at St. Olaf College
The French placement test is like all other tests at St. Olaf in that students are reminded of their pledge to abide by the College Honor Code.
The Honor Code for St. Olaf College is as follows:
“The Honor Code at St. Olaf College is an agreement between the faculty and the students. The faculty agrees to leave the responsibility for proper and honest conduct during written examinations in the hands of the students. The students in turn agree to accept this responsibility. As an indication of such proper and honest conduct, the students shall sign the following pledge:
I pledge my honor that during this examination I have neither given nor received assistance, and that I have seen no dishonest work. (Students sign here)
I have officially not signed this pledge. (Check only if appropriate)
Failure to sign this pledge shall indicate that in the student’s opinion the system was violated during the examination.” (St. Olaf Honor System Constitution)
