Who is required to take an ALC Language Placement Exam?
You are required to take a placement test if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Have previously taken Bengali, Chinese, Filipino, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Punabi, Tamil, Thai, Urdu, or Vietnamese; and
- Have or do not have AP/IB credit for that language; and
- You plan to continue to study the same langauage at U-M Ann Arbor OR you plan to test out of the language in order to fulfill a language requirement.
If you have no prior lnowledge of the language, you do NOT need to take the placement test; you are eligible to directly enroll in the first semester of the language.
Please Note:
- Registration is required and is noted with the test date information
- Exam Scheduling
- Fall term is initially updated in early June, with details finalized by the beginning of the Fall term
- Winter term is updated in late November
- Placement tests are offered during summer orientation for incoming first-year and transfer students
What if I have AP/IB credit?
Students may submit AP or IB scores to the College for evaluation. Most incoming students may not have AP or IB scores by the time they arrive for U-M orientation, so they are highly encouraged to take the placement exam. Students who have recieved AP or IB credit will still need to take a placement exam. You can learn more about the variety of test credits through LSA on their Test Credit page.
What if I have the Seal of Biliteracy on my high school transcript?
The Seal of Biliteracy on a high school transcript does not equate to a specific placement level in our program and does not satisfy the LSA language requirement. You will need to sign up for a placement test to determine your skill level within our program.
Should I study for the exam?
- No. Preparation is not necessary for the placement exam. It is designed to be a tool to place you in the course most appropriate for your skill level.
How long is the placement result good for/does my placement expire?
- Exam results/placement are valid for only one year
How many times can I take the exam?
- Retakes are only permitted after the placement results expire.*
- *Under special circumstances, retakes within this one year time frame may be permitted. Please contact the language director.
When is the exam offered?
- Placement exams are online tests. They are available prior to the start of each term, during the backpacking/registration periods, and for sessions throughout the spring and summer. The availability of the language exam and details about registering for the exam are listed below.
How far in advance should I take the test?
- Incoming students interested in a language offered in ALC, must take the test at least two weeks prior the start of your orientation visit so that you are able to receive your results by the time you register. Students who do not take the test in time may not be able to register for a language course during orientation. Results cannot be rushed.
- Current students should plan to take the placement exam during a scheduled time prior to their registration appointment
What if I require special testing accommodations?
- Incoming first-year or transfer students should contact the language director at least a week prior to taking the exam.
- Current students who have already registered with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) should email a copy of their VISA letter to the language director.
How long does it take to receive my results?
- It typically takes seven business days for your results to become available. Results cannot be rushed, so please plan accordingly.
How can I view my results?
- You will NOT be notified of your score automatically. You may view your placement results via: Wolverine Access > Student Business > Academic Records > View Placement Exam Results.
What if I have questions about my course placement?
- For questions about your placement, you should consult the language director.
What if I have severe trouble learning a foreign language?
- LSA students who believe they have a learning disability that interferes with their learning a foreign language may petition the LSA Academic Standards Board for a language substitution. Information and instructions on how to petition for a language substitution can be found on the Petitions for Requirement or Policy Exceptions portion of the LSA website.
What if I have read this and still have questions?
- Contact the language director.
